With proper storage and a little care, many varieties of pumpkins can be kept for 6-12 months without refrigeration. In fact, they get sweeter and tastier the longer you store them!

[ August 30, 2011; 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. ] Venue: Discovery Centre, Wollongong Botanic Gardens. Madoline Street Entrance Bookings Essential, phone 42252636.

[ August 9, 2011; 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. ] Bokashi is a traditional Japanese method of composting meat, bread, cheese and vegetable scraps. It brings good fungus into your garden and really gets your waste sorted. Come and learn this traditional style & take a sample of Bokashi home to trial. – $8. Venue: Discovery Centre, Wollongong Botanic Gardens. Madoline Street Entrance Bookings essential, phone 42252636.  

[ July 31, 2011; 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. ] Make a difference to the local environment and join in the country’s biggest tree planting day. Now in its 16th year. Venue: Greenhouse Park, Springhill Road Wollongong Free event. Jim Glancy tel: 4227 7477 or email jglancy@wollongong.nsw.gov.au. Register also on Planet Ark website.  

[ July 24, 2011; 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. ] A diverse selection of exhibitors, workshops offering independent advice and children’s activities on: Sustainable living, including home energy efficieny and water consumption Green building design and retrofitting Waste management and food production. Venue: Wollongong Town Hall Free entry. Presented by Green Jobs Illawarra. For more information contact contact Kylie-ann Haynes from Bluejuice Events on 4221 1345.

[ July 19, 2011; 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. ] Have you been wanting to grow better vegies? Maybe you have been thinking about starting a compost. Well this is the course that may help to get you started. Bring compostalbes, gloves, hat & sun screen – Cost $8 Venue: Discovery Centre, Wollongong Botanic Gardens. Madoline Street Entrance Bookings essential; call Geraldine on 42252636.  

[ July 17, 2011; 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. ] Quality Pre loved goods for babies and children ages 0-6. Items include clothing, toys, prams, bouncers, books, baths, linen and more. Held indoors at the Illawarra Hockey Stadium Waples Road, Unanderra. $3 Entry, (Kids U/12 FREE) For more information, visit www.babybazaar.com.au, email: info@babybazaar.com.au, or phone 0424 893 003.

[ July 9, 2011; 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. ] Learn about the birds in your area and how to design your garden using plants, birdbaths and nest boxes in order to attract more backyard biodiversity. Venue: Girl Guides Hall, Hindmarsh Park, Kiama Free workshop. Bookings essential. Contact Ailee on 0457847022 or acalderbank@wollongong.nsw.gov.au.

[ July 5, 2011; 10:30 am to 11:15 am. ] This school holidays discover how to recycle your food waste to create rich soil, and make your own worm farm. A free activity. Venue: Warrawong Library Book with Warrawong Library – 42278133  

[ July 2, 2011; 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. ] Bring your sewing machine, any fabric you have (old sheets, anything colourful!), and something to eat to share. Venue: Port Kembla Community Centre More info contact Port Locals Beyond Zero Waste – phone 0409154742 or robeco@bigpond.com.