A large, eclectic, inspiring, attractive and environmentally friendly garden that provides an abundance of food, enjoyment and well-being

This eclectic garden has an abundance of productive fruit and nut trees flourishing alongside ornamentals—both exotic and native. It’s like a mini botanical garden integrating a food forest. The house and garden form a habitat for the occupants. The garden had been established before a 2017 fire that destroyed the house. The new home was built to respond to the remnant garden, be energy efficient and sustainable, and allow ageing in place.

The new garden - in turn responding to the contemporary and comfortable new home - aims to create areas of native habitat as well as semi-food self-sufficiency, peace and beauty, utilising organic, regenerative and permaculture ideas. Rainwater harvesting enables the on-site storage of 140,000 L, of which 115,000 are beneath the lawn. Numerous microclimates have been created over time to suit the needs of specific plants, and the use of colourful flowers allows for and encourages pollinators and natural pest predators. Raised beds—both wicking and plain—provide easy access to a wide variety of annual and perennial vegetables. A vast variety of fruiting trees (nearly a hundred), including multi-grafted and many less common and heritage varieties. Poultry are kept for eggs, and their valuable manure contributes to compost, which, in turn, supports the health and vigour of this incredibly beautiful and productive garden.

Pressure from intense urban development in the Mt Barker area—and the hospital in particular—is a significant issue requiring new strategies to manage the exploding population of displaced refugee possums, which threaten deciduous plants by feeding on tender new shoots.

This garden varies with the seasons, is attractive, and is designed for well-being. The summer shade provided by two large gum trees, augmented by deciduous ornamentals, is refreshing.

At the end of an ordinary suburban cul-de-sac lies Cathy and David’s habitat. The front garden alone has more than a dozen productive food trees.