This year, one of the new gardens on display for the Central Coast Edible Garden Trail belongs to Jane, an artist, and Len, a plant scientist. Their garden is a vibrant blend of function and beauty nestled on a sloping block in Avoca and in every nook and cranny can be seen something interesting and creative.
For over three decades, Jane has been redefining the way we think about waste. As an artist, she sees the world through a lens of potential—every discarded object a canvas waiting to be transformed. “There is just a lot of stuff in this world,” she explains, “and why would I use brand-new art materials if I can make do with something that has been thrown away?”
“All this rubbish has inherent meaning, and I like to tap into that meaning by using it to add weight to the concept behind my work. Often it speaks of waste and loss.”
At the time of our visit to The Terraces, Jane was crafting oversized Jade Vine flowers (from milk containers) and leaves for Alchemy of a Rainforest, an exhibition at The Calyx in the Botanic Gardens in Sydney. This living display highlights the properties and uses of Australian rainforest plants, and Jane’s contributions—a striking array of butterflies, fungi, flowers, seeds, and a large male Satin Bowerbird—all made from waste materials, serve as a thought-provoking contrast. “My involvement in the exhibition was to draw a comparison between my work recycling material, and the rainforest recycling material,” she explains.
Those eager to see Jane’s creations in person can visit Alchemy of a Rainforest until 2026.
Most of Jane’s work is made for specific projects or commissioned, and as much of it is ephemeral in nature, one of the best ways to view her work is online. Visitors to Like Minds Cafe in Avoca Beach will have seen Jane’s artistry hanging from the ceiling. Jane will also be part of the 5 Lands Artists Trail this year, opening her studio to the public on June 29th and November 2nd.
Jane and Len’s garden, The Terraces, will be open for the Central Coast Edible Garden Trail on Sunday 4th May from 9am to 4pm.
