Centennial Parkland Foraging Workshop, February 1
Centennial Parkland Foraging Workshop, February 1
Take a walk in the park and discover the edible and medicinal plants living around you.
Saturday, 1st of February, 10 am- 12:30pm
Wild edibles identification workshop
- the art of foraging.
You will never look at weeds in the same way again after taking part in this workshop.
Join wild food expert Diego Bonetto on a 2.5 hours stroll in the park and learn about the most common edible and medicinal plants that surround us all.
This workshop will give insights into the abundance of edibles in Sydney at this time of the year. Typical species we will talk about include: dandelion, sowthistle, ironweed, flatweed, farmers friends, mallow and peppercress.
Take a walk in the park 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 ways to safely harvest from the urban wild and enrich your diet with vitamins and minerals.
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.
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 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:
Saturday, 1st of February, 10 am to 12:30 pm
COST:
Adult $60
Concession/Child/Pensioner $40
Friends in forage (two adults) $100
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.
Diego Bonetto goes foraging on Gardening Australia. Learn how to identify and use edible weeds from your garden.
Frequent 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.
“Diego - you were so passionate about weeds, and it really caused us to step back and think about what we consume and why. I love your attitude of using our resources sustainably, and delving into using plants beneficial to us, that most people ignore. You made the journey lots of fun.”
“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.”
“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.”
As recommended by:
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.
