Post Care Pathways gardening workshop

October marked a significant milestone in our Post Care Pathways Greening Project with an engaging and heartwarming Gardening Workshop that brought together a village of supporters.

The collaborative event saw leading South Australian gardening expert Sophie Thomson and Nat from Green Adelaide work alongside young people aged 18-25 with a lived care experience all keen to learn about how to grow their own food and build a space for community and connection.

With wicking beds installed by Adelaide Hills Vegie Gardens, and filled with soils and compost from Jeffries, everyone was keen to get their hands dirty and plant a range of seedlings donated by Bickleigh Vale Farm including lettuce, Asian greens, chilli, tomato, spring onion, strawberry, coriander, and parsley.

Green Adelaide and Believe Housing Australia have provided funding for the project which aims to provide an enhanced green space that will have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the young residents.

AnglicareSA‘s Manager, Leaving and Post Care Services, Jenna Masi said the young gardeners immersed themselves in the hands-on experience, learning about sustainable gardening practices and the joys of growing their own food.

“One young person shared their disbelief at the possibility of creating a garden like this,” Jenna said.

“That really encapsulated the transformative nature of the workshop and the project – it’s not always just about the planting.

“In the weeks since the planting day we are thrilled that we have already seen the first harvest with one of young people creating a side dish with the salad greens and herbs he had planted.”

Jenna said the success of the workshop could be attributed to a village of supporters including Sophie and Nat as well as the Believe Housing Australia team which prepared a barbecue lunch to keep everyone fuelled up for the day.

“This gardening workshop was not just an event; it was a celebration of community, teamwork, and the joy of growing together,” Jenna said.

“As the young people began to see their efforts come to life with beautiful, thriving wicking beds — and now with the excitement of our first harvest — we are filled with anticipation for the next planting day.”