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.
Typical species we will find on the day include dandelion, sowthistle, flatweed, onionweed, wild olives, plantain, dock and more.

Each participant will receive a booklet detailing 16 of the most common wild edibles of the Sydney Basin.

People can come on the day with samples of weedy plants they have in their garden for possible ID.

WHERE:
Departing from the Summerhouse in Callan Park.
See this link for directions

WHEN:
Sunday, 12 October, 10am - 12:30pm

COST:
Adult $70
Friends in forage (two adults) $120
Concession/Pensioner/Child 5-12 $50
Under 5 yo FREE

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) 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.

About your host:

Diego is an edible weeds advocate based in Sydney, most famous 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 medicinal plants that surround us. He has collaborated with chefs, herbalists, environmentalists, and cultural workers; he is also an artist passionate about using his practice to restore botanical literacy to communities. Diego has been featured by Marie Claire, GQ Australia, Lonely Planet, The Sydney Morning Herald, ABC, and SBS, among other media outlets.
Diego is the author of the best-selling book Eat Weeds.

Check a media review of Diego's works here>, his Gardening Australia segment here>, and his appearance on Better Homes and Garden here>

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?
Unfortunately this workshop is not suitable for your pet.

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 we will go ahead, just bring an umbrella. Plants are so much happier when is raining and will be the chance for you to look at species when they are at their best. If heavy rain or strong winds 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 can no longer go, give a present to someone that 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.

Testimonials:

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.
Bronwyn and Grant, 2021

I have made an observation about what I have learned from you. By introducing the dimension of the different tastes of the different plants into my experience I am relating to my environment in a totally different and much richer way.  When I walk into my backyard I no longer see different shaped green things, I am distinguishing between plants by look and taste.
Thank you for giving me those eyes.
Nigel 2014

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

I really enjoyed your terrific workshop in Pennant Hills yesterday. I really like your quirky presentation style - very engaging, really interesting information and some very powerful messages underneath. I also really appreciated the way you valued and made use of the people in the group.
I learned a lot and got inspired to start eating farmer's friend among other things. Thank you :)
Jen 2016

I would like to acknowledge the original custodians of the land were this workshop will take place, 
the Cadigal-Wangal people of the Eora nation, and would like to pay my respect to elders past, 
present and future. May your wisdom thrive.