A no-dig garden with enclosed beds and expertly espaliered fruit trees

Niwajiri is a remarkable property created by recently retired, industry-leading landscape designer Steve Hailstone and his partner Chris Lim. Under the expert care of these two talented horticulturists, Niwajiri has evolved into a sanctuary of beauty, tranquillity, and productivity. Through experimentation and extensive research, the property reflects their meticulous approach not only to caring for the soil but also to cultivating and protecting its diverse crops.

This micro-farm, located on just over 1 hectare, was an overgrazed paddock with three large blackberry clumps when the current owners acquired it in 1988. Today, the farm supplies at least 95% of the fruit and vegetables the owners consume, including preserves.

Most crops—except lemon, avocado, blood orange, and asparagus—grow inside six permanent cages made of concrete, steel, and mesh. These cages protect the crops from pests such as rats, birds, kangaroos, rabbits, flying foxes, and possums. Though a significant investment, the cages reduce losses, make maintenance easier, and are designed to last for decades. Unlike plastic, the materials will safely break down into the soil when they eventually wear out.

The design of the cages varies depending on purpose, soil conditions, ease of use, and the pests to be kept out. All fruit is espaliered and trained into flat, two-dimensional shapes. Among the varieties are six types of apples, three types of pears, three types of cherries, grapes, citrus, nuts, persimmons, figs, and more. Inside the large protective structure near the house, they grow both perennial and annual herbs and vegetables, and have created a mobile greenhouse to ensure reliable crops of solanums like chillies, capsicum, and tomatoes.

Since 2020, all growing has been "no-dig." Steve and Chris produce their own mulch and compost for food production and most of the ornamental garden, using an innovative integrated composting system and chickens. The chicken roost is mobile so that it can be used in the orchard cages as well.

Niwajiri is not just a micro-farm; it’s a testament to Steve and Chris’s vision and dedication. The result is a truly one-of-a-kind property that seamlessly blends beauty, productivity, and environmental harmony—an inspiring example of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.