Sarah Wesche, Founder, Edible Yards
Treat yourself to good health. Eat fresh, healthy and seasonal food ...
Growing up surrounded by bountiful veggie gardens in Mackay, where picking a bunch of basil or limes straight from the tree was the norm, Sarah Wesche has applied her penchant for side projects to promoting locally grown produce in the city. Moving to Brisbane to study and work as a graphic designer meant living in an apartment for Sarah – and a lack of green space to frolick about in let along grow her own fruit and vegetables. But when she found bundles of asparagus from Mexico at local farmers markets, Sarah knew she had to spread the word about the health and environmental benefits of eating homegrown fruit and vegetables. Through Edible Yards, local backyard growers can sell, share or give away homegrown produce to neighbours near and far, meaning an abundance of ripe produce won’t be wasted and unnecessary food miles are removed from your weekly grocery shopping. The project is still in its early stages, but Sarah has plans to grow the Edible Yards community in Brisbane and across Queensland, hosting veggie swaps and fostering a new way to source your fresh local produce. The Weekend Edition caught up with Sarah to chat weekend essentials.
How do you like to start your weekend?
Without an alarm. I tend to wake up earlier on weekends anyway. Maximising activity time.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
You’ll find me at local markets, food swaps and community gardens handing out flyers, writing articles and improving Edible Yards. It may sound like I’m working, but I’m really just doing what I love. And that’s important when you’re doing it in your down time for free.
How do you like to unwind?
By turning off my phone and walking away from the computer.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Living in an apartment and working indoors all week gives me cabin fever, so a well-spent weekend will involve time spent outdoors. A walk up Mt Coot-tha, a ride along Coronation Drive or playing footy in the park are regular activities.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Hosting an Edible Yards homegrown food swap in a city park.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Falling asleep on the couch.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
I’m going to my little sister’s 18th birthday. It’s a jungle-themed party, but I’ve decided to go as a noodle box.
What are you reading at the moment?
The Mayne Inheritance by Rosamond Slemon – it’s a Brisbane murder mystery based on true events. Plus plenty of design, environmental and gardening blogs.
What inspires you?
People who see clearly. People who can design something that is so simple and effective that it makes me wonder why we weren’t doing or using it before. I think too often we try to over-complicate new ideas.
What was your childhood dream?
To be a photographer. I’m a graphic designer, which I suppose is just another way of relaying a vision.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Hearing from locals about how much they value Edible Yards and how passionate they are about this idea that I’ve worked on is an amazing feeling.
What is success to you?
Being happy and healthy and knowing I’ve made choices that will lead to this.
What are your words of wisdom?
Treat yourself to good health. Eat fresh, healthy and seasonal food.
Only a local would know … there is a council-run herb garden planted along the river at South Bank where you are free to help yourself.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … BlackStar Coffee, West End.
Relax … on a Sunday drive.
Dine … with a woodfire barbecue in the park on my street.
Indulge … The Dark Chocolatier on Adelaide Street, Brisbane City.
Shop … Folio Books in Brisbane City – I’m a sucker for a beautiful book.
Catch-up … around my dinner table.
Be inspired … some place with a view.