TASTE TRAIL - Sophie’s Seedlings

by Victoria McGuin

A proud member and regular supplier to the Maple Street Co-op, Sophie’s Seedlings is all about sustainable living, community engagement, permaculture, and encouraging others to grow food and share their knowledge.

“I always loved gardening,” Sophie said. “I had an office job and got sick of being stuck behind a computer when it was so beautiful outside! I retrained in horticulture, then the opportunity came up to buy this business, which was originally started by Max Lindegger - one of the original designers of Crystal Waters Permaculture Village.

“It’s such a privilege to carry on this important job, I’m the fourth generation doing this. I’m passionate about people learning to grow spray-free food locally, and I’m always happy for people to ask me their gardening questions and to receive plant requests.” 

Sophie’s Seedlings range from vegetables to herbs and flowers, and she upholds a commitment to non-GMO, sun-hardened cultivation right here on the Sunshine Coast.

“This means each seedling is robust and ready to thrive in your garden.”

Along with personal gardens, community gardens are important to Sophie. “Whether you’re a novice gardener taking your first steps or a seasoned green thumb, community gardens are a great way to learn about permaculture while cultivating friendships and sharing knowledge.”

To this end, Sophie often runs workshops through the Maple Street Co-op Garden, her next being ‘Pruning Fruit Trees’ which provides hands-on learning for those keen to utilise their gardens. (Tuesday, May 7, 9am-11am $20 non-members, free for Co-op members, to book email assistantmanager@maplestreet.coop)

“I love to help coordinate the Co-op's community garden out the back. We have a great group of volunteers who come every Tuesday morning and plant, weed, mend, harvest...and yarn with a cuppa afterwards! (You can find more details on their Maple Street Co-op Community Garden Facebook page.)

“I joined the Maple Street Co-op because I love the idea of community-owned businesses,” Sophie said. “They have such an excellent range of local, organic and fancy products. They are super friendly and really help out when someone is in need. Also, as a member you get 5% off your shop.”

One of the most tangible ways Sophie’s Seedlings connects with the community is through the local hinterland markets: Maleny, Montville, Witta and Mapleton, you can find details on her website, sophiesseedlings.com.

And as if Sophie isn’t busy enough, she is also keen to involve the younger generations, collaborating with Montville State School on Thursdays during the school term, teaching them about permaculture and growing their own food.

“I love being part of this caring, creative community, there is always something going on, and people are so generous and helpful, they love to chat and check in.”