Wild edibles identification workshop- Blue Mountains

You will never look at your backyard in the same way again after taking part in this workshop.

Join wild food expert Diego Bonetto on a 2.5-hour stroll in the commons and learn about the most common edible and medicinal plants that surround us all.

This workshop will give insights into the abundance of edibles thriving in the Blue Mountains region. Typical species we will talk about include chickweed, dandelion, sowthistle, ironweed, flatweed, farmer’s friend, and peppercress.

This workshop is offered in consultation with the volunteers of the Blue Mountain Organic Community Gardens. Read more and participate in the local community here>

Take a walk in the commons and discover the abundance of native and non-native edibles to be found underfoot. You will learn local stories of plant resilience woven with cultural trivia, migrant perspectives, and native wisdom. We will discuss the role weeds play in repairing and building soil and you will find out how they have been used for food, craft, and natural remedies.

Most importantly, you will discover key identification features so as to safely harvest from your surroundings and enrich your diet with vitamins and minerals.
This workshop has been designed to provide participants with solid skills in plant identification, re-learning old stories while paying respect to public and ancient resources.

Each participant will receive a booklet detailing 16 of the most common wild edibles and a follow-up package with links to online resources for further research.

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 carpark of the Blue Mountains Organic Community Gardens
10 Victoria St, Katoomba
NSW 2780

WHEN:
Sunday, 2nd of February, 10 am to 12:30

COST:
Adult $60
Friends in forage (two adults) $100
Concession/Pensioner $40

If you cannot afford the costs please get in contact as we have sponsorships available.

CONTACT DETAILS: Diego 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) to 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.

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 is raining, it will be the chance for you to look at the species when they are at their best. If heavy rain or strong wind 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 on 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.

“Thank you so very much Diego! It was such a pleasure to meet you and I really enjoyed the workshop. I loved it so much I am going to tell lots of people about it. Very informative and very fun!
Thanks for sharing these resources and thanks for opening my eyes to the world of weeds :)”

— Kate, 2015

“Hello Diego,
I just wanted to thank you for the great workshop on Saturday, I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to pursuing this more. It is certainly astonishing to think how ignorant most of us are of all of this opportunity around us.... I’m constantly looking at my feet now to see if I can spot any edible weeds!
Thank you for making it a fun morning.”

— Georgia 2016

“Take one of these affordable weekly tours – by a man who’s taught some of Sydney’s top chefs to forage – and you’ll be picking like a pro in no time.”

— Brodasheet, 2020

“Fantastic experience!! Diego shared his knowledge with us in a way that was very enlightening, respectful to nature and fun to our hearts! Highly recommended it!!”

— Mari, 2021

I would like to acknowledge the original custodians of the land were this workshop will take place, the Dharug and Gundungurra people, and would like to pay my respect to elders past, present and future. May your wisdom thrive and guide us.