Local Person: Madeleine Gasparinatos

by Hobart Magazine

Based in the Huon Valley on a property with chickens, cows, sheep and kids, Madeleine Gasparinatos is the co-host of Avant Gardeners, a podcast combining her love of gardening, cocktails and great books.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

My mum left South Australia on a motorbike and settled in Southport, while my dad moved from Sydney to Dover for work. They met, got married and nine months later I arrived. We moved to Hobart when I was eight. I left Tasmania for 15 years before returning in 2019, and now live on 32 acres in Cradoc in the Huon Valley.

Tell us about your podcast, Avant Gardeners. How did it begin?

A mutual friend, Pip, introduced Emily Allen and I back in 2020. The three of us had young kids and Pip would invite us to her place for a coffee and a freshly baked cake in her stunning garden. The next thing you know it’s time for an Aperol Spritz or a sparkling wine. And that’s where my friendship with Emily grew – in the garden! When Pip moved to Victoria we missed these get-togethers and the flow of horticultural wisdom from Pip so we turned it into a podcast. Fittingly, Pip was our first guest.

What has it been like seeing the podcast grow?

Emily and I pinch ourselves that the podcast has landed amongst this group of beautiful listeners. The podcast’s premise is we have plenty of gardening enthusiasm but very little know-how. We’ll happily laugh at our garden failures (garlic rust, possum problems, dead-or-deciduous conundrums) as well as our successes. I think people find us relatable. We’ve also had some phenomenally interesting gardeners say yes to being interviewed, which is a real highlight.

How do you decide which drink to feature in each episode?

We’re a match made in heaven. If we’re recording at Emily’s house she usually knocks the top off a delightful bottle of wine – often local, almost always natural. If we’re recording at my place I try to whip something up, like some sort of botanical cocktail using something foraged from the garden.

What can you tell us about your fourth season?

In typical Avant Gardeners style we’re flying by the seat of our pants, but are excited to be interviewing our great mate Emma Bowen who founded not-for-profit Pocket City Farms in Sydney. She now lives in the Huon Valley running a blueberry farm, a permaculture design business, an Airbnb and is about to embark on a huge new orchard project. Phew! We also may have confirmed the man that needs only one name…Costa!

As autumn approaches, what advice would you give to local gardeners to help them prepare for the season?

It seems like such common sense, but grow what you love. I’ve grown kohlrabi a bunch of times because it’s easy, but in reality, one each year is enough for me. I much prefer to grow things like spinach, beans and zucchini that I could eat every day and use in everything. And give your soil some love this autumn.

Who do you admire?

Anyone who has a crack at gardening. It’s not easy, but it’s wildly addictive.

Favourite podcast or tv show?

I’ve enjoyed Rivals and Black Doves this summer. When gardening I often listen to The Imperfects, ABC’s Conversations or We Don’t Have Time For This.

Secret vice?

Home-made amaretto sour with local cherries in spiced syrup. Served in glasses thrifted from the op shop.

What are you reading now?

Revisiting an old favourite – A.B Facey’s A Fortunate Life.

Do you have any pets?

Six gorgeous Belted Galloway cows, a flock of sheep and a smattering of hens.

What was your first job?

When I was 14 I dropped my resume at Blockbuster (because I wanted the full-sized cutouts of movie stars) and the Greek restaurant Athena’s on the Pier. Athena’s called me back first and so began a long string of hospitality jobs.

What are your daily news/social media habits?

I have an (un)healthy addiction to Facebook Marketplace. My go-to for news is the Daily Aus’s daily newsletter for a quick roundup of what’s happening.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: I’m a sucker for the tofu and peanut butter bao at Bear With Me. Try and nab the corner window seat for the beautiful view of kunanyi.

Lunch: A glass of soiree and a grazing plate at Mewstone Wines.

Dinner: Packing a picnic for dinner at our local Huon River beach on long summer evenings.

Dream holiday destination?

I would never say no to six weeks in Greece, but closer to home I am obsessed with the slow rituals of Southport in summer. Morning swims, a walk to The Rocket for coffee and freshly baked treats and long afternoons at Madeleine’s Beach.

Favourite Tasmanian secret?

Roadside stalls sell everything from baked goods and the most delicious organic strawberries, to worm wee for the garden. I ensure I always have a fistful of coins on me.

Parting words?

You never regret a swim. Or a nap. Find us on Instagram @avantgrdeners.podcast or search for us wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Extras

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