Walk, talk and forage

YOU may not think you need some of the weeds that pop up in your garden, but an education session led by a Geelong chef might just change your mind.

Tulip restaurant’s Mike Jaques is set to lead a walk-and-talk event in partnership with Bannockburn Library to teach people to forage for and identify edible weeds and incorporate them into their cooking.

Geelong Regional Libraries CEO Vanessa Schernickau said public resource centres have a diverse role to play in engaging communities’ interests, like sustainability, beyond the bookshelves.

“We’re connecting local businesses and creatives with other members of the community to seek and to share knowledge,” she said.

“These days our libraries exist beyond the walls of our buildings or mobile libraries with some of our programs and events held in unique local settings.

“In a beautiful area like Bannockburn, this is a wonderful chance to take the library out into nature, noting that our large collection of cookery and gardening books and magazines is still available in the library and online to add to the event.

“You can access them for free with your library membership.”

At Mike Jaques’ restaurant on Pakington Street in Geelong, he aims to hero local, seasonal, sustainably sourced produce.

“He forages himself for items to be used in his fine dining restaurant, and talks to his patrons about the dishes he has prepared and where ingredients have been sourced,” a statement from the library said.

“Mike often speaks about this drive to teach others and was keen to present to the local community here in Bannockburn.”

He has international experience and has worked at hatted restaurants. The session will be held on Saturday 1 April from 10am to 11.30, starting at Bannockburn Library and exploring the surrounding environment.