Hardie Grant Australia
ISBN:9781741179163
Price:AU$24.99, NZ$27.99
Publisher:Hardie Grant Explore
Amid the burgeoning interest in First Nations culture and practices (despite the nasty background noise of such as certain political sectors and their brainwashed acolytes), there is a steadily growing interest in cultivating traditional bush foods, as well as native plants. And where better to start than with the jarjums?
Whether at home or at school, bush tucker gardens are on the rise. #2 Aunty Kim at her school, Lithgow PS, successfully secured a grant, sought sponsorship and worked hard with a colleague to establish such a garden for the benefit of the school itself. It has become a central focus with garden, yarning circle and now community library in a welcoming space for all the students as well as the larger community.
This book is an absolute must-have for families and schools who are keen to grow and savour bush foods. Samantha Martin, known as the Bush Tukka Woman, grew up in Western Australia, East Kimberley region, and the Jaru people. Her book is not confined to just her own Country and covers in the first chapters; seasons, peoples, shared knowledge, planting zones followed by a planning and creating a bush tukka garden.
The book continues with native plants from all over some with which we will already be familiar e.g. Davidson’s plums, lemon myrtle and wattle seeds but others not so well known to the average person. Each entry for these gives the Aboriginal name, botanical name, Country. traditional and other uses. The book concludes with some exciting sounding recipes – fancy some croc nuggets anyone?
It was certainly pleasing to see in the back matter of lists of bush foods suppliers and sources for more bush recipes two local names: My Dilly Bag – Aunty Dale Chapman’s Sunshine Coast business [The Kid and I love the Wild Salt’n’Pepper blend which is in daily use in our kitchen] and Dreamtime Kullilla-Art – Michael & Jo Connelly, right here in beautiful Redcliffe. I can highly recommend both these outstanding businesses.
We are finally establishing some food gardens here now our lease has been confirmed for another year (with high hopes it will continue in 2027) and some bush tucker is certainly a consideration for us as well as the more traditional veggies.
Ever since covid, home garden and sustainable living practices have been gradually building so why not now incorporate some First Nations aspects into your own enterprise? It’s a beautifully designed and illustrated book (always a Hardie Grant highlight) which your young readers will enjoy looking at, and your older readers will enjoy taking further. It’s a tasty 5 🌱🌱🌱 rating for this one.
Bush Tucker Gardens: What are they and how do I grow one?
How to create a Bush Tucker Garden
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