Free local resources - Myli Library

I recently visited the Korumburra Myli Library on the search for free resources that our community might be interested in, here's just some of what I found!

Books, the obvious choice for a Library but not just your average fiction novel, there is a great array of useful and educational books on topics such as Permaculture, seed saving, composting, worm farming, seasonal recipes and more.

Everyday Permaculture is one of the best practical permaculture books out there, written by the lovely and talented Anna Matilda, her Swedish herritage and love of autumnal colours makes this book a visual delight as well as a very enjoyable read.

With practical ideas about how you can work permaculture living into your everyday life and space, whether you're living on a large farm or renting a small unit or sharing a living space with others and even for travelling or moving house.

Anna is a wonderful preserver and I have enjoyed her annual Holiday markets in previous years, where she opened her home to like minded friends and family, decorated with handmade swedish ornaments adorning her tree. Thoughtful displays with her vast array of preserved jars upon jars of jams, chutneys, relishes and even a lovely kiwi kasundi with a bit of a spicy kick. Anna doesn't just 'talk the talk', she is a living example of how you can utilise permaculture design and ideas into your daily life, no matter what your situation is, and without the eco-guilt of having to do it all.

Our world is ever changing, and learning how to embrace a climate resilient garden is just one endeavour of many to protect our future food systems and environment.

From planting for water limitations, to embracing natives which encourage and feed local wildlife and provide habitat to the diversity that we need to keep the cycle of nature in balance.

TIP: Shrubs are incredibly important for small birds, they provide habitat as well as food, and protection from predators and weather.

RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) books are always a good direction to spend some time looking through, from Botany for beginners, to climate focused books such as this, if you see that logo, it might be worth adding to your reading list.

Seeds, that's a big topic for discussion once you fall down the rabbit hole to the wonderland that is open-pollinated and heirloom seeds. Not only is seed saving good for the environment, it's good for your wallet too!

Saving generations of seeds helps to preserve varieties such as heirlooms, and keeps the diversity alive, we all love a fun coloured carrot, if you do, you should have a read about the original colour of carrots, and how they have changed so much throughout history!

Libraries are often a wonderful place for seed libraries too, Korumburra Myli often hosts seed swaps and other events through their Chatty Cafe, get involved with your local community this way, and share some local open pollinated seeds with others.

Perhaps you're still new to the term Permaculture and want to first know what it is, this book is a great start to finding out the 'ins and outs' of permaculture.

Our future is not certain, we can make changes within our lives and even at our workplaces to make positive impacts on climate change, and help to build a more resilient future.

And for those who have already caught the Permacultute bug and are looking to grow on a larger scale, this book with it's focus on Market Gardening is a must.

It's not suitable for every garden, some methods or designs wouldn't be suitable for a small balcony for example, but the ideas and aspects of these designs and plans can be looked over and manipulated in some ways to suit your own garden areas.

Perhaps you're interested in keeping bees, or would like to get some chickens, then borrow this book next time you visit Myli.