An Initiative of
Our story
Bass Coast Edible Gardens celebrates a shared passion for growing food, building community and promoting sustainability.
Our beginnings
In 2021, Maddy Harford from Bass Coast Adult Learning, a keen gardener herself, convened a group of local organisations and individual volunteers to gauge interest in the establishment of an open edible gardens event across Bass Coast. A small, enthusiastic planning group commenced: shaping the concept, establishing a timetable, designing a promotional campaign and sourcing funds. Most importantly, we put out calls – on social media, in the press and by word of mouth – for gardeners willing to open their gardens and share their knowledge and experience. The response was heartwarming and exciting!​
Our volunteer Gardens Coordinator, Sharon Willcox, visited all the gardens, took photos and wrote stories to encourage visitors. The first Bass Coast Edible Gardens Weekend was held on February 19 and 20, 2022, comprising 10 private gardens and five community gardens.
Our aims
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To inspire and encourage people to grow food, either in their own garden or in one of the several community gardens across the shire; and
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To promote the principle of 'grow your own', with all the individual and communal benefits that flow including: cheaper, healthier and tastier food, physical activity and increased social contacts, and environmental benefits.
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Our event was and continues to be a fundraiser for Bass Coast Adult Learning - a community-based education and training centre in Wonthaggi, which also delivers training in all things horticultural! Gardeners donate their time and effort and our not-so-small army of volunteers manage signage, ticketing and garden entry, in return for which they receive a free ticket to visit the other gardens. The hallmark of our event is diversity: gardens are spread across Bass Coast shire, and display a range of approaches to growing food in varied spaces from 'pocket handkerchief' backyards to acreages and community gardens.
Our evolution
We have been delighted to welcome and participate in spin-off events.​​​​
In 2024 Bass Coast Shire Council funded about 30 Garden Gems workshops to provide skills to new gardeners. Coordinated by BCAL, the workshops were delivered at the eight community gardens across Bass Coast.​​​
In 2024 ArtSpace Community Gallery in Wonthaggi held a complementary art exhibition featuring work by local artists that celebrated growing food and edible gardens. In 2025 ArtSpace will again launch an Edible Gardens art exhibition on Sunday, 2 February.
Our success
Our visitor numbers have grown each year, generating profits that support the work of BCAL. Community gardens across Bass Coast have thrived with new members.
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Our event is now well-known, courtesy of the beautiful artwork produced by illustrator, Brenna Quinlan and the graphic design of our brochure produced by local designer, Dave Hubble. Our social media presence has bloomed with the contribution of many creative hands including Deb Watson in 2022, Sharon Willcox in 2023, Alex Lieb in 2024 and Angelica Quiceno in 2025.
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We invite you to come visit and be inspired!​
Stay connected!
We'd love to hear from you. Follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates, or feel free to reach out via email at bceg@bcal.vic.edu.au for any inquiries or questions. Let's continue growing together!