An abundant garden packed with productive plants and trees, a herb garden and professionally installed wicking beds.

For more than twenty-three years, Julie Graetz has worked steadily to turn her garden into a place of abundance. What began as a modest plot has matured into thriving grounds, shaped by both patience and practical planning.

In 2009, Julie and her late husband Gavin first gave visitors a glimpse of the flourishing space they had created. Since then, they have continued to refine and improve its structure. The recent extensive renovation addressed some long-standing challenges, most notably the raised beds that had become unproductive as tree roots crept up through the soil. These have now been replaced with four purpose-built wicking beds, designed to retain moisture while keeping roots at bay. Tended daily, they form the engine room of this productive garden.

Across the seasons, these beds deliver a steady supply of vegetables: zucchini, broad beans, brussel sprouts, parsnips, leeks, eggplants, chillis, tomatoes, and much more. Julie cooks directly from what is ready to pick, enjoying the rhythm of seasonal eating. Nothing is wasted—what can’t be eaten fresh is preserved, pickled, frozen, or turned into jams and chutneys, then shared with friends and family.

The garden makeover also added a dedicated herb garden, set out with stone steppers that allow easy access between clumps of basil, thyme, sage, and rosemary. Their fragrance is released at every touch, and they provide a constant fresh flavour for the kitchen.

No fewer than thirty fruit trees are dispersed throughout the garden, including citrus, nashi, stonefruit, figs and mulberry. Together, they extend the harvest year-round, ensuring that something is always in season and ready to pick.

At its heart, Julie’s garden is a place of productivity and purpose. It reflects her daily commitment, from tending the wicking beds to preserving the surplus, while also standing as a model of how thoughtful design can turn a suburban block into a thriving source of food. Season by season, it provides not only for Julie herself but also for those around her, proving the value of a truly productive garden.