The seed collection half-day workshop will provide an introduction to seed collecting in a way that is suitable for beginners but also of benefit to those who already have a familiarity with native plants and/or seed collection. Information and practical activities will be blended to cover the topics of:
- Tools and materials to make your seed collection run smoothly
- Plant identification skills
- Recognising different seed/fruit types and timing of collection
- Collection etiquette, formalities and regulations
- Techniques to collect seed from a variety of plants
- Methods of seed processing, storage and record-keeping
The propagation half-day workshop will run as a compliment to the seed collection workshop and provide you with more opportunity to learn and experience a variety of seed processing and propagation techniques. You will be introduced to a mix of commonly-used propagation methods and equipment as well as some tailor-made methods for certain species or production goals. The workshop will also include associated activities such as record-keeping, grading, setting up comparative trials and conducting assays for seed viability.
About your host:
The workshop will be facilitated by Gympie Landcare’s nursery co-manager, Shane Litherland. Shane has been testing how green his thumbs actually are (or equally often, aren’t) from a very young age. His interest in native plant propagation took a big leap forward around 12 years ago when he moved to the region to actively partake in land rehabilitation on rural property. He has had the humbling privilege of learning some invaluable skills from nature, peers and mentors along the way; much of the workshop content will be based on such accumulated knowledge. Shane has also had a lifelong habit of questioning; along the way this has led him to try plenty of seemingly unorthodox or unconventional approaches to seed collection and propagation, at times quite in contrast to his formal training in the natural sciences. Often his curiosities ended up, literally, a dead-end for the seeds, but occasionally he
Session Times:
Seed Collection Workshop: 8.00am – 12.00pm
Lunch Break for those who want to continue on for the second workshop: 12.00pm – 1.00pm
Propagation Workshop: 1.00pm – 5.00pm
What to Bring:
Please bring a packed lunch and water bottles if you are choosing to stay for both workshops. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided.
How to Register:
To find out pricing and register for our Seed Collection Workshop, please click here.
To find out pricing and register for our Propagation Workshop, please click here.