How did you get started growing and selling your produce?
We’ve been here around 30 years, and it’s changed a lot since we first got here. It’s evolved from a little kitchen garden that just expanded. I had friends asking if I would grow for them, so I started doing boxes for friends, and then doing boxes for their friends and then I realised there was a market locally.
What is your relationship with your community like?
Those who might want to grow more themselves, they ask me questions. Sometimes they ask if they can have a look – I’m always happy to show them. I learn a lot about the people around the neighbourhood, and hopefully they learn more about gardening.
Have you always been interested in growing food?
I came from a household that thanks to my mum and dad, was like a mini market garden in itself. I remember dad growing bitter melons in eastern Victoria in Alexandra, near Eildon. He had seeds from China – bit naughty nowadays. I remember him devising a little method to see if his watermelon was ripe. He would cut a little square, take it out, taste it, and it would recover.
How has living in Tasmania influenced your thoughts on seasonality?
Seasonality means something that has grown locally. It hasn’t travelled a lot of miles, it hasn’t sat on in a box, or on a shelf for a while. Locally grown seasonal food is often found in Tasmania and is grown very slowly. That’s where the flavour builds up. I know that for sure with herbs.
What is it like growing produce for chefs?
I work quite closely with the chefs that I pick for. Sometimes I let a chef know that things are a little slow slowing up, or I suddenly have a whole bit of something that’s ready.
I’m very lucky to work with such understanding chefs because they’re very accommodating and will say, gosh, yes, we can certainly take those speedy carrots or whatever it is! We have a very give and take relationship, and a very thoughtful relationship. It takes so much stress out of out of producing.
Do you have any advice for people interested in growing their own food?
I think it’s the most wholesome experience and life enhancing experience to grow some of your own vegetables, because it revolutionises the way you cook and revolutionises your life, it simplifies your life. ou no longer have to worry about shopping lists, you can just go out, you can forage for what’s available then and there.
I found it impossible to retire if you’re a gardener. If gardening is a passion of yours, it’s always going to be there and it’s a wonderful passion to have!
