Ediblescapes is an ecologically sustainable urban food community which researches sustainable food production and techniques, and applies those research outcomes in order to provide to the community education and practice in food production.
Ediblescapes exists at Country Paradise Parklands, Nerang due to the vision and persistence of Jorge Cantellano and the support of Cr. Peter Young.
The site occupied by Ediblescapes at Country Paradise Parklands was originally stripped of all topsoil and is an extremely difficult site on which to grow fruit and vegetables; in fact anything other than grass. This situation required significant holistic thought and investigation, resulting in soil being manufactured on site and innovative approaches to using only plant-based fertilisers on the site and avoiding the use of both animal products and synthetic fertilisers, as well as detrimental insect sprays; the resultant produce is high in nutrition and bio-protection properties. In avoiding commercial insect sprays the lives of many beneficial insects are saved so as to effectively control garden pests, and carry out that all important task of crop pollination.
Jorge has engaged in time-intensive experimentation involving fermented fertilisers and varied production techniques, to produce what is now recognized as local leadership in sustainable urban fruit, vegetable and herb production.
In summary, Ediblescapes is an ecologically sustainable urban food community which researches sustainable food production and techniques, and applies those research outcomes in order to provide to the community education and practice in food production. Additionally, the community is provided access to the gardens to see and taste that food, and experience satisfaction when that food is distributed to people in need. Ediblescapes is therefore owned by the community and operates to benefit the community.
Of additional benefit to the community is the ability of people to purchase organically produced fertiliser which will enhance production and plant and soil health in their own gardens. People can volunteer at the Ediblescapes gardens so as to learn first hand how best to garden in an ecologically sustainable manner without the use of synthetic fertilisers and insect sprays; the resultant education and practice can only benefit ourselves and our shared environment.
The current Ediblescapes gardens are uniquely designed and cultivated so as to embrace a wide range of edible and native fruits, perennial plants and beneficial herbs. The produce is high in nutrition and is greatly appreciated by the wider community of people in need of assistance.
What follows is a summary of the output in produce and services from the Ediblescapes gardens:
1. Ediblescapes Gardens and Community Composting – only plant-based nutrition and hand-made soil is used, making the use of synthetic and animal based fertilisers unnecessary
2. Social engagement and ecological training, education and hands on experience is provided at low to no cost
3. Ecological Art – the use of geometric and nature-based garden patterns and designs leads to the promotion of an attitude of peaceful coexistence and acceptance, and demonstrative core values of sustainability and ecological healing
4. Sustainable Urban Food - a co-operative approach to research, experimentation, implementation and communication, has resulted in a well-nourished, healthier and more accepting community
5. Social Enterprise – Trading in food ecology and sustainably produced Bio-fertilisers and services
The Products:
1. Knowledge – shared through regular workshops and training days
2. BIOL-SOL – A product manufactured from fermented vegetable material which is dissolved in water and sprayed onto the ground and on the underside of plant leaves
3. BOFFF – Short for Bokashi Organic Ferment Food Fertiliser which is mixed with BIOL-SOL to boost the numbers and health of beneficial soil organisms which in turn promotes strong plant growth which is in turn causes plants to become rich in bio-protectors which makes the use of synthetic sprays unnecessary
4. Goodwill – If we can find a way to farm effectively and sustainably we generate much good will in the community
