Wagin, Fire and Water Resilient Garden Skills - Gather & Grow Project
Wagin Gather & Grow Project
Fire and Water Resilient Gardening Skills
On Thursday 23 April 2026, members of the Wagin branch gathered at an on-farm location for the Wagin Gather & Grow Project workshop focused on garden fire and water resilience. The workshop was led by resilience strategist and permaculturist Susanne Peet.
The event was inspired by the January 2025 fire that directly affected some members of the Wagin Branch. The fire destroyed more than 11,000 hectares, along with sheds, livestock, farm equipment, homes and established house gardens. In the aftermath, important conversations emerged within the branch about how farmhouse gardens could be designed to better withstand fire while also coping with limited water availability.
Drawing on years of permaculture experience and through her own business, Susanne shared practical strategies for creating gardens that help hinder the spread of fire rather than contribute to it. Participants learnt about selecting fire-resistant plants, trees and shrubs, while also identifying species that should be avoided around homes and farm buildings.
The workshop covered a wide range of practical topics including shelter belts, garden layering, water direction and retention, homemade mulch production, and the construction and planting of wicking beds for maximum efficiency. Susanne also demonstrated how productive gardens can thrive without synthetic fertilisers, sharing her own homemade fertiliser recipe with attendees.
A strong message throughout the day was that gardens can be designed to serve multiple purposes — they can be productive, visually appealing and fire resilient all at once.
Following the workshop, attendees enjoyed a wonderful lunch catered by local ladies, providing the perfect opportunity for further discussion and connection.
Participants described the workshop as highly informative and practical, with many leaving inspired to apply the ideas and techniques on their own properties.
The Wagin Branch thank the Grower Group Alliance and the South West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub for their funding support and for making the workshop possible.
