Local People: David Stephen

by Stephanie Williams

Not many people have a garden named after them but one of the founders of modern organic gardening in Tasmania, David, can enjoy the spoils of the David Stephen Neighbourhood Garden (formerly Kickstart CG) in New Town.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I was born in Adelaide to migrant parents with English roots. We moved to Geelong around 1946 where Dad found work. I came to Tasmania in 1966 on a working holiday where I met Helen and we settled in Taroona. She died in 2019. I now happily live with my son and family in a new “granny flat” in Berriedale in an idyllic setting.

Tell us a little about your work. I trained as an in-store ticket writer/sign writer in a large department store. A generation later, I got into horticulture in my new adopted state. This coincided with the emerging computer age which I have never embraced. My first gardening business was called Instant Vegie Gardens, which featured home-made compost, chook poo and railway sleepers. Such fun! I currently work full-time managing my latest development in New Town, converting all crop residue into a soil improver via shredding and fermentation in huge recycled water tanks.

Tell us about the new neighbourhood garden. In 2021, I volunteered to help instruct students from the nearby New Town High School in self-sufficient gardening on land previously occupied by the Hobart City Farm. However, the new principal couldn’t justify the huge rental asked, so he “pulled the plug”. The leasing agent knew of my background and offered the entire half acre to me for a public food garden! It’s taken two years to develop 90 plots with repurposed materials, and with hand tools to prepare the heavy soil. I thrive on this exercise.

You were named gardener of the year. What does that mean to you? It’s my investment and contribution to a healthier lifestyle for ordinary working families. However, I’m aware of the limitations of this collective model which usually produces only a fraction of the fresh food potential because member commitment falls away quickly; families find it hard to put the time into soil and crop maintenance. The CSA model (Community Supported Agriculture) could work here as an alternative. Ten times more fresh food could be produced by two professionals with volunteer members making compost, etc.

How many community gardens have you established? Seven new gardens and two redevelopments. I’ve also been involved in many emerging school gardens over the years.

What do you love doing outside of work? I have a new lady friend who shares my interests. An alter ego, we go on hiking and shopping trips. Travelling together somewhere is on the agenda. Unfortunately, she lives only in my mind and in my dreams!! Wherefore art thou, Juliet?

Who do you admire? Dr Elaine Ingham of the International Soil Food Web whose research team wants to change the face of toxic world-wide agricultural practices towards proven biological methods. I admire my two adult children, Sarah and Nic, who are highly respected in their respective educational roles in the workplace. They are making a positive and much-needed contribution to society.

Favourite podcast or tv show? I have developed an interest in NDE (Near Death Experiences) and all things metaphysical. I gave mainstream religion the flick many years ago. I go to ABC Hard Quiz for light entertainment.

Secret vice? Lemon or chocolate cheesecake (baked) and Pana mint-flavoured organic dark chocolate..

What are you reading now? Your Soul’s Plan by Rob Schwartz. Also, the latest edition of Nexus magazine which features some of the conspiracy theories that have come to pass.

What are your daily news/social media habits? All current affairs interest me, including politics (I was a United Tasmania Group – Greens precursor – candidate in the 1975 state election). ABC News is essential viewing, as is the online Mercury. I’m bored with Gardening Australia on the TV after a generation of involvement.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Fruitarian breakfast at home, with fresh fruit, yoghurt, nuts, seeds, added vitamins and minerals.

Lunch and dinner: I’m not an adventurous, omnivore foodie, preferring non-experimental, plain, boring stir fries, soups, etc.

Favourite team? My parents were mad-keen Geelong footy followers – on the radio only. As I grew up, I trended away from contact sports and hero-worshipping. Roll on table tennis!

Parting words. Don’t always force your opinion onto others unless it’s asked for. Take control of your ego: seek guidance from your higher self. (e.g. Being frozen with anxiety before addressing an audience is being egocentric!).

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Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

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Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

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