🍂Spring tips, Hansard preview + donkeys!

Good morning, Hills lovers. After that big burst of rain, the Hills are smelling fresh and looking greener than ever. It feels like everything’s waking up for spring — the perfect time to dig in, head out, or try something new.

This week I’ve lined up three ways to do just that. Joel from Cleveland Nursery in Stirling shares his top tips for what your garden needs right now. Stirling Players are inviting Adelaide Hills Pantry readers to an exclusive (and free) preview night for the Australian premiere of Hansard — complete with a complimentary cherry on arrival. And if you’re still pondering Father’s Day plans, Sarah from HorseWise Hahndorf has opened her gentle Donkey Discovery experience this Sunday, a slower, sweeter way to celebrate.

Let’s get into it.

P.S. Just weeks to go until the Adelaide Hills jigsaws arrive. Pre-order here: Shop Puzzles

AFTER THE RAIN
5 things your garden needs

Don’t you just love the Hills after a big downpour? The ground smells rich, the air feels crisp, and suddenly the garden looks like it’s stretching and yawning its way into spring.

But here’s the question: what’s the first thing to do out there? Is it planting? Weeding? Throwing down more mulch? Or maybe just sipping a cuppa while you stare at the puddles?

Truth be told, I’m no green thumb, but I know many of you are. So instead of guessing, I caught up with Joel Lace at Cleveland Nursery in Stirling. Joel’s a horticulturist who lives and breathes Hills gardens, and he shared some cracking tips on what to tackle right now.

Joel’s tips cover everything from what to plant right now (and what to hold off on), to how to lock in precious moisture before summer arrives, and the one simple task that will save you hours of effort later in the season. And yes — I asked about citrus 🍋.

If your garden is feeling a little unruly, or you’re itching to dig in and make a fresh start, Joel’s advice is practical, local, and perfectly timed for Hills conditions. 👉See five simple steps to get your garden humming this spring. 

PREVIEW NIGHT TREAT
Hansard hits the Hills

You know I love sharing something a bit special with you — and this one really is.

Stirling Players are inviting Adelaide Hills Pantry readers to an exclusive preview night at no cost for the Australian premiere of Hansard, right here in Stirling.

If you love sharp theatre, this one’s for you. Hansard is part domestic drama, part biting political comedy — a clash between a Tory MP and his left-wing wife, sparring across marriage, politics, and power in Thatcher’s Britain. Think witty barbs, simmering tensions, and a finale that will leave you breathless. As The Times (UK) put it: “The last half hour is riveting, touching and illuminating all at once.”

After a sell-out season at London’s National Theatre in 2019, Hansard now makes its South Australian debut — fittingly in the state that pioneered the Hansard system of recording parliamentary debate in Australia.

The preview night is on Thursday 11 September at 7.30 pm at the Stirling Community Theatre. Doors open from 6.45 pm, with a complimentary sherry on arrival and a full bar serving Howard Vineyard wines, Red Cacao chocs, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.

It’s a generous thank-you from Stirling Players to Adelaide Hills Pantry readers. And if that date doesn’t suit, the official season opens Friday 12 September and runs through to Saturday 27 September. 🎟️ Book your exclusive Preview Night 11/09 tickets & use code HILLSPANTRY

DONKEY DISCOVERY HAHNDORF
Sundays with gentle donkeys

There’s something grounding about time spent with animals — and donkeys, with their gentle nature and soulful eyes, seem to have a magic all their own. Just outside Hahndorf, Donkey Discovery invites you to slow down, breathe in the Hills air, and connect with these remarkable creatures.

Run by Sarah from HorseWise Hahndorf, Donkey Discovery grew out of her equine-assisted learning practice. When NDIS funding for animal therapy shifted last year, Sarah turned what could have been a setback into a beautiful opportunity: creating a space where anyone can experience the calm, curiosity, and connection that donkeys bring.

A typical session runs on a Sunday morning with small groups — minimum 4 people, maximum 10. Over two hours, you’ll meet the herd, each with their own personality: Gregory the wise old soul, Murphy the Peter Pan of the group, and Little Patsy who just loves hugs.

You’ll learn to groom and lead a donkey, hear surprising insights into donkey behaviour and their history, and maybe even clean a hoof. Afterwards, relax with morning tea, complete with homemade treats and time to reflect on the simple joy of being with donkeys.

As Sarah says, “Donkeys have a unique ability to form strong bonds with humans.” Spend a morning with them, and you’ll see why. And with Father’s Day falling this Sunday, perhaps this could be exactly what you do. 👉 Find out more or book here.

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HOPPER PARTY IN STIRLING: Marshi’s Kitchen is hosting an all-you-can-eat Hopper Party with unlimited hot, crispy hoppers fresh off the pan, served with a spread of curries, sambols and chutneys that showcase Sri Lankan street food flavour. Never tried a hopper? Think golden edges, fluffy centres and big flavour. Marsh’s Kitchen: 49 Mount Barker Rd, Stirling. Friday 6 September, 6pm to 9pm. $59 per person. Limited seats - book now!

Working from home can get a little lonely, so Spark has launched CoWork Club — a new fortnightly meetup in Stirling designed to connect remote workers. Every second Wednesday from 9.30am–12pm at Miss Perez, Stirling, you can grab your laptop, settle in with like-minded locals, and enjoy a few hours of working side by side. It’s ongoing, not a one-off, with the next sessions on Wednesday 10 September and Wednesday 24 September and each fortnightly thereafter. All the info here.

MARKETS

🌿 Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
| MARKET | Mount Pleasant
📅 Saturday, 6 September | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Spend your Saturday morning exploring fresh seasonal produce, gourmet goods, and handmade delights at this beloved country market. With live music, coffee, and local charm, it’s the perfect weekend outing.

🍓 Adelaide Hills Farmers Market
| MARKET | Mount Barker
📅 Saturday, 6 September | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Set under the elms at 23 Mann Street, this weekly market is the heart of the Adelaide Hills, bringing together fresh produce, local artisans, and a vibrant community spirit.

🧺 Macclesfield Market
| MARKET | Macclesfield
📅 Sunday, 7 September | 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Browse artisan stalls, fresh produce, and handmade goods in the heart of Macclesfield’s charming village square.

🥕 Uraidla Market
| MARKET | Uraidla
📅 Sunday, 7 September | 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Celebrate Father’s Day with a visit to the Uraidla Market inside the lovely church opposite Uraidla Hotel, filled with local treasures and community charm.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

🌸 September Open Days at Stangate Garden
| GARDEN & HERITAGE | Aldgate
📅 Sundays, 7, 14, 21 & 28 September | From 10:00 AM
Wander through the enchanting camellia-filled grounds of Stangate Garden, a National Trust treasure and International Camellia Garden of Excellence, open every Sunday this September. INFO

👩‍💻 CoWork Club by Spark Connection
| COMMUNITY & NETWORKING | Stirling
📅 Wednesdays, 10 & 24 September | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Remote workers, freelancers, and creatives are invited to connect and co-work in good company at this fortnightly meet-up designed to beat the work-from-home blues. INFO

📖 Indigenous Literacy Day Storytime
| FAMILY | Stirling
📅 Thursday, 4 September | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Celebrate Indigenous Literacy Day with Drew and Liesl from Walking Together with Kaurna as they share Dreaming stories, songs, and games that honour Kaurna culture and language. INFO

🃏 Cribbage and Company: Social Card Play Sessions
| COMMUNITY | Gumeracha
📅 Thursday, 4 September | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Join a welcoming group of card enthusiasts for fun, friendly games of cribbage and great conversation. INFO

✂️ Thursday Craft’ernoon at Gumeracha
| WORKSHOP | Gumeracha
📅 Thursday, 4 September | 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Spend an afternoon immersed in creativity with quilting, crochet, card making, needlework, and more, in a relaxed and welcoming space. INFO

📜 Family History: Getting Started
| WORKSHOP | Stirling
📅 Friday, 5 September | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Begin your journey into family history with expert guidance on tools like Ancestry, Trove, and the Australian War Memorial. Perfect for curious beginners ready to uncover the past. INFO

🍷 Day on the Deck at Petaluma
| WINE & FOOD | Woodside
📅 Saturday, 6 September | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sip Croser and Petaluma wines while enjoying live acoustic music, delicious food, and sweeping Adelaide Hills views from the stunning deck. INFO

🧺 Upcycled Basket Weaving at Fabrik
| SUSTAINABILITY & CRAFT | Lobethal
📅 Saturdays, 6 & 27 September + 11 October | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Join Yee May for a 3-part workshop transforming soft plastic food packaging into colourful, functional baskets while learning skills to reduce waste creatively. INFO

🥂 Father's Day at Ondeen
| FOOD & WINE | Verdun
📅 Sunday, 7 September | 11:45 AM & 2:15 PM
Celebrate Father’s Day with a seasonal farm-to-table feast crafted by Ondeen’s chefs, paired with local wines and enjoyed against sweeping vineyard views. INFO

🍷 Father’s Day at Cobb’s Hill Estate
| FOOD & WINE | Oakbank
📅 Sunday, 7 September | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Treat Dad to a relaxed day in the Adelaide Hills with seasonal dining, exclusive Chef’s Cut specials, live music, and fine estate wines in a stunning vineyard setting. INFO

🍽️ Father’s Day Lunch at Glen Ewin Estate
| FOOD & WINE | Lower Hermitage
📅 Sunday, 7 September | 12:00 PM
Celebrate Dad with a generous sharing-style lunch, live music, and a relaxed vineyard atmosphere at Glen Ewin Estate. INFO

🎶 Father’s Day Picnic and Music with Claudia and Jake
| LIVE MUSIC | Norton Summit
📅 Sunday, 7 September | 1:00 PM
Celebrate Dad with an afternoon of soulful live music under the candlebark gums, featuring Claudia and Jake’s nostalgic classics and smooth originals, alongside fine Adelaide Hills wine. INFO

🍻 $5 Beers Father’s Day Special at Marshi’s Kitchen
| FOOD & DRINK | Stirling
📅 Sunday, 7 September | All Day
Celebrate Father’s Day with a delicious main meal and enjoy $5 select beers, including Coopers Pale, Dark, and Corona all day. INFO

🎶 Diana Doherty and Bernadette Harvey at Ukaria
| CLASSICAL MUSIC | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Sunday, 7 September | 2:30 PM
Celebrate over two decades of musical friendship as oboist Diana Doherty and pianist Bernadette Harvey share a deeply personal program, from cherished early works to a world premiere by Nigel Westlake. INFO

💇 Bond with Bond
| BUSINESS WORKSHOP | Aldgate
📅 Monday, 8 September | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Learn fresh strategies for staff management and team dynamics with salon leader Jenni Tarrant OAM and transformation coach Jules Tarrant in this engaging and practical two-hour workshop. INFO

🎬 Hahndorf: Echoes of The Past – Film Screening
| FILM | Mount Barker
📅 Monday, 8 September | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Step back in time with a special screening that shares the rich history of Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills. INFO

🎨 R U OK? Day – Zentangles and Colouring
| WELLBEING | Gumeracha
📅 Tuesday, 9 September | 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Take time to breathe, relax, and connect over mindful drawing and colouring activities with afternoon tea, hosted in honour of R U OK? Day. INFO

🍿 Monthly Movie: Everybody’s Oma – Dementia Awareness
| FILM SCREENING | Gumeracha
📅 Wednesday, 10 September &  | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Join us for a heartfelt screening of Everybody’s Oma during Dementia Awareness Month, sharing the moving story of family, love, and resilience through the lens of filmmaker Jason van Genderen and his beloved mother. INFO

ON LATER, BOOK NOW

🍺 German Oktober Weekend
| FOOD & CULTURE | Totness
📅 Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 October | Times vary
Raise your stein to two days of Bavarian brews, bratwurst, live German music, games, and Oktoberfest fun for all ages at the Pony. INFO

🥂 Bubbles and Bumps
| FOOD & WINE | Meadows
📅 Fridays, 10 October to 13 March | Times vary
Sip, savour, and unwind with Popsie Sparkling, caviar bumps, and Coffin Bay oysters under the stars every second Friday at Karrawatta. INFO

🎻 Cuarteto Quiroga at UKARIA
| CLASSICAL MUSIC | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Sunday, 5 October | 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Experience the vibrant artistry of Cuarteto Quiroga as they perform works by Mozart, Ginastera, and Brahms in their Australian debut at the renowned UKARIA concert hall. INFO

📖 A Special Evening with Fiona McIntosh
| AUTHOR TALK | Wallis Cinemas, Mount Barker
📅 Thursday, 2 October | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Join bestselling author Fiona McIntosh for an engaging evening as she shares the inspiration behind her new novel The Soldier's Daughter along with stories from her writing adventures. INFO

🎻 The Fiddle Chicks – Fiddles in the Forest at Dusk
| LIVE MUSIC | Norton Summit
📅 Saturday, 27 September | 6:00 PM
Experience a magical dusk performance under towering gums with The Fiddle Chicks, blending folk music and nature in a heartfelt evening at Sinclair’s Gully. INFO

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the traditional custodians of our land. We recognise Peramangk and Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the place where the content in this newsletter is featured and where the newsletter is created. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future and to the cultural authority of First Nations Peoples from other areas of this country.