Posted: Sunshine Coast Sunday , January 20, 2002

Compost most on festival visitor's minds

Rubbish was the subject of most questions from local green thumbs to the international horticulturalist visiting the Ginger Flower Festival at Yandina yesterday.

The director of horticulture at Florida's Parrot Jungle and Gardens wasn't expecting quite so much interest in apple skin and left over vegies.

"I didn't think I'd get so many questions about compost," Jeff Shimonski said.

Bit it turns out the benefits of bacteria and fungi over fertiliser was a burning issue for many house-proud gardeners.

The theory goes roughly like this: Fertiliser contains nitrogen, which is a banquet of protein for many insects. So reduce the nitrogen count and you'll save your plants from micro monsters.

Mr. Shimonski will give two more addresses again today.

Also among today's high-lights are information sessions about heliconias (11am), and new recipe ideas with the Haute Couture Chef, Jan Powers, from 2:30 pm.

Palm readings also will be conducted from 10 am today, plus, from 3:30 pm, learn all you ever wanted to know about tannins, verdelho and port when the experts guide you through wine tasting and food matching.

Organisers estimated up to 6,000 attended the Ginger Flower Festival yesterday, with similar numbers expected today.

Contact: Jeff Shimonski
Cell: 305-206-3148
Email: jeff@tropicaldesigns.com