An incredible example of how to create a beautiful and productive space in a modest front garden

This property is a brilliant example of a garden that is both beautiful and highly productive, lovingly and creatively developed over sixteen years. Gardener, artist, and potter Lou, together with professional musician and handyman extraordinaire Ian, have not only expressed their personalities throughout the garden but also demonstrated that you don’t need a vast space to create something supremely productive and visually delightful. It’s a garden that hasn’t been formally designed but has evolved organically, making the most of recycled and repurposed materials.

Beyond the climate-compatible plantings that attract numerous beneficial birds and insects, the front garden features a range of zones, each with its own style and function. A netted structure protects a mini orchard of sixteen mostly espaliered fruit trees from intruders, while a small flock of runner ducks graze below. Opposite sits the chook house, cleverly divided into several ‘rooms’ to keep their heirloom Barnevelder flock both engaged and protected.

Twelve wicking beds—crafted from a mix of IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers) and old rainwater tanks—are used to grow an impressive variety of produce. Last year’s San Marzano tomato crop alone yielded over 50 kilograms. Other thriving crops include kale, silverbeet, beetroot, lettuce, coriander, and celery. A charming English-style potting shed and glasshouse allow them to get a head start on the season and grow a wide range of plants from seed—many of which can’t be found in mainstream nurseries or hardware stores.

Rainwater storage of 75,000 litres ensures the garden can be sustained without relying on mains water, and permaculture principles are evident in the thoughtful zoning and spacing of each area. This garden provides its owners with a rewarding level of self-sufficiency and food security, producing eggs from the chooks and ducks, along with an abundance of vegetables, herbs, and fruit. Their love of gardening and passion for growing and eating fresh food have been the driving forces behind this inspiring blend of beauty and productivity. It is, without doubt, a self-made paradise.