August Field Day - The Splendid Suburban Farm

The HOGS Committee is excited to invite you to a special garden visit at the home of HOGS member Rachel Toole in Booragul. Join us for an inspiring day exploring a suburban permaculture garden, learning practical fruit tree pruning techniques, and sharing ideas with fellow members.

Location:  9 Park Parade Booragul

Date: Saturday 8th August,2026

Time: 10.00AM – 1:30PM

Rachel's Permaculture Garden Tour

Rachel, her partner Jack, and their children, Ziggy and Xanthea, have called their 900-square-metre property home for the past two years. They chose the property for its generous block size and the opportunities it offered to create a productive family garden.

When they first moved in, the yard consisted mainly of grass, concrete, palms and conifers. Since then, the family has transformed it into a thriving permaculture garden. They have planted more than 32 fruit trees, established vegetable gardens, flower beds and native plantings, created a verge garden, built a chicken coop and run, installed a cubby house, and added two greywater systems to support sustainable water use.

Their garden is permaculture in practice, designed to suit the outdoor lifestyle of a young family while keeping sustainability, wildlife habitat and productive yields at the heart of every decision. It is an inspiring example of how an ordinary suburban block can become a flourishing, productive landscape.

During the visit, our President, Steve, will demonstrate the pruning of a variety of fruit trees. Steve has recently spent time with Brett Cooper from Limestone Permaculture Farm, learning specialised pruning techniques for a wide range of fruit trees. This practical demonstration will provide valuable tips and advice for gardeners of all experience levels.

Here’s what the day will look like

10:00am – Sign-in, intro and morning tea. Please bring something to share. Tea and coffee provided.

10:30am – Garden Tour

11.30am- Fruit Tree pruning demonstration

12.30pm- Lunch: Please bring a plate to share ( Vegetarian only )

1:30pm- Opportunity to visit Museum of art and culture, yapang which is close by.

What to bring on the day

Morning tea to share/ vegetarian plate to share for lunch.

Please bring a chair

Enclosed footwear is compulsory

Sunscreen and hat

Wet weather gear if needed. This event will go ahead in light rain and there is covered areas.

Surpluce produce /plants for swap table

We look forward to seeing you there!

Please note: You will need to be a member of HOGS to attend. If you aren't a member, you can sign up by visiting https://www.hunterorganicgrowerssociety.org.au/join-us or you can sign up on the day. 

To RSVP, please go to https://events.humanitix.com/august-field-day-the-splendid-suburban-farm