Meet the gardeners and their garden

Barb’s home, nestled in bushland, has been a well-loved holiday home and more recently, a permanent home, for about 25 years in total.  At dusk, the wallabies emerge from the neighbouring bush.  When Barb starting growing vegetables on this block about three years ago, she soon realised that more than netting was required if any of the fresh veggies were to make it into her kitchen!  So, about 18 months ago, a timber-framed, heavy duty wire enclosure was built that now houses Barb’s veggie garden, fruit trees and chicken coop.  The wallabies, possums and the ubiquitous Phillip Island rabbits have been successfully excluded.

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Come to see, learn and be inspired!

• Pretty mosaics featuring chickens and Pyramid Rock have been crafted by one of Barb’s granddaughters and provide the stepping stone entry to this garden.

• The vegetable garden is highly visible at the front and side of this corner block, meaning that it provides a great opportunity for Barb to chat with neighbours and passers-by about the garden and what she is growing.  Barb encourages her neighbours to pick excess fresh greens as they need them.

• Three large, timber-framed wicking beds provide a low watering, easy maintenance solution.  The deep-water chambers in these wicking beds provide sufficient water for a couple of weeks, while Barb’s neighbours are happy to feed the chickens and collect their eggs if she is away on holidays.

• Grow bags, perched at the end of the wicking beds, cater for a changing rotation of plants including aromatic herbs such as lemon thyme and camomile, enhancing the pleasure of being in the garden. 

• Fruit trees include apricots, apples, grafted plum, blood orange and lemons.

 

Parking and accessibility

Parking in street.  Access to the fenced off garden is via a narrow door.    

 

Address

​56 Beachcomber Avenue, Smiths Beach