Sustainable Garden Trail 2024

Experience the first of our Sustainable Garden Trails, an eco-conscious journey through vibrant backyards aimed at preserving resources and enhancing biodiversity. Explore innovative permaculture techniques like rainwater harvesting and organic composting. Engage in mini workshops on native bees, garden weaving, and thrifty gardening tips, all while discovering Cardiff's surprising surroundings. Connect with fellow nature enthusiasts and be inspired to cultivate a sustainable lifestyle.

About the event:

We are four eco-focused households thrilled to open our gardens to you this October 🎉✨

Step into our vibrant, sustainable backyards—real spaces created by real people, complete with their quirks, weeds, and all! These gardens reflect our passion for sustainability and our commitment to living green on a small block on a budget or a small acreage.

🌱 What to Expect:

- All Gardens open 10am to 3pm

- Tours of our authentic, eco-friendly gardens

- Mini-Workshops on practical tips for sustainable gardening, native bees, natural weaving and thrifty gardening practices.

- Insights into budget-friendly permaculture techniques and green living practices

- Opportunities to connect with like-minded nature enthusiasts

Discover how we’ve transformed our spaces with creativity and resourcefulness, proving that sustainable living is both achievable and rewarding. Come see the beauty in our hands-on, real-world approaches to gardening and green living.

We can't wait to share our sustainable journeys with you in October.

All Gardens Open 10 AM - 3 PM

Optional Mini Workshops (Please book an additional ticket)  All mini workshops $2 donation on the day with trail ticket but bookings essential

10:00 AM: Cardiff Heights.

Join Anna Scobie for a tour of her ¾-acre property.
Explore this recently permaculture-designed space still under construction, featuring the ‘Urban Hum Tiny Forest,’ goats, chickens, and creative reuse of materials. A toilet is available on-site. No dogs please.

10:30 AM Cardiff Heights 

Join Anna Noon for a deep dive into the Urban Hum Tiny Forest.
Learn about the soil preparation techniques crucial for rapid growth and the concept behind creating a tiny forest. 

Find out more about Sunday's Planting Day: https://events.humanitix.com/little-hill-grove-community-planting-day

Safety Notice: Be cautious of step slope and uneven paths. Closed, non-slip shoes are required (no thongs). Children are welcome with adult supervision. No dogs are allowed.

11:30 AM: Garden Suburb 

Simple Garden Weaving Workshop with Fibre Artist Sylvia Ray.
See examples of baskets woven from common plants and learn how to make twine for use in your own garden.

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break 

Enjoy a picnic—bring your own lunch to any of the gardens or check out the Cardiff cafes and shops. 

1:00 PM: Cardiff Suburb 

Enjoy a picnic—bring your own lunch. 

Weeds, Pests, and Weather: Embracing the Challenges
Ramble through a 1.5-acre property showcasing vegetable and flower plots, a citrus orchard, fruit trees, a massive bamboo grove, and a bush regeneration area. Learn how this green oasis copes with weeds, pests, and weather variations. Explore our organic and permaculture principles, and meet our chickens, bees, and native pollinators.

• Cuttings, seedlings, seeds, and bamboo are available for visitors to take home.
• Shady sitting areas and a toilet are available on-site.

Safety Notice: Be cautious of steps, narrow and uneven paths, small water courses (depending on rainfall), fences, and fence posts. Closed, non-slip shoes are required (no thongs). Children are welcome with close adult supervision. The flat area around the house is wheelchair accessible, though most of the garden is on a slope. No dogs are allowed.

2:00 PM: Cardiff Suburb

Thrifty Gardening Workshop with Heidi and Rachael:

Get sustainable tips on starting a garden from scratch and building community along the way.
Join Rachel and Heidi; two current permaculture design students, who have plenty of trialled tips and tricks to give you ideas to start a garden of your dream regardless of the size of your budget or your property.

While you are there, check out the resource-sharing table and visit a pop up from the Lake Mac Seed Library on-site to help you get your garden started or to add to your thriving garden without breaking the bank.

Safety Notice:
Please wear close-in shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent for your safety. This property has unfenced waterway, uneven surfaces and potential hazards. Children are welcomed with close supervision by the attending adult.
No amenities available on this property 

Additional Info:

• Address will be emailed 5 days before the event. 

• All ticket sales will be donated to The Groundswell Collective to contribute to an Aboriginal Artwork to be included in a local Tiny Forest.