Back in 2011, I put together the idea of a ‘Choko Tree Friends’ series of articles for the website so that I could provide information and photos about the gardens of friends and relatives. My idea was that the articles could provide inspiration, based on what other people had accomplished. I started that journey with Greg and Vera. Well, it has been almost fifteen years since that original post, and I thought it would be worthwhile showing everyone what they had accomplished since the original article went up. (It can be accessed here)
From the original introduction -
“Their place is near Parramatta in Western Sydney and their block is about 860 square metres, with the majority of that being in the back yard. Their home is renovated hardy plank 1950s home with a separate garage and shed.
The house has a northerly aspect and the large garden out the back has fruit trees and vegetables, and some parts are fed by a greywater system in the back corner of the yard. Solar power system will be done by Christmas.
The thing I like about their place is that it shows what can be achieved in just 2 years of committed action – from lawn and ornamentals to a full-scale permaculture garden in this time frame is astounding!”
So, what has changed?
- They have installed numerous rainwater tanks which all add up to 25,000 litres of rainwater storage,
- They have 5kW of grid connected solar panels,
- The have installed a wood fired pizza oven,
- They have chooks! (It took a while for us at PSW to convince him!),
- They have a productive front yard with beds for fruit and vegetables,
- They have raised vegetable beds in the back yard that are constructed on the contour to make the most of rainwater on the site,
- They have a three-bay composting system.
They are doing well in providing for their own needs from their suburban block (energy, water, fruit, veg and herbs), s well as treating some of their own waste. They are then using their experience to teach others about permaculture and how to live more sustainably.
The Front Yard
Beside the House
The Backyard
