A great example of different styles and sizes of raised beds and the unique link between the chickens, composting and the productive nature of this patch.

Within the grounds of this lovely property, designed and created by retired landscape designer Diana and her husband Michael, lies a productive garden that has been carefully nurtured for eight years. Its layout is defined by thirteen raised beds, crafted from timber and round galvanised steel, enclosed by gabion walls designed and built by Michael, giving the garden a sense of structure and permanence.

A recent addition—a small greenhouse—has expanded the garden’s capabilities. It allows for the careful raising of heritage seeds and a broader range of crops than those available from standard suppliers. Seedlings are started under glass before being transplanted into the beds, extending the growing season and increasing variety. This is a challenging site with very cold winters and hot, windy summers, so having complete control over what can be grown successfully is of utmost importance.

The planting itself is extensive and highly practical. Rows of broccoli and broccolini stand alongside red cabbage and snow peas. Red and brown onions form a steady backbone, complemented by chillies, rhubarb, asparagus, pumpkin, squash, and sweet potato. Beetroot in several varieties, together with parsnips, add further depth, while multiple tomato varieties ensure steady harvests throughout the warmer months.

Soft fruit adds another layer of productivity. A dedicated berry bed produces generous quantities of raspberries and huge American blackberries, providing baskets of fresh fruit. A dwarf orange and lemon tree further enrich the garden, offering fruit for the kitchen.
At the rear of the patch is their much-loved flock of mixed-breed chickens: Australorps, Golden Laced and Pencil Wyandottes, Araucanas, Barnevelders, Speckled Sussex, and a handsome barnyard rooster named Sleepy Joe. During the cooler months, the entire flock can be seen perched atop the warmest compost bay in the chook run, enjoying the heat radiating from the decomposing material. The rich, homemade compost produced here is undoubtedly one of the secrets behind the garden’s exceptional productivity.

Adding another layer of life and connection to the environment, Michael and Diana care for orphaned kangaroos in a sanctuary that can be viewed directly from the garden. Their gentle presence brings an element of wildlife to the property, reminding visitors of the harmony between cultivation and nature.

What sets this garden apart is its balance of structure and yield. The raised beds, gabion walls, greenhouse, lively chickens, and nearby kangaroos provide order, vitality, and life, while the planting prioritises variety and reliability. The result is more than a source of food—it’s a demonstration of what can be achieved when design, care, and a love of life in the garden come together. Diana and Michael’s patch is productive, resilient, and rewarding—a model of practical yet refined gardening.