FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets for adults (including concession card holders and seniors) are $20 to visit all gardens or $5 for an individual garden.
Entry is free for children under 16 years.
Can I use my ticket to go to gardens on both days of the weekend?
Yes, there are about 15 participating gardens, so some people may choose to visit half the gardens on Saturday and the other gardens on the Sunday.
How can I buy tickets?
The easiest way is to buy tickets online at: https://www.trybooking.com/BTVWB. Please either have tickets available on your phone or print a copy for check-in.
You can also buy tickets on the weekend at the gardens. We can only do cash sales, so correct money is appreciated.
Will you refund tickets?
No, but you can transfer your ticket to a friend if you are unable to attend.
Tickets will only be refunded (less the booking fee) if the Victorian Government announces any Covid related lockdowns or restrictions that mean the event is unable to proceed.
What information is available to help me choose which gardens to visit?
Our website, https://www.basscoastediblegardens.com/ has detailed descriptions and photos of each garden. Whether your interest is in permaculture, wicking beds or espaliering, we have a garden for you!
Will the event occur if the weather is bad?
Yes, the event will proceed in all weather conditions. As a coastal shire, Bass Coast has a healthy mix of rain, sunshine and wind – all of which helps our food gardens grow! Please bring sunscreen, umbrellas or gumboots, depending on the weather forecast.
Is the event safe for children to attend?
Children are welcome to attend to inspire their interest in gardening. Some of the food gardens are on farms, so there may be farm animals, bee hives and unfenced dams. Parents and guardians should ensure that children are supervised at all times.
Is there a shuttle bus or public transport between the gardens?
No, the participating gardens are distributed across the whole of Bass Coast shire. This is the first year of the event. We will consider demand for a shuttle bus service in subsequent years, based on feedback.
How can I find the open food gardens?
The brochure/map on our website has the addresses and a map showing the location of each garden. There will be roadside signs on the approach to each garden, pointing you in the right direction.
Can I hire a mini-bus and bring a group of friends?
Yes. There will be volunteers at each garden entry who will direct you to suitable parking. Please note that there may be limited parking for larger vehicles at some food gardens.
How accessible are the gardens?
The gardens differ in their accessibility. Some gardens have steps or slopes that will not be fully accessible for all visitors.
What COVID restrictions will apply?
Updated 18 Feb The Bass Coast Edible Gardens weekend will be a COVIDSafe event that complies with the most recent Victorian Government requirements at the time.
Recent (18 February) Victorian Government changes to COVIDsafe event practices mean that our Bass Coast Edible Gardens event will not require QR code check-ins at each garden. As before, masks are not required.
HOWEVER, we ask that visitors continue to observe social distancing. If gardens are crowded, volunteers may request you wait briefly so that everyone can enjoy the garden at their leisure.
Any subsequent updates will be posted on this website.
Can I bring my pet along?
Pets may not mix well with farm animals or bee hives, so please leave your pets at home.
Is there access to toilets?
Toilets are available in some of the community gardens. The private homes that are opening their gardens are not able to provide access to toilets. Information on public toilets is available at: https://toiletmap.gov.au/
Where can I buy food or coffee?
In general, most gardens will not be offering any food or drink. Information on some of the amazing food experiences available in Bass Coast is available at: https://www.visitbasscoast.com.au/experiences/eat-drink
Who is organising the event?
Bass Coast Adult Learning (BCAL), a community-based adult education provider located in Wonthaggi is the primary agency organising the open garden event. BCAL has brought together diverse groups across Bass Coast Shire with interests in healthy living, growing food locally and climate change to produce the inaugural Bass Coast Edible Gardens weekend.
Where does the money go?
The money from ticket sales goes to BCAL, a not-for-profit adult education provider, which also delivers a range of horticulture training programs. The takings from ticket sales cover the costs of running the event including advertising, road and garden signs and production and printing of brochures. Gardeners receive our sincere thanks and admiration but no remuneration. Garden entries are staffed by volunteers.