On 10th October, the Bromeliad Society invites the people of Castle Hill and beyond to enjoy exactly that at Federation Pavilion, Castle Hill Showground. Plant sales open at 10am, which leaves plenty of time to wander and choose before the meeting begins at 11.30am.
Those who stay will meet Bronwyn Holm, founder of Earthfood, whose family roots stretch back to the 1880s and the pioneering winemakers of NSW Vineyards and Hermitage Estate. She has spent decades studying living soil biology and has worked with home gardeners, commercial growers, and farmers around Australia. Her practical way of thinking invites people to look at their gardens and farms with fresh eyes.
If you have ever wondered why gardening feels harder than it used to, why plants struggle even when you fertilise, or what really makes a garden flourish, this is the morning for you. Holm’s answer is that most gardeners haven’t forgotten how to garden. The big shift is in the soil itself, since modern soils and potting mixes often no longer function as they once did.
Without living biology doing its job, plants rely on constant watering and feeding. Restoring that biology helps soil hold moisture, supports stronger roots and grows resilient plants. In her words, nature has the answer, and the aim is to help the soil do more of the work it was designed for.
The rest of the meeting has the easy rhythm of a club that enjoys itself: competitions, a raffle, Show & Tell, and “Show”, a newer activity where plants are shared without critical judgment. Above all, it is a friendly place to meet like-minded people.
Ian Hook is the contact on 0408 202 269 or [email protected], and the website is www.bromeliad.org.au.
