Open Food Garden Event Is Growing Good Things
Published on 16 January 2023
This media release is shared in partnership with Creative Harvest.
Creative Harvest, West Gippsland's sixth consecutive open food garden weekend is on 28 and 29 January 2023 from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.
Fifteen private food-producing gardens ranging from small suburban backyards to large family farms will host 30 artists and creatives, including beekeepers, winemakers, jam makers, jewellers, mosaic makers, painters, printmakers and sculptors. Some of Gippsland's finest food and drink providers will also be in selected gardens.
"Creative Harvest is a celebration of sustainability and community and a showcase for West Gippsland's creative movers and shakers. We aim to demonstrate how simple it is to start or expand your own thriving food garden – in your kitchen window box, small backyard or on a large lifestyle block," said Kristy Plumridge, Chair of the Creative Harvest Committee.
Food gardening is gaining momentum
In 2022, in the wake of the global pandemic, over 1000 city-dwelling and regional Victorians flocked to Creative Harvest to explore earth-friendly ways to grow their own food, connect to the community and find local sources of fresh, top-quality produce.
'Visitors told us that the pandemic had heightened their awareness of the value of self-sufficient food security and sparked an urge to garden and to buy locally grown produce. This year, we're seeing more interest than ever. People are concerned about the rising cost of fresh food, and there's growing public demand to know where food comes from and how it's produced," explained Kristy.
Hands-on workshops
Four hands-on workshops are a Creative Harvest innovation for 2023. Visitors can buy tickets to learn skills in hot composting, preserving and fermenting homegrown produce, growing veggies from seed or extracting dye from local flora.
A fun, family-friendly way to discover West Gippsland
Creative Harvest offers all ages ample opportunity to explore, learn and enjoy a great weekend in West Gippsland. Single, Family & Senior Weekend Passes are available.
Launched in 2018, Creative Harvest is an annual event organised by members of the Baw Baw Sustainability Network (BBSN).
Baw Baw Shire Council was pleased to provide a $5000 Community Sponsorship Grant to Baw Baw Sustainability Network to support the delivery of the event. The grant was provided as part of Council’s annual Community Sponsorship Program that supports vibrant social and community outcomes for Baw Baw Shire.
Media Enquiries can be directed to Kristy Plumridge:
Email - hellocreativeharvest@gmail.com
Mobile - 0417 316 599
Quote attributable to Deputy Mayor Cr Michael Leaney
“Creative Harvest is a fantastic annual event that showcases the diversity of food, produce, crafts and creatives that we have on offer in our beautiful region.
I encourage visitors from all over the state to head over to Creative Harvest for the weekend, have a chat with some of the local gardeners and talented makers, and gain some inspiration and learnings to take home with you!”