Louise Costa, a landscape architect from Rushworth who transformed her 16-hectare property from regrowth forest to a safe space for native fauna and a thriving space for indigenous flora, will present Let’s Grow: Waterwise Gardens at Kilmore Trackside on October 22.
The free event is from 11.30am until 1.30pm and anyone interested in gardening or keen to follow her lead and harmonise with their natural environments is invited to register.
A light lunch is available and there are lucky door prizes.
She is well known for her involvement in major garden projects throughout the region, having had a lead role in the design of the Shepparton Botanical Gardens at Kialla, the Climate Ready Garden at the Euroa Arboretum and a major landscaping project at Mitchelton Wines.
Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director Dr Steve Capewell said there were a number of messages that would be delivered during Water Week, among the most important recognition that “the climate is changing and so are we”.
“One of our key commitments is ensuring we care for the environment while delivering our core services, and looking at a sustainable water future is an important theme for National Water Week this year,” he said.
“People like Louise encourage us all to expand our thinking and as the region grows it is important to consider how this development will impact on our surrounds.”
Her address will focus on subject matter including providing a habitat which is friendly for animals, birds and insects, observing your surrounds and planning your garden space accordingly, along with what and when to plant.
“The drying climate is an opportunity to rethink the way we build our gardens,” Louise said.
“If we can learn from nature, we will not only have gardens that are tolerant to drought; they will also be low maintenance beautiful spaces where we can celebrate the wonder of the natural environment in our own backyards.”
Louise’s event is part of a week-long celebration of Water Week by GVW, which starts on Monday, October 21, and includes events at Mooroopna, Cobram, Shepparton and Mansfield.
For more details on the event, which will be held in Kilmore Trackside’s Golden Reign Room from 11.30am until 1.30pm, contact GVW Education Officers Lizzi Lewis or Kristy Elrington at waterweek@gvwater.vic.gov.au.
Places are limited, so head to www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/community/national-water-week to register your attendance.
