About

Raised in the leafy suburbs of Brisbane’s northwest, Joe McAlister has always had a love of nature and was introduced to the concept of home gardening at an early age with family vege patches, chickens, and a backyard mango tree. Through camping trips to national parks in Southeast Queensland, he developed a deep appreciation for native flora and fauna. His passion for gardening flourished after purchasing a post-war cottage with a blank slate lawn where he was able to bring his native landscaping vision to his own surroundings.

With a background in business and marketing, Joe completed a Diploma of Horticulture at Grovely Campus, Brisbane North Institute of TAFE and a Permaculture Design Certificate at Northey Street City Farm. His horticulture studies have focused on plant identification and use, soils, sustainable land use and landscape design.

In 2011, Joe founded Hungry Gecko Gardens with a strong focus on edible, permaculture inspired and native gardens. His focus on native garden design then took over and has continued to be something he is very passionate about. On the side his interest in native stingless bees (meliponiculture) developed until it became a viable element of the business with hives located at several sites in Brisbane and a dedicated workshop space for the construction of hive boxes.