Newsletter Dec 2024

Flower of the Month

Canterbury Bell

By Bibi

Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium), also known as “cup and saucer,” is a charming biennial flower native to southern Europe. It’s known for its bell-shaped blooms that come in various colors like purple, pink, white, and blue. These flowers are especially popular for cottage gardens and are often planted in borders or containers where they attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with their sweet nectar. Canterbury Bells are called “cup and saucer” due to their unique bloom structure: a bell-shaped flower sits above a second set of petals, resembling a saucer.

To grow Canterbury Bells, start by sowing seeds in late spring or summer for blooms the following year. These plants thrive in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. When watering, ensure the soil is kept moist but not overly wet, as Canterbury Bells don’t handle soggy conditions well. Adding a balanced fertilizer once a month can encourage vigorous growth and more abundant blooms.

Since Canterbury Bells are biennials, they bloom in their second year and can self-seed if left to mature. Deadheading (removing spent blooms) helps prolong their flowering period and can prevent over-seeding if that’s not desired. For extended enjoyment, some gardeners treat Canterbury Bells as short-lived perennials by re-seeding each year, ensuring they have new blooms annually. With their lovely colors and charming shape, Canterbury Bells are a delightful addition to any garden.

Campanula (Bellflower) l Seed Germination , Plant Care and maintenance

I was curious about the self-seeding property of this plant. Once cut, flowers lose access to the resources they need for seed development, especially from their roots, which provide the nutrients and water necessary to keep the entire plant alive and healthy long enough for seeds to mature. Self-seeding typically happens when flowers are left on the plant until they naturally dry out, allowing seeds to develop fully before dispersing.

If you’re interested in growing Canterbury Bells from seeds, you might consider purchasing a packet of seeds or keeping an eye out for mature plants in gardens or flower markets. Once you have seeds, you can start them in pots or garden beds, and with their natural self-seeding habit, you’ll have new plants each season with minimal effort!

From seed to blooms over 18 months

********

Plant of the Month

Arum maculatum (Lords & Ladies)

by Bibi

Arum maculatum, commonly known as Lords-and-Ladies or Cuckoo-pint, is a striking perennial plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. This woodland plant is known for its arrow-shaped leaves, often spotted with dark purple or brown marks, and its unusual, hooded flower structure. In spring, it produces a spadix (a rod-like spike) surrounded by a pale green, leaf-like bract called a spathe, which attracts insects for pollination. After flowering, it develops clusters of bright red berries, adding vivid color to the forest floor.

Caring for Arum maculatum is relatively easy, as it thrives in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, replicating its natural woodland environment. It prefers partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for shaded gardens or under tree canopies. Arum maculatum is generally low-maintenance; it will tolerate occasional dryness once established but does best with regular moisture, especially during active growth in spring and early summer. However, care should be taken with its placement, as the plant’s berries and leaves are toxic if ingested by humans and pets.

A few fun facts make Arum maculatum even more fascinating! The plant has a clever pollination strategy: it produces heat and a faint smell that mimics rotting flesh, attracting insects like midges, which carry pollen from plant to plant. In folklore, it has a variety of common names, including “Lords-and-Ladies” and “Devil’s and Angel’s Trumpets,” due to the plant’s suggestive flower shape. Historically, the tubers were also once dried and ground into a powder for medicinal and culinary uses, though caution is necessary because of the plant’s toxicity. This unique and captivating plant brings texture and interest to shaded gardens, but should be handled carefully.

Lord and Ladies

Scientific studies of a protein in this flower to foster temperature control.

General knowledge about which berries are poisonous! Do NOT eat! Poisonous Berries to Avoid 2:40 min.

For a limited time only, ‘Pregnant Onion’ is available for sale at the CFS Flower Shop.

Recipe of the Month

Kangaroo Mince with Tomato and Egg

by Geoff T.

Perfect for a Christmas Potluck | Serves: 4

Ingredients:

3 tbsp tomato paste

½ kg kangaroo mince

3 eggs

3 ripe tomatoes

1 onion (and other seasonal vegetable)

Seasonings for Kangaroo Mince:

• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• ¼ tsp salt
• A pinch of black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano (chopped)
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp corn flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp cooking oil

Methods:

Prepare the Kangaroo Mince: in a mixing bowl, combine the kangaroo mince with the seasonings: light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic, corn flour, sugar, and cooking oil. Mix well and set aside to marinate for 10–15 minutes.

Cook the Kangaroo Mince: heat a frying pan over medium heat. Brown the seasoned kangaroo mince until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Prepare the Onion: finely chop the onion. In the same pan, sauté the onion until golden and fragrant. Add it to the cooked kangaroo mince.

Make the Scrambled Eggs: beat the eggs in a bowl until smooth. Heat a small amount of oil in a clean pan and cook the eggs into soft scrambled pieces. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Cook the Tomatoes: slice the tomatoes into thin discs. Heat some oil in the pan and sauté the tomatoes until they start to soften.

Combine All Ingredients: add the kangaroo mince, onions, and scrambled eggs to the pan with the tomatoes. Stir well to combine.

Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm. This dish pairs well with rice or crusty bread.

********

Book Review

By Wing C.

MODEL MINORITY GONE ROGUE – By Qin Qin

Dear Qin Qin,

I just finished reading Model Minority Go Rogue, and I wanted to express how much I enjoyed and connected with your book. It’s a captivating exploration of the Asian-Australian experience, beautifully challenging the stereotype of the “model minority.” Your narrative is both deeply personal and broadly universal, offering a nuanced portrayal of the unrealistic social expectations many Asian-Australians face.

The way you structured your book around essays like I Want It All, Ambitious Climber, Status Anxiety, and Short Hair Don’t Care was incredibly compelling. You masterfully deconstruct the model minority myth, which imposes a narrow and often suffocating definition of success. Your inclusion of stories, like that of your cousin—the “black sheep” in your family—added a relatable and authentic touch. These moments reminded me of stories collected during my PhD research. One informant shared the narrative of her cousin, “She is the black sheep in our family, always dressed outrageously, without a proper job!” You made a bold statement to society, ‘Diversity within our community is too often overlooked’.

Your return to your birth name, ‘Qin Qin’ (勤勤, meaning diligent), deeply resonated with me. It speaks to the identity we often strive to reconcile—our cultural roots and the expectations placed upon us. I share similar experiences. Like you, I’ve changed jobs frequently, studied various disciplines, and worked across continents. My Chinese name is 智穎 (Chi-Wing), meaning “intelligent.” As the second daughter, I worked tirelessly to live up to my parents’ expectations, often feeling the weight of their pride and approval.

Your book’s humour and positive outlook were particularly uplifting. As a Laughter Yoga trainer, I’ve long understood that ‘Laughter is the best medicine’! Your ability to find humour amidst the complexities of life is inspiring. Your journey of breaking away from traditions, leaving a prestigious legal career, and embracing a more meaningful life resonated with my own experiences. At 19, I left Hong Kong to study in Sydney on a scholarship—an act of rebellion against the “submissive Chinese daughter” label.

Your courage to teach at an under-resourced high school as a new teacher reflects a resilience I admire. I saw parallels in my own path. My research was driven by personal experiences with clinical depression and a desire to prove myself to my parents. Like you, I’ve since found comfort in my own skin, no longer reliant on external validation.

Over a decade ago, I left academia and spent five years in what I call “the wilderness picking flowers”—quite literally, as I trained in floristry and worked as a florist assistant. In 2019, I founded a social enterprise that sells flowers to support youth mental health programs. It aligns with the values my parents instilled in me: social justice for ALL.

Fast forward to 2024, and I’ve been antidepressant-free for three years. Life is now meaningful and impactful, and your book reassures me that breaking free from societal moulds can lead to a more fulfilling existence.

Thank you for writing Model Minority Go Rogue. It is a powerful reminder to embrace our authentic selves and live life on our own terms.

Kind regards,
Chi-Wing

*******

From the Desk of Bibi

Online Interactions with Young People

by Dr Bibiana Chan

The bill to ban social media for those under 16 was passed in the Senate last week. While the majority of young people opposed the ban, most adults welcomed it. I hope policymakers will focus on educating young people to manage their social media usage responsibly while encouraging adults to model this behavior effectively. Below are a few WhatsApp messages I shared with members of the Community Flower Studio (CFS) Youth Action Group. Fortunately, WhatsApp remains accessible to young people here in the Land of Oz. The following was a few WhatsApp messages I shared with members of the Community Flower Studio (CFS) Youth Action Group.
‘I understand that many young people tend to get their news in bits and pieces from social media rather than following the main news channels. That’s why I want to draw your attention to a significant milestone: November 21, 2024, marked the 1,000th day of the Ukraine-Russia War. On this day, US-made long-range missiles were fired from Ukraine into Russian territories for the first time.

Is this a step toward ending the war? I’m not so sure. I spoke to my Ukrainian friend Kostya, a beekeeper turned handyman who fled the war and arrived in Sydney two and a half years ago. When I asked him about the US Senate’s approval of these weapons, his response was sobering. In a deeply saddened tone, he said, “War is bad in every sense.” His words stayed with me, reminding me of the human cost and the heavy toll of conflict, no matter the circumstances.
There is an opportunity to meet with Kostya, his wife and their teenage son and daughter on Sat 21st Dec, CFS’ End of Year Lunch. I invited Kostya’s family of 4 to join us for some traditional Ukrainian dishes at Kyiv Social – one of the 3 ‘Plate-it-Forward’ restaurants (an social enterprise by Shaun Christie-David).

This is a heavy topic, and I apologise if it stirs up difficult thoughts. However, it is an issue we need to address together as part of your growth. Here is a link with images capturing what has happened in Ukraine over the past 1,000 days—a picture truly speaks a thousand words. If this topic strikes a chord with you, feel free to DM me. I’m here to listen.‘ Continue reading here.

Subscriber’s Corner

Reflections on SXSW Sydney 2024

by Simona W.

It’s 9am on the 14th October, you’ve just picked up your badge from The Gallery and have a coffee in hand from the ever-moving Tim-Tam Cafe slinging complimentary coffees all week to get you through what will be a BIG. WEEK. AHEAD.

Launching the SXSW App, you’re scanning through the talks of the day – will it be diving into the mind of Canva’s co-founder, Melanie Perkins or Shaping the Future of AI with Meta’s Manohar Paluri? Phew – no need to choose, they’ll be on at different times.

With over 2000 events and talks in SXSW’s lineup this year, it was an amalgamation of Future Tech, Entrepreneurship, Questions around the promise or maybe the hesitation of AI, Futurist Thinking, Music, Gaming and more. If you were hungry to start a business, want to hear from industry leaders on emerging tech and the role of responsible AI, or just wanted to test drive the new Zeekr EV in the market, there was a place for you. Closer to home for CFS members, the founder of Kyiv Social – Shaun Christie-David also shared his two cents on his Social Enterprise journey from banker to entrepreneur. In the realm of youth culture and social media some real standouts were Grace Tame’s sit down with Professor Campbell Wilson on the significance of Generative AI in the proliferation of Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM), Scaling Responsible AI with Noelle Russell, a previous engineer of Amazon whose work developed Alexa to what it is today, workshops with Professor Richard Buckland of the University of Sydney on ‘What it takes to be a Hacker?’ as well as a real life look at how tech has transformed our vices for the 21st Century. Some great insights were also shared from MIT Tech Review on their Top 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2024 which includes eVTOLs (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) and biomedical research and discoveries. Alongside the Gaming track, the use of AR and VR in the real world over the next few years also proved to be something worth taking note. And so without further ado let’s get into it. Continue reading here.