An upcoming workshop will encourage Highlanders to forage in their backyards and learn to love the often misunderstood world of fungus.
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Earthly Incarnations: An Introduction to the Fungi of Retford Park will lay down the ground work for a life-long appreciation of spore-producing organisms.
The roots of almost every plant in every garden are intimately entwined with fungi.
This mutually beneficial relationship extends beyond trees to include orchids,shrubs and grasses and is the secret to gardening success in the region's highly variable climate and nutrient-deficient soils.
Fungi not only help plants access water and nutrients, but also increase their resistance to drought and disease. Fungi build architecture in soils, aerate them and allow water to gently percolate through.
The workshop will teach gardeners that fungi are friends, not foes.
The interactive workshop will introduce participants to the diversity, ecology and curiosities of the kingdom of fungi.
The introduction will include an overview of the major fungal groups, the basics of fungus identification, fungal ecology, and the natural and cultural history of fungi.
Fungal specimens from the local area will be displayed, discussed and examined.
After a morning tea with homemade treats, attendees will partake in a foray through the magnificent gardens of Retford Park to search for species of interest.
Participants are advised to bring their own lunch and to wear suitable clothing as the event will go ahead regardless of weather.
Earthly Incarnations will be held at Retford Park on May 9 from 10am to 4pm.
Tickets cost $110 or $95 for National Trust Members.
Visit www.nationaltrust.org.au for more information and bookings.
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