Ulladulla’s Yumaro Nursery is known as a space of growth, creativity, and possibility—and their upcoming Sow Good Festival promises to bring all of that to the wider community. Debbie, one of the driving forces behind the nursery, shared the inspiration for the festival and what visitors can expect when they walk through the gates in February.
“I wanted to showcase what our guys can achieve and connect them with amazing people in the community — musicians, creatives, all sorts. And who doesn’t love putting on an event? It’s really a way to capture in two days what we experience here every day: joy, nature, colour, creativity.”
Debbie’s passion for nurturing people’s potential is evident in every corner of Yumaro Nursery. From grounds maintenance opportunities for energetic people, to floristry projects for individuals with a creative eye, the nursery tailors work around each individual’s abilities and passions. “We have people interested in floristry, and an ex-florist as a support worker. Now we make beautiful wreaths for Christmas, and have an indoor plant hire business.
Collaboration at the Heart of the Festival
From the outset, Sow Good Festival has been a collaborative effort. Debbie recalls how the connection with Ulladulla High School started: “It actually happened by chance… I started chatting to a customer — it turned out to be Ben Barry from Ulladulla High School. He brought the students in, and they were just brilliant.” The students have helped shape the festival from the ground up, suggesting workshops, zones, and even contributing to design and speaker feedback. “Some students are collecting data as part of a school project — which is perfect because I need this to report on the grant,” Debbie adds. “They’ve elevated it. I was imagining something smaller, but they saw something much bigger.”
The festival also brings together Our Town and Matt and Hayley from Gwylo, adding layers of local creativity and community spirit. “Our Town has been amazing — helping with logistics and local engagement — and Gwylo’s creative input is just incredible,” Debbie explains.
Other amazing people are joining as we go along, including Sue from MUD Ceramics in Milton who has fantastic ideas for our mud station. “It really feels like a shared space now.”
A Festival That Reflects the Community
At its heart, Sow Good is an invitation to experience what Debbie describes as the everyday magic at Yumaro. Debbie hopes the festival will leave visitors with a sense of possibility and positivity: “I want people to come away with a belief in simple and good things. And maybe an acceptance of difference. Maybe some minds can shift—that’d be lovely.”
Want to join in the fun?
For those who want to get involved, Debbie is calling for volunteers. In particular, they are looking for volunteers that can:
- Help make the space magical by lending their knitting or crocheting skills or other creative talents in the lead up to the festival
- Help set up and pack down prior and after the Festival
- Help on the day Volunteer coordinator – help Yumaro organise all the volunteers.
If this sounds like you – reach out to Debbie at debbie.lickley@yumaro.com.au
The Sow Good Festival will take place on 28th February – 1st March 2026 from 10am at Yumaro Nursery, 157 Warden Street, Ulladulla. Follow them on instagram at @sowgoodulladulla to find out more about the festival and keep in touch