We live, work, and dream on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands. We acknowledge them as holding deep ecological knowledge and their ability to live sustainably in harmony with the land. They and other ancient cultures are roots of permaculture—working with nature, fostering resilience, and ensuring balance for future generations.

This week, Alysse chats with Michael about all things gardening—especially the challenges of keeping plants (and yourself) thriving in the summer heat! They swap stories on irrigation, composting, and why dirt under your nails might just be the best therapy.Michael shares his journey from working in the disability sector to finding peace and purpose in horticulture. They also dig into (pun intended!) companion planting, urban gardening hacks, and the wild adventure of growing tropical fruits where they probably shouldn’t grow. Plus, natural pest management tips and why starting small is the key to a flourishing garden.Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s get growing! 🌿✨

Connect with Michael:

- https://www.youtube.com/@Gardeningwithmichael

- https://www.instagram.com/gardeningwithmichael/-

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takeaways

-Gardening can be a therapeutic outlet for mental health.

-Summer gardening requires careful water management.

-Mulching helps maintain soil temperature and moisture.

-Building rich soil takes time and patience.

-Irrigation systems are essential in hot climates.

-Composting can enhance soil quality and reduce waste.

-Mental health discussions are becoming more mainstream.

-Gardening provides a sense of control and grounding.

-Regular fertilisation is crucial for healthy vegetable growth.

-Polyculture creates a mini ecosystem.

-Natural pest management encourages biodiversity

.-Creating a garden ecosystem supports wildlife.

-Gardening is a learning journey; start today.