New entrant brings unique display to Flower & Garden Show

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

World Vision Australia has followed in the footsteps of a Sri Lankan farmer to create something different for this year’s Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, opening tomorrow. 

World Vision food security specialist John McKenzie said the garden was a unique opportunity for Australians to see the organisation in action. 

“The display at this year’s Flower & Garden Show provides a special insight into how World Vision works with communities in Sri Lanka to create sustainable food producing gardens,” he said. 

“Visitors to the garden can view a typical Sri Lankan stove and cooking area, vegetable and seed saving stalls, a chicken coop, a homemade bamboo compost bin and a variety of plants native to Sri Lanka. 

“We think the garden will give people a taste of Sri Lanka while also providing gardening techniques that can be applied in the Australian backyard.” 

Mr McKenzie said the display was true to the principals of permaculture used by many farmers in Sri Lanka. 

“Permaculture is all about sustainability and reusing what you already have. Almost all of the materials used to create this display have been donated, salvaged from the tip or picked up from hard rubbish,” he said. 

“Melbourne’s Sri Lankan community has also been very generous in digging up plants from their backyards and collecting ornaments to donate to the display.” 

It is predicted that agricultural production in Sri Lanka, like in many countries including Australia, will fall dramatically as a result of climate change. 

As part of its One Earth program, World Vision works directly with local communities to develop food production activities that are both environmentally and socially sustainable. 

“Climate change will impact greatly on Sri Lanka’s agriculture production so we’re teaching communities to plant drought resistant crops and develop home gardens using organic techniques,” World Vision’s Sri Lanka Country Project Coordinator Darren Raeburn said. 

“The display demonstrates simple and inexpensive ways to create climate change resistant gardens, and shows you don’t always need to source garden materials from the shop. This style of gardening is very useful whether you’re living in Sri Lanka or Melbourne.” 

World Vision’s garden was designed by The Little Veggie Patch Co. For more information visit: www.worldvision.com.au/events 

Media Releases, Climate change, Asia and the Pacific, Climate Change, Exhibition, Sri Lanka, Sustainable Energy

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