Volume 3

BACKYARD FARM WITH A VIEW

If you're looking for an example of a backyard that combines productivity with beauty, have a look at what Rina and Ben have done in fourteen years

by Rina Verdouw, Blackman's Bay, Tasmania

WE have a cottage garden in suburbia where flowers, vegies, fruit trees and other shrubs and trees happily co-exist. It has paths, steps and a variety of interesting things like working beehives, chickens, rabbits, a finch aviary, fishpond and a wood-fired pizza oven. There is a hothouse, covered berry patch, and places to sit, relax, smell the roses, watch the birds and bees and to enjoy the beauty of creation.

Fourteen years ago, when my husband Bernie (also known as Ben) and I arrived after years of living in the country, there were a few fruit trees, an old 25-metre pine hedge and some ornamental and native trees. The soil was sandy and very neglected. Innumerable loads of manure and mulch were, and still are, brought in to improve the soil. Trees, shrubs, vines were planted, compost and liquid. If you're looking for an example of a backyard that combines productivity with beauty, have a look at what Rina and Ben have done in fourteen years. fertiliser made and many seeds continually sown to make our garden what it is today.

As a result of this activity we have a variety of vegetables all year round, fruit for many months, delicious honey, large eggs, chemically-free meat and beautiful flowers, enough for our needs and to share with neighbours, family and friends.

This summer we have reaped cherries, apricots, lemons, apples, pears, figs, plums, nectarines, raspberries, youngberries, strawberries, blueberries, red and blackcurrants, pepinos and hazelnuts. In autumn and winter there will be myrtex berries (also known as 'Tassie berries' or Chilean Guava), kiwi fruit, olives, tamarillos and maybe some guavas. Still to fruit are walnuts, persimmons, avocados and grapes which are recent additions to the garden.

We mostly sow the vegetable seeds ourselves, as this is cheaper than purchasing seedlings. We use the new moon as our guide and reminder and sowing regularly guarantees a continuous supply all year round according to the seasons.

The bees pollinate the flowers and fruit trees, the rabbits and chickens provide much needed manure and the Gouldian Finches, which Bernie successfully breeds, bring much pleasure. The hothouse, built from recycled windows, allows us to successfully grow early tomatoes, cucumbers and capsicum. These are grown in large pots so it's easier to replace the soil each spring.

Weeds are plentiful but play a valuable part in our backyard farm. Certain weeds are saved for the finches (I'm in trouble if I throw them out); others are food for the rabbits and chickens and the leftovers go to the compost heap. As you can see, there's a continual process of recycling occurring in our backyard.

A FEW TIPS

• To make compost: shred garden waste and some soaked newspapers in a shredder, alternate with thick layers of manure (any sort, whatever you can get), wet the lot as it's being made. Cover with black plastic and turn a few times. Within a month you will have sweet smelling compost.
• To make liquid fertiliser: put a large bucket of manure in a 200-litre drum and fill with water. Let this brew for two or three weeks and it's ready to use diluted 50:50 with water. Apply fortnightly to most plants in the garden.
• When sowing seeds: clear the beds of weeds and old vegetables, apply a good layer of compost, add some blood and bone and a dusting of potash. Lightly fork this in, sow the seeds and cover the soil with frames made from chicken wire to provide protection from scratching sparrows and blackbirds as they dig for worms. Regularly water lightly till seeds germinate.

Although there are no water restrictions in our area this summer, we are ever mindful to be careful of this precious commodity and mulch where we can. Last winter a spring surfaced at the bottom of the garden. After checking with the local council, Bernie made drains and lowered a 200-litre drum into the ground to create a small well. The water is pumped to dryer areas of the garden as the well fills.

Summer is a busy time when food ripens and needs picking and processing. There's always something happening in my kitchen during this time. We're podding, blanching, freezing, making jam, relish or chutney, bottling and drying fruit, making delicious fruit leathers or extracting honey from the hives using the homemade honey extractor.

SOME FAVOURITE RECIPES USING GARDEN PRODUCE

• Berry jelly: dissolve three teaspoons plain gelatine in two cups of boiling water in a medium-sized bowl, and add some honey or sugar to taste. Let cool a little then add about 800 grams berries and let set in the fridge. This is delicious as a dessert with ice cream or on cereal for breakfast
• Fruit leather: any fruit can be used. My favourites are apricot, plum and nectarine used separately or combined. Wash fruit, remove pips, cut up a little and process in blender till it's a smooth texture, adding a little cool boiled water if it's too thick. Pour onto oiled drying trays, about two cups per Sunbeam tray. Dry at 50°C for approximately 12 hours.

Although summers are busy, we do often enjoy a refreshing swim in the ocean nearby or take a bike ride along the country roads. There's always time to visit family and friends or have them over for a cuppa, a meal or pizza party.

We enjoy our garden immensely and think it's a great privilege to be caretakers of this part of the earth and give thanks for it daily.