Visit Simone 30 October 2016

On Sunday 30 October the Food Garden Group visited Simone's garden at Geilston Bay

At nine in the morning it was raining and windy and things did not look very promising for an outdoor event. However, when we arrived at Simone's garden it became clear that this was another great example of how micro climates can vary so much. Simone's property, facing almost North in a sheltered bay surrounded by hills was the perfect place for our food garden visit. There was little wind and no rain and we all took our coats off because it was too warm.

Here Simone welcomes us and tells us about the work she and her husband have done on the property since their arrival in 2007.

One of the magical things of this garden is the wonderful mix of flowers, vegetables, pathways, fruit and berries, the view of the water, and the absence of fences with neighbours.

Simone's father made the four metal structures that are used as supports for whatever grows high, and they make this garden square a special ornamental feature.

The edges made out of grape vines looked really good too. Simone told us that the perfect material to make these out of would be willow branches because they are more long-lasting.

Simone is aiming to have a hothouse structure under her house at some point in the future, but until then she is using these glass boxes made by her husband to provide heat while the weather is still cool. They look great and are heavy enough so they won't be blown away by winds.

Yes, it is not a warm spring this year, but the tomatoes with their jackets on were not going too badly in this sheltered garden. Simone described the metal frames in the background as 'not really big and high enough' when the tomatoes grow up.

A nice row of Mizuna, a Japanese mustard green.

People wanted to know where Simone got these good looking anti-bird cages from. We did not get a chance to ask her, so maybe she can tell us when she reads this.

In spite of this being only the start of the new food garden season the produce table was full, and there were some unusual items including rare heirloom tomato seedling varieties, Mulberry and Loquat cuttings in pots. It was worth coming just for the produce table!

Thanks everyone too for their contributions to morning tea. We felt very well looked after.

And last but not least: thank you, Simone! You showed us a great example of a very nice looking productive garden that inspires and provided people with new ideas!

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