Front Line
Friends of the Leard Forest and Maules Creek community,
Thank you for your generous support and helping to spread the seeds of hope thorough community led action in defense of farms, forests, community, culture and climate.
These seeds represent the rich productive land of the Maules Creek area and greater Liverpool Plains. Like the pumpkin patch that grows from your small pack of pumpkin seeds, so is the global movement working for a safe climate.
Wando, the Indigenous name for a rare Myrtle Tree which can be found in and around North West NSW is also the name of the Maules Creek property that Farmer and Activist, Cliff Wallace, has tended to for over 30 years.
Wando is now the base camp of the #LeardBlockade, from where the peaceful community led civil disobedience campaign is run. For 560 days the camp was based just down the road in Leard State Forest before being evicted and relocating, upon the generous invitation of Cliff, to his Maules Creek property of Wando, in January 2014.
On the farm Cliff produces everything from livestock like sheep and cattle through to grains including wheat, oats and canola. The Wando pumpkins, amongst much other produce has for a long time been donated to various people and causes throughout the community, including the local Narrabri Hostpital.
Maules Creek is a beautiful rural area nestled in the shadow of Mt Kaputar and neighbouring Leard State Forest, a place where farming and conservation has reached a kind of equilibrium. Maules Creek will be changed forever by the proposed mines from a small thriving farming community into a massive industrial zone. The community is suffering severe decline as miners buy up properties and the future is one of dangerous coal dust, noise from traffic and explosive use, and declining productivity.
Everything starts with a seed. An enormous amount of potential packed into a surprisingly small package. The growth of this tremendous movement to protect farms, forest, community, culture and climate starts with us.
PUMPKIN FACT FILE
Botanical Name:
Cucurbita maxima
Family:
Cucurbitaceae
Climatic Range:
Pumpkins require a long growing season, but can be grown across a wide range of climates. The seeds require temperatures around 16 degrees Celsius to germinate successfully.
They are usually planted after the last frost in cool climates and in spring, summer and early autumn in mild to warm climates. Established vines are tolerant of cold temperatures, but will be killed off by frost.
Planting and Harvest:
In frost prone districts plants can be started off in pots grown under glass or bubble wrap. Germination occurs in 7-10 days. Perfect drainage is essential as the large seeds have a tendency to rot. Plant out after the danger of frost has past but avoid disturbing the roots, as this will set back the seedlings considerably. In frost-free regions seeds may be planted directly into the soil. Avoid planting during the rainy season in tropical areas or plants may fall victim to leaf diseases. Pumpkins are commonly grown for their hard skinned, long keeping fruits but the shoots, tendrils, flowers and seeds are also edible. Mature pumpkins have a hollow sound when lightly tapped.
For more info on growing your pumpkin patch at home visit;