Kitchen to Garden Program
Diamond Valley Library is proud to be the first library member of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program. We have a fantastic Garden Maker Space where the community can get their hands dirty and share and learn about sustainable gardening and growing food.
The Garden Maker Space is home to lots of gardening activities for children and adults alike. From our regular garden sessions to our special events throughout the year — there is something for everyone! You can even enjoy the garden from the comfort of the shade, under our huge deck and pergola, or on our sunny benches. We also have a children’s play space available.
Below, you'll find details of our upcoming events, and a collection of books and other items to encourage your green fingers.
In our Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden After School Sessions, young people can learn about how food grows and how it gets to our plates, with hands-on gardening and fun cooking activities. Sessions run every second Tuesday of the month from 3.45 pm to 5 pm.
Enjoy some garden play each week after Toddler storytime on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Every Thursday from 10 am to 11 am, join us as we tend to the garden in our community gardening session. Once a month, after the gardening session, we have a special guest speaker from 11 am to 12 pm. This month, the talk was an Introduction to Beekeeping, but there is a wide range of topics and information to be explored at these sessions!
Share your produce at our food swap on the third Saturday of each month from 10 am to 11 am.
Join our Sustainability Book Chat on the second Tuesday of each month from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Read and chat about issues of sustainability, and how we can grow the future we want to see.
Many YPRL branches have a Seed library where you can share and choose seeds for your garden.
The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation has a list of garden-themed picture books for children, or get those green fingers working with ideas from our collection.
The kitchen garden : sowing, growing and cooking for the garden enthusiast
A book by Lucy Mora, 2022
The Kitchen Garden is an illustrated guide to growing plants destined for the dinner plate. Learn when to sow, what to grow, and how to turn your delicious harvest into a meal. With an emphasis on seasons rather than months, the book is beautiful and practical too.
No-waste organic gardening : eco-friendly solutions to improve any garden
A book by Shawna Coronado, 2020
No-Waste Organic Gardening shows you how to be a smart, responsible gardener. With a wealth of information and low-cost advice, learn how to recycle and re-purpose your way to a successful, productive, and eco-friendly organic garden.
Stephanie Alexander's kitchen garden companion growing
A book by Stephanie Alexander, 2016
Follow in the footsteps of one of Australia's best-loved cooks and food writers as she shares the secrets of rewarding kitchen gardening. Whether you have a large plot in a suburban backyard or a few pots on a balcony, you will find everything you need to get your kitchen garden started.
Stephanie Alexander's kitchen garden companion cooking
A book by Stephanie Alexander, 2017
Once you’ve grown your own fruit, vegies, and herbs, Stephanie Alexander helps you cook with it in this indispensable guide to cooking with fresh, seasonal produce. She shares some of her favourite savoury and sweet recipes.
Gardening Australia Magazine
Available as a print magazine and as a Libby eBook magazine
Gardening Australia magazine is packed with step-by-step advice and stunning design ideas from its popular team of experts. Whether you are a novice gardener or have a green thumb and years of experience, you’ll find the advice you need.
Good organic gardening
Available as a print magazine and as a Libby eBook magazine
Good Organic Gardening magazine emphasises productive gardening. If you love growing your own food, doing things in harmony with nature, and finding new ways of putting fresh produce on the table, Good Organic Gardening magazine is the title for you.
Gardening for kids : 35 nature activities to sow, grow, and make
A book by Dawn Isaac, 2021
Gardening for Kids is full of inspirational ideas to get your kids excited about nature. Whether your outdoor space is big or small, a balcony or even a window ledge, these fun and creative ideas will keep your kids entertained and learning about gardening, all year round.
You can grow your own food
A book by Annabelle Padwick, 2020
A how-to book for kids who love gardening. It's easy to understand and tells them exactly what they need to know step-by-step. Easy tips on how to grow all kinds of fruit, vegetables and herbs outside and indoors. Packed with fun gardening activities guaranteed to get their hands dirty!