Johnny Prefumo, an environmental biologist and educator better known as “The Frog Doctor”, is back for a second and final workshop in a Nature Conservation Margaret River Region series on designing and creating a habitat garden.
At the workshop on August 7 from 10am-2pm, Mr Prefumo will do a live habitat garden and frog pond installation at the Margaret River Community Garden on Clarke Rd, showcasing and celebrating native plants and the habitat they create for wildlife. He will also look at the requirements of native wildlife and discuss how they should guide the design of a wildlife-friendly garden.
The series, which is part of NCMRR’s For Nature Landholder Stewardship Program, has been designed for anyone who is designing a garden from scratch or wanting to make an existing suburban or semi-rural garden more of a haven for wildlife.
The latest workshop puts into practice the principles covered in Mr Prefumo’s opening workshop which was held in front of a big crowd of more than 40 people last weekend (July 23). But for those who didn’t attend the first workshop, there is much to learn in the upcoming one, with everyone welcome. Tickets are free for NCMRR members and $10 for non-members, and can be reserved HERE.
As part of the event Mr Prefumo will also cover:
- step-by-step construction of a frog pond and habitat corridors
- key considerations like sunlight, water and materials
- placement of your frog pond and habitat corridors
- what plants to use
“This workshop is great for anyone who has a blank slate back or front yard and would like to design out the garden and incorporate native plants and a habitat garden whilst being water-wise,” says Peta Lierich, who runs the For Nature program and will also be on-hand at the workshop to answer questions.
“Similarly, if you have an existing garden you can also use elements from the workshop to enhance or improve your patch into an inviting space for our native animals.
“Johnny’s first workshop was an amazing success with so much knowledge shared and inspiration passed on. And this one promises to be even better, with lots of hands-on activities and the live installation.”
The workshop will be held at the Margaret River Community Garden where NCMRR is building a demonstration water-wise garden. Afternoon tea is included, plus free resources and prizes including Cowaramup Tube Nursery plant vouchers, plant lists, frog pond information sheets and Jane Scott wildflower books.
The event will proceed even if the weather is inclement – but come prepared with warm clothing, a raincoat and umbrella. Please also bring drinking water, and plenty of questions for our presenters!
The For Nature Landowner Stewardship Program is designed to help you give nature a hand at your place – registering is free via the Nature Conservation home page and comes with loads of benefits for locals, like grants for conservation work at your place and free equipment hire. For Nature is proudly supported by funding from the West Australian Government’s State Natural Resources Management Program, the Water Corporation and the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.