SERIES 37 | Episode 08
A family’s quince orchard becomes a place of harvest, healing and connection on Wadawurrung Country.
Millie introduces one of the world’s oldest cultivated fruits, the quince (Cydonia oblonga). At a family-run orchard in Bannockburn, near Geelong in Victoria’s Moorabool Valley, harvest day is underway.
Among rows of trees, 13 different quince varieties are grown- from round, compact fruits to elongated and even giant forms like the ‘Missouri Mammoth’. Owners Libby and Gary Jewson share their deep knowledge of growing quinces, explaining how some varieties offer better yields, while others like ‘Fuller’s’ are ideal for home gardeners thanks to their resistance to fungal diseases such as leaf fleck.
Quinces are celebrated not just for their productivity, but for their remarkable culinary qualities. Though too hard and astringent to eat raw, once cooked they transform, turning a rich ruby colour with complex, aromatic flavours that pair beautifully with spices, desserts and even simple accompaniments like ice cream. From preserves to drinks, their versatility shines.
But beyond the fruit, this orchard tells a much deeper story. The garden has become a living tribute to the Jewsons’ daughter, Melanie, who helped plant and nurture the trees before her passing at just 18. Community support saw roses and plants donated, weaving memory and meaning into the landscape. For the family, tending the orchard and harvesting quinces has become a powerful and ongoing process of healing.
With the support of friends and community, what began as a small orchard has grown into something much more – a space grounded in resilience, remembrance and connection. Through shared work, seasonal harvests and the simple act of growing food, the quince trees continue to bring people together and offer comfort.
Featured Plant QUINCECydonia oblonga
Filmed on Wadawurrung Country | Bannockburn, Vic
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