'The problem is the solution'.....

Have you heard that phrase before? It's a well-known permaculture saying. It inspires us to re-think what might initially feel like a problem, into some kind of opportunity.

At The Sanctuary, Yundi

we have a LOT of blackberries. I'm talking acres of blackberries. They are an invasive weed species and they flourish in particular along the river or creek lines. They love moisture. They are abundant along the side of the road also, loving the road run-off from any rain.

Blackberries smother all other plant life and their thorns are extremely painful! BUT they also have the benefit of;

- providing habitat for small birds such as our beloved fairy wrens, thornbills and robins

- sheltering native bandicoots

- stablising the river bank

- fruiting abundantly with delicious and healthy berries

We LOVE to invite people to The Sanctuary

and share the abundance in our Blackberry Gathering. It's about gathering community and gathering berries. This year we had a lot of family groups - more children then adults and the kids were fantastic. Filling their buckets, enjoying the fresh berries and cream, loving the apple juice and blackberry iceblocks. There were a few water fights, some chicken holding and photos in the tractor. It was fun!

We've been picking 1-2 kg a day. We freeze them and eat them for months. Today I delivered about 5kg to friends, with an obligatory giant zucchini, but that's another story......