A permaculture garden that's also a sanctuary of learning, resiliency and gratitude.

Nestled just out of Mt Pleasant, this off-grid family has embraced a lifestyle built around sustainability, resilience, and connection to nature. Their productive garden lies at the heart of daily life, providing fresh food, a safe space for animals, and an outdoor classroom for their children and guests.

The newly constructed patch sits beneath a protective netted enclosure, incorporating both a flourishing garden and a secure chook house and run. The safety of the flock is paramount, especially after the loss of their dearly loved rooster, Chicky. Here, animals, plants, and people share in the benefits of a well-planned space.

Abundance thrives within the enclosure. More than 20 fruit trees—cherries, apricots, plums, nectarines, apples, and numerous citrus—stand alongside berry patches of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. Seasonal vegetables add variety, from summer crops of tomatoes and butternut squash to cool-weather staples like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and beans.

To increase biodiversity, the family has also planted numerous edible and ornamental herbs and perennials. Chives, parsley, and basil contribute to family meals, while lavender, chamomile, tansy, borage, lovage, comfrey, and yarrow attract pollinators, enrich soil health, and deter pests naturally. Indeed, no pesticides or herbicides are used here; instead, the garden flourishes through organic cycles, companion planting, and permaculture principles that foster a balanced, thriving ecosystem.

The hens contribute daily, turning the soil, reducing insect populations, and providing fresh eggs, while their manure feeds the garden beds. For the children and guests, this patch is both playground and classroom, where they learn firsthand the value of soil, biodiversity, and the rewards of eating home-grown produce.

Beyond its productive purpose, the garden is a sanctuary of learning, resilience, and gratitude. Each tree, berry, herb, and egg reflects a way of living that is both sustainable and deeply connected to the land's rhythms. Overlooking a nearby monastery, the family is reminded daily of the quiet beauty and peace that surround them in this unique part of the world.