Garden Tour: A Peek into My Backyard
Nestled in a quarter-acre urban block lies a garden that is much more than a green space—it’s a testament to resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of sustainable living. This space, once a rubbish-filled plot acquired during the first lockdown, has been transformed into a thriving oasis of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and even a few clucking companions.
From Rubbish to Paradise
When we first stepped into this rundown property, it was hard to see its potential. The garden was overwhelmed with all sorts of debris, but amidst the chaos, we saw an opportunity. Growing our own food became our vision—a space filled with vegetables, fruits, and herbs that could nourish our family and bring us closer to nature.
The first step was planting fruit trees. With each tree we planted, hope took root, and we began cleaning and transforming the land. Slowly but surely, we added plantable garden beds, one square meter at
a time.
A Growing Passion for Flowers
By the second year, I realized that while our edible garden was flourishing, it lacked the charm that only flowers can bring. So, I dove into the world of blooms, collecting every flower I could get my hands on. This love for flowers evolved into a passion for cut flowers and later, a perennial garden.
Today, the garden bursts with colors and fragrances, from the vibrant hues of perennials to the delicate beauty of cut flowers. They not only bring joy but also attract pollinators, making our garden more productive.
A Bounty of Edibles
The heart of our garden remains its incredible abundance of food. With over 70 fruit trees and countless vegetable beds, we grow enough to sustain our family year-round.
Here’s a glimpse of what thrives in our backyard:
Fruits: Bananas, strawberries, and a wide variety of seasonal delights.
Vegetables: Tomatoes, beans, courgettes, chillies, and gourd varieties
that freeze beautifully.
Herbs: A vibrant collection of culinary and medicinal herbs.
Meet the Chickens
Adding a touch of charm to our sustainable haven are our five free-range chickens—Housy, Helen, Softy, Lotus, and Lilly. These delightful ladies grace us with fresh eggs daily and roam freely, contributing to the ecosystem while adding a sense of liveliness to the garden.
The Goal: Sustainable Living
At the core of everything we do is a commitment to sustainability. By growing our own food, tending to chickens, and nurturing plants, we’ve reduced our reliance on store-bought produce and embraced a lifestyle that aligns with nature.
This garden is more than just a space; it’s a journey of growth and gratitude. It reminds us of the power of patience, the beauty of transformation, and the joy of reaping what we sow.