Originally from Canada, Joanne (Jo) Racine is a passionate woman whose knowledge of gardening is reflected in the design of her own garden at home and her gardening initiatives on Macleay island.
As a registered nurse Jo’s work took her to Saudi Arabia, Holland , Switzerland, and the United States before meeting a handsome Russian, Ivan, marrying him on a sandy beach in Florida, just like in some romantic script.
Arriving in Australia in 2010, Jo and Ivan spent a few years in Sydney and Brisbane . It was not until 2016 that Jo and Ivan made Macleay Island their home.
Since being on Macleay Island, Jo has been an active member of the community focusing on bringing people together and educating them on the importance of growing food . As the creator of her ‘Garden Tribe ‘ , who get together to support each other in their fruit and veggie growing endeavours, Jo is now the engine behind ‘Veggie Mates’ that she envisages will evolve into a food cooperative.
Being an island accessible only by boat, Jo’s current mission through Veggie Mates is to ensure that Bay Islanders can one day grow enough of their own local fruit and vegetables and be less reliant on the mainland supplies where we have no control on price or access.
Veggie Mates attracts people who are new to growing as well as experienced, all sharing Jo’s vision that we can become self sufficient in meeting our personal fruit and vegetables needs and becoming less reliant on the traditional commercial channels.
If you are wanting to grow your own food from seed to harvest, you should join Jo’s Veggie Mates for the support, educational workshops , friendships and a few laughs.
Adding another string to her bow, Jo has also teamed up with horticulturist friend, Sheridan Gatheridge to form “Pimp My Bushes”, a garden design and advisory service.
You can contact Jo about Veggie Mates or Pimp My Bushes on :
Mobile 0403 822 990
Email: [email protected]