A great example of versatile wicking beds and what you can grow in them

With a love of cooking and eating fresh produce, the owners of this property transformed their passion into a thriving lifestyle. Their journey began long before this garden was created—growing up with parents and grandparents who maintained their own productive patches, they learned from a young age about the taste and health benefits of homegrown food. Those early experiences instilled an appreciation for freshness, flavour, and the satisfaction of harvesting straight from the garden.

Later, with a background in chemistry and science, they developed a deeper understanding of soil health and its role in producing nutritious, delicious crops. Having come across the idea of wicking beds and realising the benefits they offer in our dry country, they have spent years expanding their wicking bed garden at home. This knowledge shaped their approach to gardening and became the foundation for a property designed around productivity, sustainability, and abundance.

Every vegetable here is grown in raised wicking beds—over 40 in total. Even several fruit trees thrive in this system, demonstrating its versatility and efficiency. Grown in this patch are zucchini, cucumber, pumpkin, asparagus, sweet potato, watermelon, rockmelon, tomatoes, lettuce, beans and herbs. In their greenhouse, they even grow tropicals such as mangoes and bananas—an unexpected delight in this setting. Most remarkable of all, tomatoes are harvested year-round—something rarely achieved outside commercial production.

Beyond the vegetables, more than thirty fruit trees line the property, producing seasonal harvests throughout the year. These include citrus, cherries, apples, pears, pomegranates, and figs, among others. Many of the trees are protected by an impressive bird-netted tunnel, ensuring the fruits are preserved for the family’s table. Together, the beds, orchard, greenhouse, fruiting trees, and chicken run create a living pantry where meals begin with a walk through the garden.

Their passion for growing their own food and experimenting with diverse, successful methods naturally extended beyond their property. They began assisting friends and family in constructing productive gardens, helping to set up thriving wicking beds in backyards large and small. The success of these gardens encouraged them to take the next step: establishing their own venture dedicated to creating productive gardens for others, and they are now regarded as experts in their field. What started with personal enthusiasm has grown from strength to strength, driven by a belief that good food begins in healthy soil.

Their generosity extends beyond private spaces as well. On the roadside verge, they have established a community productive patch, inviting neighbours and passers-by to pick their own fresh produce. This shared space embodies their belief that gardening is not just about food, but about connection, kindness, and resilience.

What began as a childhood appreciation for good food has blossomed into a way of life. Rooted in family tradition and strengthened by scientific knowledge, this story shows how passion, care for the soil, and thoughtful design can turn any patch of earth into a flourishing, productive garden.