Crowds brave weather for sold-out garden festival

A few showers couldn’t deter a record crowd of keen gardeners who flocked to the weekend’s Edible Gardens Festival to tour productive gardens, and learn about food growing and sustainability.

Six diverse gardens across the Margaret River region were open to the community, with the gardeners giving guided tours and passing on tips for fruit and vegetable growing, building soil health, reducing waste through composting and worm farms, saving water and a huge range of other gardening and sustainability-related topics.

Both days of the festival sold out with almost 400 ticket holders on Saturday and another 400 attending on Sunday. For the first time, a festival bus reduced emissions and the number of cars on the road.

Meanwhile, another 150 people attended in depth afternoon workshops, hosted by local teachers and gardening experts.

Several hundred people made the trip from around WA, proving the annual not-for-profit event is becoming a major tourism drawcard as well as an event beloved by locals.

“I’m so stoked the community braved the grey skies to come out and support the event, get involved, pick up loads of knowledge and inspiration, and meet like-minded souls with an interest in nature, gardens, the environment and sustainability,” said organiser and permaculture teacher, Trev Paddenburg.

“Once again I was just blown away by the number of people who are really keen to learn more about soil, food growing and sustainability. I loved seeing how many amazing community connections were forged between our awesome gardeners, our fabulous team of volunteers, and everyone who attended.”

Trev said he was grateful to all the locals who opened their garden gates and shared their knowledge, and support from local businesses and organisations.

“Plus, this event wouldn’t be possible without our huge team of volunteers who helped out with checking people in, directing parking, teaching workshops and garden demonstrations, logistics and a raft of other jobs.”

“Don’t forget that you can get 20 percent off all plants at Margaret River Mitre 10 until June 1 just by showing your festival ticket.

“Whether you’re already growing your own food or want to make a start, we hope the festival gave everyone the chance to get up close and personal with experienced green thumbs and tap into an immense bank of local, place-based knowledge to help you on your food-growing journey.

“Sorry if you missed out on tickets – but get in early next year when we’ll be back with all new productive gardens and even more inspiration.”