The Garden That Waters Itself

With Dr Cally Brennan

Workshop description

You're probably familiar with rain tanks and water wise plantings, but did you know there are heaps of other clever ways to keep your garden greener for longer using small scale passive water harvesting? This introductory workshop and will open your eyes to the possibilities of water harvesting and how it can make your garden way more resilient in a changing climate.

Using the free power of gravity along with the right plants, passive water harvesting creates a living sponge to capture, store and use rainwater to build a resilient, vibrant garden for both wet and dry weather.

Contact Cally to arrange a workshop in her permaculture garden to learn about passive water harvesting and get a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of how everything works. You’ll walk away with lots of ideas on how to easily (and sustainably) water your garden. Note that Cally is also happy to provide this workshop in other locations as well - please get in touch to discuss how we can tailor the content of this workshop to a specific site (for example, ideas for what could be done on your property etc.).

Target audience(s)

Anyone who is interested in water efficiency! Sustainability advocates, homesteaders, keen gardeners, hobby farmers. Content suitable for adults, also school and university students, from Year 5 upwards.

Workshop length

1.5 hours (workshop and tour).

Workshop requirements

For workshops on site in our garden: Maximum number of participants = 20 adults (can be extended to up to 25 primary school children and their teacher as they take up less space!). There is step free access. Tea, coffee and water will be provided. The workshop is presented outdoors, so participants will be expected to wear weather-appropriate clothing.

For workshops presented at another site, shelter and seating for the expected number of participants will need to be provided by the host.

Workshops are friendly, fun and relaxed. Questions and engagement are always encouraged.

Booking & Inquiries

Contact Cally on canberrapermaculturedesign@gmail.com or phone/text her on 0410121272.

Mycena interrupta. Photo by Dr Alison Pouliot.

Facilitator bio

Dr Cally Brennan, founder of Canberra Permaculture Design and Education, has practised permaculture and water harvesting for over 10 years. In addition to providing garden advice and designs for both urban and nearby rural properties, Cally also runs workshops on a range of permaculture and garden topics.

From 2018 to 2020 Cally was also a Director of the Board of Permaculture Australia, Australia's national permaculture body.

Cally lives in Cook with her partner Jeremy and their teenaged daughter. They run a productive suburban food garden and host workshops to show the various elements of permaculture and water harvesting that they have implemented. Cally’s passion is water harvesting which was featured in a popular YouTube video, entitled The Self Watering Garden.