Visit Claire 24 January 2016

On Sunday 24 January the Food Garden Group visited Claire's garden at North Hobart:


Claire was one of the presenters at our winter workshop in August last year. At that time she discussed the principles of permaculture. This visit showed us how she applies these principles to her own suburban garden.

Claire welcomed everyone and explained how she has begun to transform this garden in the short 18 months since she moved in.

One of the tools she used in her planning was a system of transparent paper overlays, incorporating the streetscape, aspect, sun, taps, planned new areas and so on.

One of the results of her re-design is the beginning of a very pleasing green food forest that contains a great mix of interesting annual and perennial plants.

Simple, yet well thought out ideas, such as beans growing along the fence that keeps the dog out, are all part of the thought process that permaculture encourages.

Chooks are part of recycling of garden waste and the generation of manure that is then used again.

Someone commented that they liked the fact that this is not a large property because it shows how much you can do with limited space.

On the lefthand side of the house Claire planted a row of fruit trees. On the righthand side of the house Claire is going to build a sturdy timber structure, so, if it all works out, in future you walk through a tunnel of kiwi fruit vines.

Claire bought a rubbish bin from a tip shop for $10, added some bits bought from a local hardware store and created her own rain water tank. Rubbers at the top of the bin prevent mosquitoes from reaching the water.

Outside she planted many interesting perennial plants. This one is in a sunny spot inside the house. It is a tropical Chocolate Pudding Fruit (Black Sapote).

Claire made it clear that what we saw today is only the beginning of what in coming years will hopefully grow into a really interesting permaculture-inspired garden.

It was great to see so many contributions to the produce table, and morning tea was delicious too.

Many thanks to Claire for hosting this visit and everyone for coming and their contributions.

This text was previously published on the Food Garden Group blog. It was written by Max Bee.