Don't we all love a holiday?
The anticipation and researching what the location has on offer is a huge part of the vibe. Finding botanic gardens and parks is the ultimate with community gardens and open garden schemes a close second.
One of the big attractions for me is that these green places are peaceful, quiet and give respite from the mayhem of your surrounds.
Public gardens are a valuable educational resource (providing something for all the family) and they are a treasure trove of information on the plants on display. What's more the staff and volunteers are enthusiastic and keen to share whatever knowledge they have about the garden.
Many Botanic Parks have incorporated a bush tucker or edible plant walk section in their gardens, usually with an emphasis on indigenous species.
I always find it fascinating to discover how plants were used in the different regions, how they were prepared and how they are now being incorporated into mainstream diets.
It's taken a while but I think Australia is slowly starting to realise what culinary gems we have on our doorstep.
More importantly, governments are beginning to invest in programs like the Northern Native Seed Industry Development Initiative (NNSIDI) which assists Aboriginal enterprises to set up seed production areas that trial seed and fruit for use in the bushfood industry.
Another terrific initiative that promotes traditional knowledge in combination with western science is the Two-Way Science program.
This program is being incorporated into remote schools in Western Australia which have a high percentage of first nations students.
I found as a teacher that a strategy of a 'hands on' to learning, where kids get to feel, smell and observe changes in their natural environment struck a chord with many students who might otherwise have been disengaged.
Requests for help to establish bush food trails on school grounds and communities are coming thick and fast. Of course, the establishment of these trails benefit everyone in the community, especially the elderly, who can no longer access traditional foods and medicine on country because they are too frail or lack transport options.
As the movement around Australia for people to be involved in community gardens, school walk trails and botanic gardens gains momentum it is also becoming easier to access funding for their establishment. Shire Councils and State Government departments provide community grants as do many philanthropic organisations
Want to be inspired? Visit the Cairns Botanic Garden in the suburb of Edge Hill. This tropical paradise covers a whopping 38 hectares and includes an Aboriginal plant use garden, a spice garden and a tropical fruits garden.
Darwin's George Brown Botanic Garden is another spectacular place to visit and is in walking distance of the City Centre. It has amazing gardens both native and introduced, with the garden displaying useful plants of the Tiwi Islands one of my favourites.
And if you haven't been to Kings Park in Perth, you need to.
These places are only a tiny sample of many of the amazing botanic gardens in Australia. The bonus is most of them are free!
