The concept behind the garden is to educate people about the role plants play in our lives and in the health of our planet. It demystifies the science behind growing fruit and veggies, including seasonal planting, crop rotation, making compost and caring for our soil. Set up beautifully to host information sessions and practical demonstrations, get along to one or two (or to your local community garden) and get into growing your own! It's soooo satisfying and a great joy when you harvest food that you've grown yourself...even better to then share it with those you love!
The garden itself is a series of terraces, cleverly created and retained by walls of either red brick or huge sandstone blocks. I'm sure these walls provide wonderful microclimates for the cool weather crops...by day, harnessing the heat from the sun, then warming the surrounding air by night.
Garden beds were also raised using timber sleepers, or simply carved into the earth. Some brimming with fabulous food, while others rested in readiness for the next crop. From cabbage, kale, and corriander, to blueberries and kiwi...a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds!
Generously wide gravel paths and broad sandstone steps make this garden accessible to all.
I've returned to our Pipers River property with some great ideas from my southern sojourn. And inspired once again to crack on with the redevelopment of my own food garden...due for relocation when we start our 'build'. Any moment now....no really!
What will you plant this season?
