The seeds of an idea planted two decades ago will be celebrated when Nimbin’s Djanbung Gardens marks its 20th anniversary this long weekend.
The permaculture college will welcome back one of its original students, Gardening Australia’s Costa Geordiadis, and host a range of workshops and activities from Saturday to Monday.
Saturday’s open day will begin at 10am with a welcome to country and the official opening of the ‘Earthling Expo’ featuring stalls, displays, talks and workshops.
Former student Costa, who Djanbung director Robyn Francis remembers as a clean-cut and business-like young man, will officially open a new garden café with chef Melian Fertl.
Ms Francis said that the day’s theme was about celebrating ‘our capacity to heal the earth, to regenerate the land and create resilient communities, and share our abundance of creativity, knowledge and skills’.
She said there would be mask-making workshops to prepare for the evening’s EARTHling AbunDANCE, along with food and drinks made from the garden.
A fire ceremony, led by a Bundjalung elder, will take place between 4pm and 6pm, culminating in a display by the Nimbin fire troupe.
The evening’s masked dance will feature bands, djs, fire and food.
Sunday’s activities include storytelling circles, garden tours, dancing, songs and a talent show.
Ms Francis said Monday’s activities were aimed at families, with plenty of activities to keep children occupied.
She said the day would feature the ‘Permalympics’, scarecrow making, gumboot throwing and a tomato stake javelin contest.
The day will end around 3.30pm with prizes and awards.