Outlandish is diving in deep – roots and all with a very special workshop ‘Underground Lovers and Above Ground Friends’ featuring Dr Alison Pouliot and Simon Rickard on 23 April near Yass.

Although little known, the roots of almost every plant in the Australian landscape are intimately entwined with fungi. These clandestine relationship extend beyond trees to include every orchid and most shrubs and grasses. Symbioses are the secret to success in our highly variable climate.

Fungi not only help plants access water and nutrients, but also increase their resistance to drought and disease. They build architecture in soils, aerate them, and allow water to gently percolate to deeper horizons. Despite this, ‘the third ‘F’ slips through ideas about nature and conversation that focus on flora and fauna.

In the workshop you’ll be introduced to the diversity and ecology of Kingdom Fungi and the basic principles of fungus identification, using the senses and other resources such as guides to identify key diagnostic features.

Simon Rickard will follow on from Alison’s presentation detailing how he creates innovative atmospheric gardens that touch lightly on the environment.

Simon and Alison are friends, authors, both live in Victoria and travel extensively around Australia and the world.