Hi there,

A wee presser for your consideration…  have a pic of Jim if needed

Regards,

Lee Harris

 
Media Release:

19 May 2009

“Earth Whisperer” to hold workshop

One of the 10 extraordinary New Zealanders featured in the full length documentary Earth Whisperers/Papatuanuku is holding an “Urban Eden” workshop in Christchurch this weekend.

Organic farmer Jim O’Gorman of Kakanui (North Otago) came to Christchurch for the launch of Kathleen Gallagher’s film on 10 May at the Hollywood Cinema, Sumner.  After the movie, Jim found his farming methods were the centre of much discussion, so he decided to hold one of his workshops in Christchurch this weekend. 

The Urban Eden workshops are aimed at creating a highly productive garden that will feed a family of four by spending an average of half an hour a week working on the garden.

Jim has designed his small farm holding around the idea that any green waste should be dug back into the soil.  He mounds and hollows rows, with room between to walk and greater growing surface and soil depth.

“So the weeds become a compost crop that you’re growing at the same time as your vegetable crop,” he says.

“This life has taught me to slow down and focus on the important things,” Jim says.  “The soil here (Kakanui) was agriculturally damaged and I wanted to prove that it was possible to turn it round – I reckon I can take any land from really rank to productive in two years”

In Kakanui he grows specialised crops including Florence fennel, early varieties of tomatoes and Maori potatoes, broad beans that originate from 1950s seed varieties, a rare red vein celery, as well as garlic, currants, nectarines, cherries, chard, Brussels sprouts,  purple sprouting broccoli, coriander and more!

Jim’s website www.dirtdoctor.co.nz gives an insight into his methods. 

The workshop will be held at 70 Elizabeth St, Riccarton, from 9.30 – 4pm this Saturday and Sunday, May 23 & 24.  Anyone interested in attending can contact local organiser Andrew Beaumont on 0210 226 5007 or andrew.c.beaumont@gmail.com to register. 

Earth Whisperers Papatuanuku was shot around New Zealand by acclaimed cameramen Alun Bollinger and Mike Single  The other Earth Whisperers featured are:

Craig Potton, photographer and environmentalist

Prof Alan Mark, botanist and guardian of Lake Manapouri

Charles Royal, Maori food expert and chef

Hugh Wilson, bird and tree farmer

Kay Baxter, heritage seed saver

Rita Tupe, Tuhoe healer

Isla Burgess, herbalist

Gerry Findlay, bird caller

Makere Ruka, Waitaha kuia

“These people are ‘big picture’ visionaries happy to share their stories,” the Director Kathleen Gallagher explains. “They have hope while still being realistic. Even in the city, people can have a little native forest and community garden – the connection with the earth is not inaccessible.”

Earth Whisperers Papatuanuku is currently screening at the Hollywood Cinema, Sumner.

Ends

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