Event Highlight: Biochar and ECOSS Tours: From Waste to Wonder in the Yarra Ranges

Our recent Biochar and ECOSS Tour brought members together for a fascinating day of sustainability, horticulture and connection in the beautiful Yarra Ranges. From learning how green waste is transformed into biochar, to exploring productive gardens and enjoying local food, the day offered practical inspiration for gardeners passionate about soil health and environmental stewardship.

We began at the Yarra Ranges Biochar Facility in Lysterfield, where members had the opportunity to see firsthand how woody green waste is processed into biochar — a carbon-rich soil amendment that improves soil structure, increases water retention, supports microbial life and helps store carbon safely in the ground for generations. This innovative circular-economy project demonstrated how local government and industry can work together to reduce waste while creating healthier soils for gardens and landscapes.

From there, we travelled to Yarra Valley ECOSS (Ecology, Community, Sustainability Centre) in Wesburn, a vibrant not-for-profit community hub dedicated to environmental education, sustainable living and regenerative gardening. Set within beautiful demonstration gardens and productive growing spaces, ECOSS showcases practical sustainability in action through community gardens, workshops, education programs and environmentally conscious enterprises.

Members enjoyed a guided garden tour and an engaging talk on how to use biochar effectively in home gardens, with practical demonstrations and insights into improving soil fertility, plant health and long-term garden resilience. The opportunity to purchase locally produced biochar onsite, with a special attendee discount, was a wonderful bonus for many keen gardeners.

After a morning of learning, we relaxed over a delicious Mexican taco lunch at the ECOSS Café, followed by a visit to Tonantzin Chocolate’s Chocolate House, a much-loved onsite artisan chocolatier (who also make to die for tacos!). With a native nursery also located onsite, the afternoon offered even more opportunities for inspiration, conversation and connection.

Days like these remind us how valuable it is to come together — to learn from local sustainability leaders, share horticultural knowledge and celebrate practical solutions that support both our gardens and our environment.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special event. We look forward to seeing you at the next EWHA gathering.

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We hope to see you at the next event!