Dig in for a grow show

Colleen Jones and Jane Mallick

By Esther Lauaki

Food lovers will nibble their way around Macedon Ranges gardens next month.

Eight gardens in Kyneton, Malmsbury, Taradale and Lauriston will be part of the Open Edible Garden Day, hosted by Kyneton Transition Hub and aimed at encouraging residents to produce their own fresh, wholesome food.

Organiser Nea Gyorffy said there would be plenty for visitors to see, learn and taste.

“Growing your own food cuts down food miles and ensures food security,” Ms Gyorffy said.

“Any gardener will tell you it is incredibly satisfying when you can step out your door and pluck a juicy eggplant or zucchini from the garden and prepare it for your meal.”

Open day visitors will learn how to grow fruit and nut trees, vegetables, herbs and plants that attract birds and insect.

Other topics during the two-day event will include how to preserve excess produce and where to swap produce with others.

Gardeners will demonstrate making wicking beds, compost tea and biochar, while Kyneton Secondary College will be celebrating five years of cultivating its community vegetable garden.

The Open Edible Garden Day event will be on Saturday and Sunday, September 1 and 2, between 10am and 4pm.

Details: kynetondaffodilarts.org.au/program/kynetons-open-gardens