Centennial Parklands Tuesday Foraging Workshop, January 14
Centennial Parklands Tuesday Foraging Workshop, January 14
Take a walk in the park and discover the edible and medicinal plants living around you.
Tuesday, January 14, 10 am -12:30 pm
Tuesday Foraging Workshop
Learn about the most common species growing in your garden, along the green belts and in parks and reserves. Find out how they have been used for food, craft and natural remedies. This is a family and pet-friendly stroll in the park, dress for the weather bring a camera and notebook if you wish to retain the information.
The workshop has been scheduled for a Tuesday morning for all those people who cannot attend on weekends. This is a fantastic time to be out as there are fewer people around and you can indulge in more plant knowledge per metre ratio!
This workshop has been organised in consultation with the Centennial Parklands Education Team and is designed to provide participants with solid skills on plant identification, re-learning old stories while paying respect to public and ancient resources.
Typical species we will find on the day include dandelion, sowthistle, flatweed, onionweed, wild olives, plantain, dock and more.
Each participant will receive a booklet detailing 16 of the most common wild edibles of Sydney.
People can come on the day with samples of weedy plants they have in their garden for possible ID.
About your host:
Diego is an edible weed advocate renowned for his offering of urban foraging workshops. Building on the knowledge acquired while growing up on a farm in Italy, Diego introduces people to the ever-present food and medicine plants that surround us. He collaborates extensively with chefs, herbalists, environmentalists, and cultural workers promoting a new understanding of what the environment has to offer.
Diego is the author of the best-selling book Eat Weeds.
Check a media review of Diego's works here> and his Gardening Australia segment here> and the appearance on Better Homes and Garden here>
WHERE:
Departing from the back of Queens Park Kitchen
Darley Rd, Queens Park
NSW 2031
WHEN:
Tuesday, 14th of January, 10 am to 12:30 pm
COST:
Adult $60
Concession/Student/Pensioner $40
Friends in forage (two adults) $100
If you cannot afford the costs please get in contact as we have sponsorships available.
CONTACT DETAILS: info[at]diegobonetto.com
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE FINALISING YOUR BOOKING.
This is an all-weather event. We will only cancel the outing in case of heavy rain or dangerously gusty winds, via email and phone call 2 days before the date, offering a place on another tour.
Refund Policy: Due to the nature of the event, we will not issue any refunds for unused tickets sold. Please make sure you are available to attend before you finalise your booking.
Reschedule Policy: If you need to reschedule we can offer you a Gift Voucher up to four weeks (4) before the event. This voucher can be used against any workshop of the same value and is valid for three years. If less than four weeks’ notice is given, you can pass on the ticket to someone else.
“Thank you so much, Diego, for your storytelling, knowledge and good humour .you have made it easy to remember. We really enjoyed spending time today learning about this country and the plants that live with us. I am fired up to learn more and try some new tastes.
Thank you for giving back some lost culture and we entirely agree that whatever resources we have would be better used than destroyed.
I will recommend you to everyone.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are we going to be harvesting plants?
No, we will learn about plants. We will only collect a few leaves and flowers here and there and with those, we will discuss ID features. The main aim of the workshop is to empower you with identification skills so that when you go back home you can recognise with confidence some useful plants in your own garden/surroundings.
Are we going to scramble in the wilderness?
No, no bush bashing. We will walk on even ground and sometimes might walk up a grass field, that's it. Bring your walking shoes and you will be fine.
Is this suitable for elderly people or less mobile people?
Unfortunately this particular workshop is not suitable for less mobile people. Please check the other workshops as they are better suited.
Can we try the plants?
Yes, I will offer samples of the plants we talk about for you to try. I believe taste memories are just as important as touch, smell and look.
Can I come with my dog?
Yes, as long as is well behaved with the other guests.
Can I bring the weeds from my garden for you to identify?
Yes please, I love to help to identify treasures growing in your yard!
What if it looks like it’s going to rain on the day?
If there is a chance of rain I will let you know and we will go ahead, just bring an umbrella. Plants are so much happier when wet, it will be the chance for you to look at species at their best. If heavy rain or strong winds are forecasted, I will cancel the workshop and either refund your ticket or move your booking to another date.
What if I change my mind or can no longer attend?
Please make sure you can attend before finalising your booking. I understand that unexpected events happen, so in case you can no longer come, pass on your ticket to a friend. See this as when you buy a concert ticket. If you cannot go anymore, give a present to someone you know they would enjoy it.
Can I ask specific questions at the workshop?
Absolutely. I love questions and if you have any burning one just let me know in advance or on the day and I will endeavour to provide you with answers or follow up with links that would help in your quest.
Diego Bonetto takes Gardening Australia on a forage in the backyard and in the park. Discover edible wild foods all around you and learn how to safely harvest from your surroundings.
“Hi, I just wanted to thank Diego for a wonderful 2 hours on Saturday. He was so entertaining and so knowledgeable - I enjoyed the time immensely and would love Centennial parklands to pass on my thanks to him please. ”
“Hi Diego,
Thank you again for such an interesting and enjoyable morning! My brain was sparking over and over, I loved the combination of practical knowledge about how to identify and use the plants, and your unpacking of the political/ethical/contextual dimensions of foraging...
Food for thought.”
I acknowledge the original custodians of the land where this workshop will take place, the Cadigal people of the Eora nation, and pay my respect to elders past, present and future. May your wisdom thrive and guide us.
