Five gardens from a group of nearby properties where like-minded residents band together to share friendship and expertise.

This is the 13th consecutive year that Joe’s Connected Garden has welcomed Open Garden visitors and demonstrated the many benefits and community spirit from opening neighbouring gates and sharing resources, knowledge, and gardens. Since the last opening, new vegetable beds have been installed, and the preserving shed will be open this year.

The garden is, in fact, five gardens from a group of fifteen nearby properties where like-minded residents have banded together to share friendship and expertise as well as their land. By working together and thoughtfully managing the microclimate and enriching the soil, they have grown around 750 different productive plants, including a vast range of fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, berries, nuts, medicinal plants, edible weeds and fruiting cacti. The collection includes over 350 figs, seven types of mangos, and, to name just a few, such rarities as a peanut tree, a peanut butter tree, a Japanese raisin tree, a Brazil cherry and a tropical cherry, a devil’s claw, dragon fruit, an exotic ice cream bean and several different varieties of coffee plants. There are also the more usual citrus and stone fruit trees.

Entry is through Joe’s garden, where he has amassed an extensive collection of sub-tropical fruiting plants, including many seldom seen in SA. Next door, John keeps quails and shows just how easy it is to grow vegetables in recycled broccoli boxes; Rosanne’s garden has raised beds of berries, stone fruits, citrus, figs and grapes, and Seaton’s garden (previously Mary’s Garden) is planted with more unusual fruit trees. Across the road in the fifth property are veggies and trees, including a hedged maze of over thirty trees. Figs are also cleverly planted in two concentric circles, a trick that maximises planting in a limited space.

The gardens are productive and experimental rather than ornamental, demonstrating permaculture principles and organic practices. Uncommon new food crops are tried, and ways to provide each plant with the best conditions to thrive and produce fruit are demonstrated. Reusing materials is a priority; recently, a new greywater irrigation system was installed.  Signage is used throughout to identify plants and to explain cultivation techniques.  Families of chooks and ducks assist with pest management!

Joe’s Connected Garden offers a learning experience in productive gardening, and visitors come back year after year to gain ideas, hear the informative talks, see the ongoing changes and purchase hard-to-come-by plants. It is a place where ‘community’ and food are nurtured.

Throughout the weekend, there will be displays, talks and demonstrations on all aspects of productive gardening, plant sales, gate prizes and a yellow brick road activity for children. Members of the Rare Fruit Society and experienced expert gardeners will be on hand to answer questions. Hot and cold food, including vegan options and drinks, will be available, and there are toilets if you want to make a day of it!