The WildPlay Co Bush Tucker Garden
It’s taken us two terms, but we have finally planted a bush tucker garden! While we love the flexibility of being able to pack in and pack out of unique wild environments as we will do in our new Huntly and Kangaroo Flat locations, one of the biggest advantages of having a permanent nature immersion site is undoubtedly the freedom to create a space that can remain. The bush tucker garden has always been in our vision and we are so pleased that this week the Bush Kindy kids got to be a part of its inception.
At WildPlay Co Nature Immersion, we acknowledge that we play and learn on Djaara country. We aim to create a culturally sensitive and inclusive environment that recognises and respects the cultural heritage of Djaara; their history, traditions, languages, and diverse ways of knowing and learning. One of the ways we can do this is by emphasizing a deep connection to the land and a responsibility to care for the environment. The planting of our bush tucker garden will provide many opportunities for exposing the children to Indigenous perspectives through discussions about the plants we have chosen to plant, their Indigenous names, how they have been traditionally used, which parts of the plants are used and how they are eaten. We will extend this through harvesting the bush tucker throughout the year and using it in traditional and/or modern ways.
While we have predominantly planted our bush tucker garden for consumption we recognise that many of these plants also have medicinal properties and/or ceremonial or cultural uses. We also appreciate that the uses of each indigenous plant can vary among different Indigenous groups given Aboriginal cultures are diverse and have distinct practices based on their geographic locations and traditions.
Wondering what we planted and what we plan to use the plants for? Read on!
Muntries | Emu Berries | Kunzea pomifera
A small bushy plant that has been an important traditional food source for Indigenous Australians. Berries are small and sweet and have a cranberry like flavour which can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in jams, muffins or puddings.
Chocolate Lily | Arthropodium strictum
A deliciously scented native tuber known as “Dirramaay” in the Wiradjuri language. The tubers of this plant are the main edible part although the small purple flowers can also be consumed. Tubers are juicy and have a nutty, chocolate-like flavour which can be enjoyed raw or roasted.
Native Lemongrass | Cymbopogon ambiguus
The leaves and stems of native lemongrass have a citrusy, lemon-like flavor which can be used to infuse flavour into dishes like stews, soups and teas. The leaves can also be wrapped around protein such as fish to infuse a subtly lemon flavour.
Sea Celery | Apium prostratum
Both the leaves and stems of the sea celery are edible and have a a flavor reminiscent of celery with a salty note. Sea celery can be used as a culinary herb to season seafood dishes or can be pickled or fermented to preserve its flavors for later use.
Creeping Saltbush | Atriplex semibaccata
The leaves of creeping saltbush are edible and can be consumed either raw or cooked. The leaves have a salty flavor, which is characteristic of many saltbush varieties. The leaves can be added to salads, stir-fries, or used as a seasoning in stews and other dishes.
Purple Coral Pea | Happy Wanderer | Hardenbergia violacea
The Purple Coral Pea is a hardy climbing plant with beautiful purple-pea flowers. The flowers of the purple coral pea are often edible and may be used as a decorative element in salads or as a garnish for various dishes. You can also crush and boil the leaves to make a tea similar in taste to green tea.
Murnong | Yam Daisy | Microseris lanceolata
The tuberous roots of the Murnong Daisy are the main edible part and are starchy, tasting similar to a sweet potato or chestnut. Murnong tubers can be eaten raw but are more palatable when roasted, baked or steamed.
Inland Pigface | Beach Banana | Carpobrotus glaucescens
A native Australian succulent plant with edible leaves and fruit. The fleshy leaves of the Inland Pigface are juicy adding a crisp, salty texture and taste to salads when consumed raw. The fruit, when available can also be consumed fresh or used in desserts and jams. Resembling a fig, the Inland Pigface fruit is sweet and juicy.
Common Tussock Grass | Poa labillardieri
Spiny Mat Rush | Lomandra longifolia
Both the Common Tussock Grass and Spiny Mat Rush were planted for their ability to be used for basketry and weaving.
It’s ‘tea time’
Gosh these Bush Kindy kids are so fortunate to not only plant and observe the growth of our bush tucker garden but to also follow through with harvesting and eating and/or preparing and cooking our bush tucker foods. Be prepared for lots of ‘progress’ photos and lots of Native Lemongrass tea! We may even try our hand at some Instagram worthy food photography. Stay tuned :)
If you would like for your kids to be involved in our programs and to develop a deep connection with the natural world, you are in luck as our term 1 programs open for bookings on Monday. Email subscribers get first access so make sure you’re on our mailing list. If you can’t wait until February though, why not book into our school holiday workshops? Suitable for 7-12 year olds, drop off available and adventure guaranteed!!