I host workshops and classes on all aspects of food growing at my six-acre permaculture-designed property in Kyneton. A one hour drive north-west of Melbourne. I have a toasty warm classroom. A demonstration orchard provides opportunities for participants to explore all aspects of growing fruit trees. I have designed and planted an extensive berry patch, market garden beds and edible forest gardens. The kitchen garden demonstrates food growing in a more typical backyard setting. It’s all waiting for you to explore at my next workshop.
My gardening workshops are unlike anything else offered in Melbourne or Central Victoria. Designed to give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage your garden independently, they’re grounded in local conditions and scientific evidence.
What makes my workshops different
- Designed to make you independent – no reliance on expensive products or ongoing services
- Principles first, techniques second – understand why something works, not just how
- Grounded in local conditions, not generic advice from another climate zone or hemisphere
- Hands-on skill building – you practise, not just watch
What you’ll walk away with
- The confidence to solve garden problems yourself
- The ability to make informed decisions instead of reacting to problems
- Transferable skills, not one-off tricks
- Improved observation skills so you can read your own garden
- Greater resilience in your garden ecosystem
About the facilitator
I’m Duncan Cocking and I’ve been growing fruit and vegetables since I was four years old. I support others to grow food and reconnect with nature through my business Leaf, Root & Fruit. I’m passionate about reconnecting you to nature via gardening. I write about growing food and living sustainably. I’m a cool-temperate gardener and permaculture educator with over 12 years of experience hosting workshops.
During my classes, I focus on the science behind how gardens grow. This gives you an understanding of the built-in resilience of plants. Rather than always finding problems to fix with sprays and other products, you will have a renewed focus on relaxing, observing your garden, and enjoying it. Understanding “why” minimises the amount of work you have to do in your garden.
About the facilities
In 2019 my young family and I moved from Melbourne to make a tree change to Kyneton, a small town 80 km north-west of the city in Victoria, Australia. Since then, I have been busy developing a permaculture-inspired garden ecosystem.
The property has an onsite classroom, with heating supplied by a wood burner. A split system acts as a back-up source of heating and cooling. The light filled, colourful classroom is kitted out with a large screen for running presentations. The classroom has basic tea and coffee making facilities, ample car parking and a dedicated toilet.
My demonstration orchard contained within a netted enclosure provides opportunities for workshop participants to explore all aspects of growing fruit trees, and contains many examples of espaliered trees. I have designed and planted an extensive berry patch, market garden beds and edible forest gardens. The kitchen garden demonstrates food growing in a more typical backyard setting.
Participants from all over the state attend my workshops.
Cancellation policy
If a workshop cannot go ahead due to unforeseen circumstances then an alternative date will be scheduled and participants will be given the option to attend on the new date or accept a full refund. Otherwise, to maintain viability of these workshops, there are strictly no refunds. Thanks for your understanding..