Visit David and Deb 2025

After some very welcome early morning rain, David and Deb's garden in Youngtown provided a lovely setting for our March northern garden visit. An attractive ornamental garden led us to a productive food garden including numerous fruit trees, raised vegetable beds, a potting shed and a glasshouse providing lots to explore. 

Deb and David have lived in their home for 47 years and many of the trees and plants are still growing well. Espaliered apple trees line the back and side fences. David has grafted some trees which keeps the family supplied with Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, Mutsu (also know as Crispin), Granny Smith and Cox's Orange Pippin apples for many months of the year.

One of the many apple trees lining the side fence

More apple trees along the back fence hidden from the house by another row of fruit and ornamental trees

Fruit trees are dotted throughout the back yard and include figs, mulberry, peach, and an apricot. Loganberries are thriving and are growing from the original bush planted more than 47 years ago.

A very prickly and resilient loganberry

Large mulberry and apricot trees planted in close proximity to each other

Vines grow over the old chook shed which is now used as a tool shed

Approximately 18 years ago, David and Deb were able to purchase the vacant block next door. All their raised vegetable beds and the glasshouse are situated on this block. Additional fruit trees are also growing on the block, including olive trees, lemon, greengage plum and a chestnut tree.

The vegetable garden at the rear of the adjoining block

One of several well established olive trees located around the garden

Chestnut tree

David and Deb try to grow only as much as they can eat but invariably end up with surplus produce to share with friends and family. Thanks to a neighbour, they ended up growing four zucchini plants this year! No wonder David is of the impression that in the event of a nuclear war that zucchinis will be one of the last surviving things.

They mostly plant a spring and summer garden, giving themselves a break in the cooler months. A glasshouse at the back of the vacant block is used to raise seedlings and cuttings for the garden.

Carrots are a favourite vegetable and there were plenty growing at various stages

The large glasshouse

The potting area is very functional with an ironing board as a workbench. David adjusts the board height depending on whether he wants to sit or stand whilst potting up.

The ironing board is a useful workbench and doubled as an overflow for the produce table

Yet again multiple produce tables that proved very popular

Once the garden had been viewed, David and Deb very generously slaved over a hot pizza oven that David had fired up in the early hours of the morning. David built the oven himself and it produces a beautiful traditional pizza. We enjoyed pizzas and delicious cake whilst sitting and chatting under the huge birch tree.

The pizzas proved a real hit with attendees

David and Deb supervising the pizza making station

Thank you to Lynn for providing the cake and tea and coffee supplies. Thank you David and Deb for hosting a very enjoyable garden visit and for the very special pizza morning tea.