The Central Coast is the latest region to launch an Edible Garden Trail to be held over the weekend of November 19 and 20 across a range of private and community gardens in the region.
Visitors will be able to view a variety of abundant gardens using organic practices to grow fresh, chemical free food, with the event encouraging people to grow more food at home and to source their food locally and seasonally.
The event follows the success of Edible Garden Trails in other regions.
With recent disruptions to the supply chain resulting in price hikes, especially of fresh produce, more and more people are looking to create food security in their own backyards.
Along the Central Coast Edible Garden Trail, green thumb garden hosts will showcase their successes and share problem-solving solutions with visitors who want to learn more about: growing food; what foods we can grow here in our warm temperate climate; how to deal with pests and disease without the use of pesticides and herbicides; how to include small animals successfully in backyard systems; how to take advantage of micro-climates; and reducing food waste and converting it into a precious resource.
“Food waste, whether it be food that never leaves the farm, food that is lost during transport, or food that is wasted from the hospitality sector and households, has significant economic and environmental impacts,” organiser Anna Trigg said.
“One third of the world’s food is wasted and 25 per cent of water used in agriculture is used to grow food that is ultimately wasted – throwing away one burger wastes the same amount of water as a 90 minute shower.
“Food waste produces eight per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
“At the Central Coast Edible Garden Trail there will be something for everyone from tiny balcony potted gardens to shared street gardens, abundant backyard plots and larger gardens incorporating food forests, wheelchair accessible gardens and gardens incorporating Indigenous foods and cultural practices.
“Anyone can grow something, even if it is just some potted herbs by a sunny window.”
The event has been organised by Permaculture Central Coast, centred around the ethics of Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share.
Permaculture has been derived from Indigenous knowledge and practices.
Visitors will be encouraged to learn how to eliminate harmful practices from the garden and improve the biodiversity of life above and below the ground.
A printed directory will feature a comprehensive list of local farmers, co-ops, produce swaps, and roadside stalls which are using organic and regenerative practices advising when and where the products are available.
Tickets for the Central Coast Edible Garden Trail are available now through Humanitix.
Ticket holders will have access to 20-25 private gardens.
A number of community gardens and public spaces will also be opening on the day and welcoming visitors free of charge.
For more details see the Central Coast Edible Garden Trail Facebook page.
Terry Collins