Tending Country to Heal, Connect & Belong
Once the earth was our garden, where we foraged for food, fibre and medicine. We lived in sacred reciprocity with Country. Together we can re-imagine the Earth-Garden. We can co-create wild abundant landscapes in harmony with natures rhythms. When we care for Country, she cares for us. May we live again in a garden that nurtures belonging, connection and healing.
Gardening & Permaculture
Growing and harvesting food, medicine and fibre connects us in profound ways to the earth, ourselves and others. I offer a range of workshops, courses, and gatherings that facilitate deep nature connection through the sacred and radical practice of wild gardening.
Gardening Course
Hands on community gardening course
Permaculture Workshop
Practical low-cost, low impact living & gardening
Forest Gardening Workshop
Nature-based gardening for low-work adundance
Seed Saving Workshop
Save seed for resilient crops & resilient futures
Foraging & Bush Foods
Our wild landscapes are brimming with plants for food, medicine and fibre. Take a walk along any urban street or in any patch of bush, and if you know what to look for, you will find abundance. Get to know the weeds, fruits, natives and exotic species that can nourish your body, mind and soul.
Forage Wanders
Discover food, fibre, medicine & myth in wild places
Bush Food Gardening
Create a native garden for humans & nature
Gatherings
Come gather in the bush and garden, around the fire with food, story and music. Let's rekindle our ancient ways with re-wilding skills and wild gardening. For all those who yearn to deepen roots in community, in nature and in belonging.
Rewilding Days
Gather round the fire to share bush skills
Gardening Together
Let's co-create abundant, vibrant wonderlands
Kids Gather
Family gatherings in nature to play and learn
Photo credit Max Roux
About Leila
Hi
I am the Barefoot Gardener. I am privileged to have grown up in the food forest my parents created. As an adult I experimented with gardening styles to discover that the less I interfere, the more productive and beautiful the garden becomes. Nature has an innate intelligence for abundance. Over time I developed a unique style of low-work, no-dig, wild gardening.
For many years I was a single parent with a chronic illness, yet I always had energy to garden. In fact, the garden energised me. I discovered the healing power of gardening. I began to see gardening as a spiritual practice - the land and I healed together in reciprocal relation.
Since childhood I felt a responsibility to care for the earth and humanity. For a decade I worked to create a more sustainable food systems, on community projects, in research and as an educator. I became disillusioned. I realised that to create real positive change, I needed to embody the change I wanted to see. I slowed down, I tuned into nature, I listened for my calling. The garden spoke to me. It said "share this, inspire others".
I am dedicated to supporting others to create wild gardens, to forage, make medicine, and gather in community. These practices connect us in profound ways to the earth, self and spirit. It is an honour and privilege to do this work.
Words about my practice as a gardener and life
Articles, interviews, magazine stories
The transformation story of our urban rental
Consultations
Imagine how much you could learn from a long chat and look around your patch with a gardening expert. No matter what your space or how wild your ideas, I can work with you to transform your patch into an edible wonderland.