Known as a pioneer in the development of edible gardens, local Leonie Shanahan will be exchanging her clunky work boots and wide-brimmed hat for smarter attire as she gets ready to attend the launch of her first book 'Eat Your Garden' in a few weeks time.

Leonie has been helping children on the Sunshine Coast understand the importance of eating real, nutritional food straight from the garden since 2001.  Sixteen schools have now participated in her Edible School Gardens Program and she regularly runs Permakids garden workshops across the Sunshine Coast.

Leonie explains her goal was simple."I realised early on that if children grow it, they will eat it!"  I believe there is an urgent need to spread this gardening knowledge in order to improve the health of our kids - the next generation, and that is why I have written this book". 'Eat Your Garden' has been a labour of love for Leonie and is the culmination of years of questions from children, parents, teachers and other gardening professionals, and those answers put down on paper for all to read and learn from.

Well known organic gardener, Jerry Coleby-Williams recently praised the book.  He said "If you're a beginner gardener or parent and you and your child would like to learn about gardening, 'Eat Your Garden' is for you. This book successfully merges permaculture with organic gardening, and years of personal, practical advice from a gardener who has been involved in every aspect of school and home food growing.  This is not just a 'how to do it' guide, it's a Shanahan synthesis of 'how to do it well' and 'understanding why it matters' guide.  A valuable and refreshing read".

Focused heavily on using local produce in their menu, Blue Angel Restaurant situated across from the banks of the Noosa river is the ideal venue to host the book launch on Thursday 16th September.  Blue Angel will be putting on a delicious 2 course spread with a menu showcasing a variety of ways to use and eat fresh produce from your garden plus a glass of champagne for $50 per person and Leonie will be signing copies of her book.

Bookings are essential to avoid disappointment.  Blue Angel Restaurant, 235 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville QLD 4566.  Phone: 07 5473 0800  www.blueangelrestaurant.com.au.

'Eat Your Garden', from Edible School Gardens www.EdibleSchoolGardens.com.au
 
graphics to the right:
Author & Pioneer of Edible School Gardens, Leonie Shanahan
Harvesting fresh food from our garden
Cooking up a feast