Volume 3

Welcome to volume three of Back Yard Farmer. It’s been a long time coming, so thank you to our loyal and patient readers! We hope you like the selection of information we’ve gathered together here. There are contributions from people living the good life all over Australia who’ve learned how to make the most of their back yard.

It always seems a pity to me that modern back yards are increasingly becoming ‘outdoor rooms’, that are static and immovable, regardless of the season or weather. ‘Low maintenance’ seems to be the mantra that’s winning the battle over absolutely all other human, aesthetic or natural considerations.

Geometric patterns of square concrete pavers, pencil pines galore, blank ‘feature’ walls and not a leaf out of place (thanks to that piece of exquisite urban torture, the leaf blower) — and all designed to ensure that no one accidentally gets their hands in the dirt.

In Europe and many other parts of the world a decent back yard is out of reach of ordinary people. We’re lucky that in Australia despite rising fuel bills, high mortgage rates and rents, we can still find a run-down house with a big yard in most parts of the country. My first home was an old weatherboard in the Melbourne suburb of Coburg. In 1986 it cost $54,000 and was so run-down that it hadn’t been lived in for ten years. But I couldn’t wait for settlement so I could get some vegies growing in the rich soil. My eldest son, Tane, spent many happy days foraging about among all the rambling greenery.

I hope you enjoy the range of information here: the energy and wisdom of the many contributors to Back Yard Farmer makes for a different perspective on life in the back yard compared to what you will read elsewhere.

We hope that Back Yard Farmer will give you a little encouragement to try a back yard project you wouldn’t otherwise consider. Meanwhile, we’ll get started on volume four (and we did! - Ed.).

PS. Back Yard Farmer is here to stay and we need you!  If you'd like the opportunity to contribute to a future volume, please email editorial@earthgarden.com.au with your idea – we'd love to hear from you.