A once bare half-acre block has been transformed into a thriving, water-wise permaculture haven in just four years — and visitors to the 2026 Edible Gardens Festival will have the chance to see it for themselves.
Created by permaculture teachers Pippa Buchanan and Tim Boykett, this inspiring property is one of six open gardens featured on the festival program. It offers a practical, real-world example of how to grow food, build soil and live more sustainably in the Margaret River region.
Powered by rainwater, solar and battery storage, the garden has been designed as a resilient, low-input system that works with nature. Festival-goers can explore a productive vegetable patch, fruit and nut trees, syntropic planting rows and native verge gardens, all working together to support biodiversity and long-term soil health.
A showcase of sustainable living solutions
The property also showcases a range of sustainable living solutions. That includes a composting toilet, biochar pit, chickens for natural fertility, and extensive use of recycled materials. Thoughtful plantings provide wind protection. And homemade mulch systems help retain moisture and improve soil — critical strategies in a drying climate.
Importantly, the garden doesn’t shy away from real-world challenges. Visitors will gain practical tips for managing invasive kikuyu grass, making this a valuable stop for both experienced growers and those just getting started.
As part of the program, Tim will host a garden demonstration on fossil fuel-free gardening. He’ll show how to ditch the lawnmower using a traditional scythe. Scythes will also be available for purchase on the day.
Visitors can relax and refuel with the Merri Bee Organic Farmacy curry van, making it easy to spend time soaking up ideas and chatting with the growers.
Visit six productive gardens across the weekend
The garden is part of the broader Edible Gardens Festival, which returns from May 22–24 across the Margaret River region. The annual not-for-profit sustainability festival features six open productive gardens. And a full program of live demonstrations, gardener talks and hands-on workshops designed to inspire and educate home growers of all levels.
For the first time, the festival also features a seasonal long table lunch — now sold out — celebrating the best local produce and growers. The expanded workshop program has proven equally popular, with many sessions already sold out and only limited spots remaining across the weekend.
“Whether you’re growing your first herbs or managing a full backyard food forest, the Edible Gardens Festival is all about sharing knowledge and practical skills,” says festival organiser Trevor Paddenburg. “This garden is a standout example of what can be achieved in a short time with good design and commitment. It’s incredibly inspiring, but also very achievable.”
Permaculture in practice, accessible for everyone
Tickets remain at 2025 prices, with single-day open garden tickets $20 (free for children 16 and under) and workshops $25. With both days of open gardens selling fast and the festival having sold out for the past four years, early booking is strongly recommended via www.ediblegardensfestival.au, where the full program is available.
Festival-goers can also take advantage of the $10 festival bus, which runs to all gardens each day, making it easy to attend every talk and demonstration without the hassle of driving. Margaret River Mitre 10 is again offering ticket-holders a 20 per cent discount on fruit trees, potted plants and vegetable seedlings.
A big thanks to our supporters
The festival is proudly supported by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Margaret River Regional Environment Centre, Margaret River Mitre 10, Lazarus Horticulture, Yates Hort and Ag, Mumballup Organics, South West Tree Services and Cape to Cape Explorer Tours.
Also participating in the festival is 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.