Central Coast Is the Latest Region to Launch an Edible Garden Trail
Following the success of Edible Garden Trails in other regions, on 19 + 20 November 2022 the Central Coast will enjoy its very first Central Coast Edible Garden Trail. Ticket holders will have access to a broad range of gardens growing incredible, healthy, chemical-free food that is good for you and good for the planet.
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. During the Central Coast Edible Garden Trail, our green thumb garden hosts will be showcasing their successes and sharing 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 microclimates in your space
- 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: One third of the world’s food is wasted; 25% 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. If food waste was a country it would be the third largest greenhouse gas emitter, behind the USA and China.” —Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
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.
Brought to you by Permaculture Central Coast, the Central Coast Edible Garden Trail showcases permaculture principles in action. Permaculture is centred around the ethics of Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share and has been derived from Indigenous knowledge and practices. Visitors will be encouraged to learn how:
- you can eliminate harmful practices from your garden,
- to improve the biodiversity of life above and below the ground in your garden,
- to start growing and eating nutrient dense food that is seasonal and as fresh as it gets
- how to source their food locally and seasonally via a printed directory produced for the Central Coast Edible Garden Trail. This will feature a comprehensive list of our local farmers, coops, produce swaps, and roadside stalls who are using organic and regenerative practices, it will
include when and where their products are available.
“The language of gardening fuels the senses: talk with your hands, observe with your ears and listen with your eyes.” Costa Georgiadis
Tickets for the Central Coast Edible Garden Trail will be available through Humanitix from late August. Ticket holders will have access to 10 – 15 private gardens. A number of community gardens and public spaces will also be opening on the day and welcoming visitors free of charge. Prices as follows: Family $56; Concession $20; Adult $25.
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