The English word April comes from the Latin Aprilis, the name given to the month by the ancient Romans. No one knows for sure why the Romans named it as they did, but some Roman authors thought Aprilis was related to the Latin verb aperire, meaning "to open."

As things start to cool here in my region, being open to the seasons, listening and responding to that change

April has been a fantastic month. We have moved forward with several projects, and it was also the month we entered the professional space for the last ten years.

With over 600 consults, over 2500 people who have come to learn in our courses and workshops, over 15000 trees in the ground on sites and 'ninja gardening', and Worked with daycare centres, Schools, Universities and the larger community, and so much more. It has been a fantastic journey, and it has definitely had its challenges, but it has been worth it.

We love what we do and find that the more we learn, the more we do not know. But that in itself brings more learning and edge possibilities.

In the words of Plato – "The beginning is the most important part of the work".

Our motto is about Making it Real. Making it real will not be easy, but like all things of value, it will be worth it.

So, we ask you. How are you going to make it real?

Choosing the Perfect Fruit Trees for Your Garden

Investing in fruit trees can be rewarding, providing fresh produce for years to come. However, selecting suitable trees requires careful consideration to ensure they thrive in your garden. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when purchasing fruit trees:

1. Climate Compatibility: Different fruit trees thrive in different climates. Research the climate requirements of the fruit tree varieties you're interested in and ensure they suit your region. Consider factors like temperature, humidity, and frost tolerance.
2. Space Availability: Fruit trees require space to grow and spread their roots. Consider the mature size of the tree and ensure you have adequate space in your garden to accommodate it. Dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties are available for smaller spaces or container gardening.
3. Pollination Needs: Some fruit trees are self-pollinating, while others require cross-pollination with another compatible tree to produce fruit. Be sure to check the pollination requirements of your fruit trees and plant accordingly.
4. Disease Resistance: Look for fruit tree varieties resistant to common diseases and pests in your area. Choosing disease-resistant varieties can reduce the need for chemical treatments and ensure a healthy harvest.
5. Fruit Quality and Flavour: Consider the taste and quality of the fruit produced by the tree. Research the flavour profile of different varieties and choose ones that align with your preferences.
6. Harvest Time: Fruit trees have different harvest times, ranging from early spring to late fall. Select a mix of varieties with staggered harvest times to enjoy fresh fruit throughout the growing season.
7. Rootstock: Pay attention to the rootstock of the fruit trees you're considering. The rootstock can affect the tree's size, vigour, and tolerance to environmental conditions. Choose rootstocks that are well-suited to your garden's soil type and drainage.
8. Local Recommendations: Seek advice from local nurseries, gardening clubs, or local permaculturists. They can provide valuable insights into which fruit tree varieties perform best in your area and offer guidance on care and maintenance.
9. Quality of Nursery Stock: Scrutinize the nursery stock before making a purchase. Choose trees with healthy-looking foliage, well-developed root systems, and no signs of disease or damage.
10. Long-Term Care: Consider the long-term care requirements of the fruit trees you select. Ensure you're prepared to provide proper irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and pest management to promote healthy growth and abundant fruit production.

By considering these factors and doing thorough research, you can select fruit trees that will thrive in your garden and provide bountiful harvests for years.

Last month at Savoursoil we got up to..........

In the spirit of reconciliation Savoursoil acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Thank you so much for being part of Savoursoil permaculture, we hope you've enjoyed your observations and we look forward to interacting with you again soon.