A Berry Big Opportunity for Daylesford’s Paddock Project
Local gardeners can pick up a berry bush or grapevine and help Daylesford’s Paddock Project grow. Gareth Devenish of Farm Tree Nursery has teamed up with Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre for A Berry Big Sale, generously offering to contribute 30 per cent of all sales from the fundraiser to the project.
The sale features established berry bushes and grapevines in 150–200 mm pots for $15 each or three for $35. Choose from seven varieties: Concord and Merlot grapes, boysenberry, blackcurrant, jostaberry, ‘Roaring Lion’ gooseberry and ‘Chilcotin’ raspberry.
The Paddock Project brings people together on Monday mornings to put sustainable living into practice. Alongside the vegetable beds, a chook house is taking shape. Through workshops, participants have learned how to prune and propagate plants, preserve seasonal produce and find new uses for materials that might otherwise go to waste. They’ve also spent time getting to know the native plants that grow around Daylesford.
These activities have a purpose beyond the Paddock. Knowing how to grow food and make a harvest last gives households more ways to put fresh, locally grown food on the table. Sharing those skills helps strengthen local food security. The project also gives neighbours a regular place to work together, pass on what they know and build friendships along the way.
Plants are available at Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre, 13 Camp Street, Daylesford, from 9 am to 3 pm Monday to Thursday and 9 am to 1.30 pm Friday. To learn more about the Paddock Project, email admin@dncentre.org.au or visit dncentre.org.au/courses. You can also find both The Farm Tree Nursery and the Paddock Project on Facebook!
