Thousands of conversations were sparked, hundreds of gardens explored, and a powerful sense of community resilience flourished across the Margaret River region as the Edible Gardens Festival wrapped up another hugely successful year.
With sold-out workshops, packed open gardens, a sold-out long table lunch and strong crowds across the entire weekend, this year’s festival confirmed what organisers have long believed — people are hungry for practical hope, connection and positive action.
Festival-goers travelled from across the South-West, WA and beyond to learn how to grow food at home, compost, reduce waste, save money, support biodiversity, care for soil, go organic and live more sustainably in increasingly uncertain times.
The third and final day of the festival wrapped up on Sunday under perfect sunny skies. It capped off a weekend full of inspiring talks, demonstrations, workshops and vibrant community energy.
Growing desire for people to reconnect
Edible Gardens Festival organiser Trev Paddenburg said the overwhelming response reflected a growing desire for people to reconnect. Both with nature, with food systems and with each other.
“In a world where people are feeling the pressure of soaring living costs, fuel prices, environmental degradation and a growing sense that ordinary communities are losing power to massive corporations and political interests, this festival offered something deeply positive and empowering,” he said.
“People are looking for ways to become more resilient. More connected. And less dependent on systems that often feel broken or beyond their control.
“Growing your own food, sharing knowledge, supporting local growers and building stronger communities might seem simple. But these are powerful acts. It’s part of a quiet revolution. This weekend showed there is a huge appetite for practical solutions, community connection and grassroots change.”
Celebrating the joy of home-grown food
Across the festival, attendees explored stunning productive gardens, learned from passionate gardeners and sustainability experts, swapped ideas and seeds, and celebrated the simple joy of home-grown food.
The event also highlighted the strength of community collaboration. Volunteers, host gardeners, teachers, stall holders, food and drink vendors, local businesses and sponsors all played a vital role in bringing the festival to life.
Trev thanked every person who attended, volunteered or contributed. “This festival is built by community, for community,” he said.
“The generosity of people willing to open their gardens, share their knowledge and donate their time is what makes the Edible Gardens Festival so special. The atmosphere across the weekend was incredibly uplifting.”
Workshops and bus service add to festival flair
The festival also delivered strong economic and environmental outcomes. Hundreds of attendees participated in workshops and many took advantage of the festival bus service. Others rode bikes or shared transport options to reduce traffic and emissions while travelling between gardens.
Trev said the event’s success demonstrated that sustainable living was rapidly moving from a niche interest to a mainstream community priority. “What we saw this weekend was hope in action,” he said. “People want to feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. They want practical skills. They want stronger communities. And they want healthier food systems. Plus, they want a healthier environment for future generations.”
Supporters pave the way for success
The festival was proudly supported by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Margaret River Regional Environment Centre, gold sponsor Margaret River Mitre 10, and silver sponsors Lazarus Horticulture, Yates Hort and Ag, Mumballup Organics, South West Tree Services and Cape to Cape Explorer Tours.
Margaret River Mitre 10 again offered ticket-holders a 20 per cent discount on fruit trees, potted plants and vegetable seedlings until this Sunday, helping festival-goers put their new knowledge into action at home.
Participating businesses and contributors also included Burnside Organic Farm, Soil Dynamics, Seasol, The Farm House Margaret River, Wayfinder Wines, Yates, Shogun Tools, South West Orchard Builders, Shelter Brewing Co, Capes Horticulture, Plumo Market Garden, Witchcliffe Permaculture & Design, Vegepod, Wild Lot Distillery, Capes Foundation, El Kapo Hot Sauce, Yeye Natural Farm, Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, Margaret River Community Pantry, Water Corporation, South Regional TAFE and the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association.
Planning is already underway for next year’s festival.