August Field Day-The Splendid Suburban Farm
Description
The HOGS Committee is excited to invite you to a special garden visit at the home of HOGS member Rachel Toole in Booragul. Join us for an inspiring day exploring a suburban permaculture garden, learning practical fruit tree pruning techniques, and sharing ideas with fellow members.
Location: 9 Park Parade Booragul
Date: Saturday 8th August,2026
Rachel's Permaculture Garden Tour
Rachel, her partner Jack, and their children, Ziggy and Xanthea, have called their 900-square-metre property home for the past two years. They chose the property for its generous block size and the opportunities it offered to create a productive family garden.
When they first moved in, the yard consisted mainly of grass, concrete, palms and conifers. Since then, the family has transformed it into a thriving permaculture garden. They have planted more than 32 fruit trees, established vegetable gardens, flower beds and native plantings, created a verge garden, built a chicken coop and run, installed a cubby house, and added two greywater systems to support sustainable water use.
Their garden is permaculture in practice, designed to suit the outdoor lifestyle of a young family while keeping sustainability, wildlife habitat and productive yields at the heart of every decision. It is an inspiring example of how an ordinary suburban block can become a flourishing, productive landscape.
During the visit, our President, Steve, will demonstrate the pruning of a variety of fruit trees. Steve has recently spent time with Brett Cooper from Limestone Permaculture Farm, learning specialised pruning techniques for a wide range of fruit trees. This practical demonstration will provide valuable tips and advice for gardeners of all experience levels.
Here’s what the day will look like
10:00am – Sign-in, intro and morning tea. Please bring something to share. Tea and coffee provided.
10:30am – Garden Tour
11.30am- Fruit Tree pruning demonstration
12.30pm- Lunch: Please bring a plate to share ( Vegetarian only )
1:30pm- Opportunity to visit Museum of art and culture, yapang which is close by.
What to bring on the day
Morning tea to share/ vegetarian plate to share for lunch.
Please bring a chair
Enclosed footwear is compulsory
Sunscreen and hat
Wet weather gear if needed. This event will go ahead in light rain and there is covered areas.
Surpluce produce /plants for swap table
We look forward to seeing you there!
Please note: You will need to be a member of HOGS to attend. If you aren't a member, you can sign up by visiting https://www.hunterorganicgrowerssociety.org.au/join-us or you can sign up on the day.
Agenda
What the day will look like
10:00am: Sign-in, intro, and a warm welcome with tea, coffee and morning tea provided. 10:30am: Working bee - Clearing lantana on the riverbank, planting natives and building steps down to the river. 12:30pm: Freshly cooked lunch will be provided by Amorelle. Please let us know your dietary requirements upon check-out. 1:30pm: Amorelle will demonstrate how to make a beautiful Sri Lankan dessert. 2:00pm: Enjoy dessert and a cuppa before going home. 2.30-3.00pm: Wrap up and finish There will be a fire pit going all day😊
How to Get There
From Maitland and Dungog turn into Durham road at the Beaty Hotel. Left into Glendowbrook Road. Pound Crossing is the left after the bridge. From Singleton: Glendowbrook road and Pound Crossing on the right. Directions for parking on arrival. Keep on paved road and do not drive in property if wet in 2WD. We look forward to seeing you there!
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
