🍂Gardens, walks and winter feasts

Good morning, Hills lovers!

Winter has officially arrived, and between you and me, I think it’s one of the most exciting times to be in the Hills. The air is crisp, the paddocks are getting greener (slowly), and there’s a full season of festivals, long lunches, bonfire nights and wintery events to get behind. From porchetta by the fire in Lobethal to pruning workshops in Mylor, something is happening in every corner.

Also, a big thank you to everyone who sent through artist suggestions for the jigsaw puzzle. We are so lucky to have such an abundance of creative talent in our region. I’m pleased to share that we’ve locked in our first artist and will be announcing who it is in the coming weeks. Watch this space!

Let’s get into it.

HILLS HISTORY
Blocker Town to Bonfire Night.

Mylor is the kind of place that feels quietly stitched into the Hills. You don’t pass through it accidentally; you turn off, slow down, and find yourself in a village that’s held on to its character.

In the 1880s, Mylor was settled under the Working Men’s Blocks Scheme, a land initiative designed to help working-class families build a life from the ground up. These families became known as the Blockers. They planted orchards, kept goats, grew vegetables and raised children. By 1891, the township was officially proclaimed, but for the locals, it was already known as the Blockers’ Town.

History still lingers in its corners. The general store began life as a produce co-op. The Stevenson family bakery once delivered bread by horse-drawn van and hosted weary travellers on the road to Melbourne. There’s a Methodist church built by hand, a school that educated a future Governor, and a memorial that remembers the names of young locals who never made it home from war.

Even the oval was built the Mylor way; cleared by hand at a community working bee in 1905, with the creek later diverted to make room for a proper playing field.

That same spirit is still alive today, and if you want to feel it for yourself, the annual Mylor Bonfire Night is a perfect place to start. Details about this are below on the Community Notice Board.

GLORIOUS GARDENS
Cutting back to grow.

At this time of year, the Hills take on a different kind of stillness.
The fruit trees have dropped their leaves. The air carries that damp, earthy scent that comes with the start of winter. And all across backyards, orchards and overgrown garden corners, something quiet is happening: the slow, thoughtful work of pruning.

It’s the kind of job that feels simple until you're holding secateurs and second-guessing every cut. That’s where Amanda Fleming comes in. Based in Willunga, she’s a passionate organic grower and the founder of Willunga Fruit Tree Pruning, a business built on helping others grow their food and care for their trees with confidence.

This July, Amanda is heading to Mylor to lead a hands-on workshop hosted by Fruit Share Adelaide. It’s practical, outdoors and built around the questions most people have but don’t ask. Why do we prune? When’s the right time? What’s the difference between a snip and a hard cut?

You’ll learn about tools, timing and technique, then head outside to see it all in action.

Wear warm clothes, enclosed shoes and bring secateurs if you have them. There’s no need to be an expert. Come prepared to learn something useful.

👉 Book your spot and join the Winter Pruning Workshop in Mylor. 

HIKING IN THE HILLS
A walking group built on care and consistency.

Most people find it by word of mouth. A friend brings them along. Someone at the market mentions it. They turn up once, maybe just to see what it’s like. And then they come again.

The Bridgewater Walking Group walks three times a week: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Not everyone walks every time. Some stick to their usual day. Others float between them. But over time, a rhythm builds.

There’s no formal membership, no sign-up process. Just a meeting point, a walk, and the kind of conversation that only seems to happen when you’re side by side in the fresh air. Some people travel from as far as Mansfield Park and West Lakes. Most are from the Hills. All are welcome.

Walks usually run for one to two hours, depending on the trail. They’re relaxed, friendly and dog-friendly too, as long as your pup is well-behaved and on a lead.

Adele helps keep things running. She sends through stories and photos after each walk. Thoughtful, detailed write-ups that read like small chapters of something bigger. A record of the weather. The trail. The people who turned up.

They’ve also just received a council grant to carry a defibrillator on every walk. It’s a quiet reminder that this group looks after each other.

Looking to explore more walks around the Hills? This is a great place to start.

👉 Check out the upcoming walks here

Got a community update or special shoutout to share? Reach out and say hi!

Hills Youth Theatre brings The Secret Garden to life at the Stirling Community Theatre. Based on the beloved novel, this magical production follows young Mary Lennox as she uncovers a hidden garden and begins a journey of healing, hope and friendship. With a cast of 80 young performers and a story full of heart, it’s a perfect night out for the whole family. Performances run from Friday, 20 June to Sunday, 29 June. Tickets here.

Mylor Bonfireworks returns on Saturday, 28 June at Mylor Oval. Get ready for one of the Hills’ most beloved winter nights. Gather around a roaring bonfire, enjoy live music, mulled wine, food stalls, a free bouncy castle and face painting for the kids, and a spectacular fireworks display at 8:30 pm. It’s a true community celebration, with all funds raised going towards local projects like a new sports and recreation centre. Gates open at 5:30 pm. You won’t want to miss this! Tickets on sale now.

Adelaide Hills Pantry Café Ride is held on the last Sunday of each month. It’s a relaxed, social ride through the Hills with a coffee stop halfway and a bike-friendly café start and finish. Expect around 50km, a bit of gravel, and some good climbs — it is the Hills, after all. E-bikes are welcome, no one gets left behind, and if you’d rather just meet us for coffee, that’s great too. Check out the June ride route here, which starts and ends at Woodside Providore. Brendan will be your ride leader. Register your interest here.

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PORCHETTA & PINOT RETURNS
This June long weekend, Golding Wines is bringing back one of its cosiest traditions: Porchetta & Pinot. Think: slow-roasted porchetta, live tunes by Lucas Day, lawn games (weather willing), and good wine on pour.

Bring a jacket and settle in by a brazier if the sun’s out. If the clouds roll in, the barn will be ready and warm. Either way, the vibe stays the same — relaxed, delicious and built for sharing with friends. Book your tickets here.

MENOPAUSE CELEBRATION
The first-ever Peri-M Party is happening on Tuesday, 17 June at 7 PM at The Gov. While the event is taking place down the Hill, it’s the brain child of a Hills local who’s on a mission to change the conversation around perimenopause and menopause, and we love celebrating Hills people doing great things.

Expect expert speakers, practical tips on sleep, hormones, nutrition and more, plus open, honest conversations in a warm and welcoming space. It’s about feeling seen, supported and empowered and enjoying a great night out. All proceeds go to Vinnies SA, including their Women’s Crisis Centre. I’ll see you there! Grab your ticket here.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

🥃 Stills in the Hills at Robbers Dog Distillery
| FESTIVAL | Nairne
📅 Sunday, June 8 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Celebrate South Australia's finest spirits with unlimited tastings, live music, and a whisky lover’s dream lineup at this exclusive one-day festival. INFO

🍷 Brandy & Beats at Cobb's Hill Estate
| MUSIC & FOOD | Oakbank
📅 Saturday–Sunday, June 7–8 | All Day
Sip brandy cocktails by the fire, enjoy live music, and savour seasonal dishes during this laid-back Long Weekend celebration in the hills. INFO

🍇 Long Weekender at Sidewood Estate
| WINE & MUSIC | Hahndorf
📅 Sunday, June 8 | 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Enjoy a luxe afternoon of bocce, DJs, daybeds, and fine wine at this winter warm-up hosted by the Wines & Good Times crew. INFO

🤠 Country & Western Night at Auchendarroch House
| MUSIC & DANCE | Mount Barker
📅 Saturday, June 7 | 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Boot scoot into a wild night of country-pop hits, cowboy cocktails, and line dancing fun with DJ Leah Tait and Happy Feet Line Dancing. INFO

💎 Eco Earrings Workshop at Fabrik
| ARTS & CRAFTS | Lobethal
📅 Saturday, June 7 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Design and handcraft your own patterned metal earrings in this intimate eco-jewellery workshop with artist Sue Garrard. INFO

🌺 Island Welcome at Hahndorf Academy
| EXHIBITION | Hahndorf
📅 Friday, June 6 – Saturday, July 20
This powerful exhibition uses contemporary jewellery to explore themes of hospitality, identity, and asylum through the symbolic gesture of welcome. INFO

🌊 Convergence by Rebecca McEwan at Hahndorf Academy
| EXHIBITION | Hahndorf
📅 Saturday, June 7 – Sunday, July 27
A poetic exploration of South Australia's sacred rivers, this immersive exhibition invites you into a quiet dialogue between artist and waterway where walking, paddling, and listening shape a moving tribute to nature’s wisdom. INFO

🧵 Fabric & the Conservation of Cultures at Fabrik
| EXHIBITION | Lobethal
📅 Friday, June 6 – Saturday, July 20
Step into a world of woven stories with this evocative exhibition of textiles from Central Asia, India, and Australia. Each piece reveals the cultural heritage of its maker through intricate patterns, techniques, and traditions. INFO

🎯 Spark Mateship
SOCIAL | Bridgewater
📅 Every Thursday | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Kick back with a game of pool, a sausage in hand, and a bunch of good blokes for a relaxed afternoon of laughs, chats, and mateship. INFO

🌍 Fabric & the Conservation of Cultures
EXHIBITION | Lobethal
📅 June 6-8 & 11-13 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Explore a striking collection of textiles from Central Asia, India and Australia that quietly speak to the cultural identity and craftsmanship of their makers. INFO

🧶 Which-Craft at Gumeracha
SOCIAL | Gumeracha
📅 Monday, June 9 | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Bring your current project and settle in for a relaxed afternoon of creativity and connection with fellow crafters. INFO

🎬 Monthly Movies at Gumeracha
FILM | Gumeracha
📅 Wednesday, June 11 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Settle in for an easy afternoon of film, snacks, and shared stories with fellow movie lovers at the community centre. INFO

ON LATER, BOOK NOW

🧵 Textile Conservation Advice Day at Fabrik with Mary Jose
WORKSHOP | Lobethal
 📅 Saturday, June 21 | 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Bring a treasured textile and gather around the table for personal conservation tips and stories with expert Mary Jose over tea and thoughtful conversation. INFO

🌺 Create a Welcome Lei Sustainably with Lauren Simeoni
WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Saturday, June 21 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Join artist Lauren Simeoni for an afternoon of playful jewellery-making with reclaimed materials and fresh ideas inspired by the spirit of welcome. INFO

🪡 Tapita Appliqué Workshop at Fabrik
WORKSHOP | Lobethal
📅 Sunday, June 29
Join artist Niki Sperou to explore the stories, techniques, and traditions behind Tapita, a Greek floor rug craft passed through generations. INFO

🎵 Emily Sanzaro Harp Workshop
WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Saturday, July 12 | 9:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Join contemporary harpist Emily Sanzaro for a hands-on workshop exploring the joy of making music your own, from creative expression and looping to playful experimentation with sound. INFO

❓ Mount Pleasant Farmers Market Quiz Night
SOCIAL | Mount Pleasant
📅 Saturday, July 26
Round up your team and join a lively night of trivia, laughs, and tunes with DJ Ben at this community quiz night favourite. INFO

MARKETS

🛍️ Meadows Country Market
📅 Sunday, June 9 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Browse stalls packed with fresh produce, handmade treats, vintage finds and more at this lively monthly market in the heart of Meadows.

🛒 Oakbank Market
📅 Saturday, June 8 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Enjoy live music, delicious eats, and a delightful mix of handmade goods and fresh local produce at this month’s Oakbank Market.

🧺 Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
📅 Saturday, June 7 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wander through fresh produce, local goods, and friendly faces at this vibrant community market on Melrose Street.

_{Thanks for reading Adelaide Hills Pantry. I hope it added a moment of enjoyment to your day.}