Front Garden December 2014

 This photo was taken at dusk and as the house faces west and bears the brunt of the afternoon sun we have worked hard to provide shade using deciduous vines and plants and now shade sails. Originally this was all lawn and over the past few years we have gradually built no dig gardens using re-purposed wood, free layers of mulch, cardboard, newspaper etc and there is only a small strip of lawn on the nature strip. We wanted a food forest garden that also attracted wildlife and the four birdbaths and diversity of plants certainly provide both as well as a peaceful and cool place to be.

 The rainwater tank along the fence is almost empty but this garden also has access to bore water three times a week and the grey water from the washing machine/Gator system. As we are now using grey-water here we are not planting root crops but have a range of perennials and dwarf fruit trees growing.

 We now gave four dwarf apple trees, two dwarf apricots and a dwarf peach and nectarine. On the edges of the garden we have the fejoa hedge and a mulberry tree as well as a pomegranate, figs, a loquat and an olive tree.

The paths have all been mulched as well which has reduced the weeds and increased the retention of moisture. As well the grape vine that can be seen here is going to need some extra support soon as it is becoming very heavy.

Capturing Rainwater

 We have had the gutters removed and Andy has rustproofed and painted the fascias so that new guttering can go on. The new guttering will be plumbed into our 5000 litre rain tank which has now been placed in the front garden.

We plan on setting up a sprinkler system for the front garden and eventually hope to be able to capture at least 15000 litres of water on our suburban block, but hopefully even more, dependent on location etc.

In Our Garden Today

 Getting ready for the water tank and replacing the guttering, a new fence has been put in.

 Gutters have been removed and Andy is sanding them and rust proofing them, the plan is to plumb in another 5000 litre tank and connect it to the no - dig gardens at the front.

 We have had no fruit yet from the pomegranate tree but the flowers are glorious.

 The chilli plants are surviving amongst the pumpkin vines.

 The strawberry guava has produced at least 50 pieces of fruit this year so far.

 The apple trees are fruiting and getting used to being espaliered.

 Not sure what the vine is at the bottom, but the choko vine has taken off again after struggling in the storms and the heat.

 Amazing spider web in the garden at the moment.

 The jujube is still growing, as is the grape vine and banana plant in the pool area.

 The garlic chives are covered in lovely flowers at the moment.

First Rainwater Tank - February 2010

Though it required much more work than expected, Andy had to dig another foot down, thank goodness it is sand not clay.

 The photos will give you a glimpse of the wonderful work he did to get it in. Now all we need is some rain.