Sydney has a climate that is suitable for many fruiting plants considered tropical. If grown correctly these plants can be very productive producing an abundance of fruit. Join Permaculture Northern Beaches education team leader Paul Cannings and longtime permaculture practitioner Yalith Ratnavibushena in a workshop and garden tour showcasing the best practices for growing tropical fruits in a home permaculture garden. Get hands on involvement in building a banana circle and maintenance of the world’s biggest herb. With many versatile uses banana groves, if properly maintained, can really help your permaculture garden to flourish.

The workshop will include a tour of Yalith's, Allambie Heights tropical permaculture garden. With over 17 years experience as a Research Officer for the agriculture department in Sri Lanka, Yalith has a wealth of knowledge in the care and maintenance of tropical fruit trees. His garden has a variety of tropical fruiting plants including papaya and four varieties of bananas such as the Ash banana, Kolukuttu, Togan cooking and dwarf cavendish. Yalith has many secrets to share of how best to use these varieties of bananas plus many of the other delights of his garden in traditional Sri Lankan cooking.

What will we do?
Learn about a variety of tropical fruiting plants that are suitable for Sydney’s climate including different varieties of bananas; suitable soil preparation and composting for tropical fruit trees; skills in building and maintaining a banana circle.; and the role bananas can play in the overall ecosystem of your permaculture garden. Learn secrets of using tropical fruits in traditional Sri Lankan cooking. Dress for the Weather and working in the garden, gloves, hat etc. Bring a water bottle, Notebook and sense of adventure.

Cost: $10 for non-members and Free for PNB members. To register please email info@permaculturenorthernbeaches.org.au