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Helping the birds and the bees in an edible garden

All kinds of vegetables, fruits and herbs grow in the edible garden cultivated by Shirley and Peter Fowell in their tiny backyard in Elder Circuit. Beans, lettuce, corn, masses of tomatoes, pumpkin, potatoes, beetroot, broccoli, peaches, limes and strawberries keep the retired couple in fresh food all year round.

“There’s nothing like picking your own fruit and vegetables and enjoying that perfectly ripe flavour,” said Shirley who knows every single plant in her 40 square metre garden and can tell you every pending harvest.

It’s no wonder she understands her garden so well. She often has to help nature do its work when the birds and the bees are missing. With her zucchini she takes a little paintbrush and collects pollen from the male plant, then the zucchinis are prolific producers growing vegetables up to one kilogram in size.

“We are retired so our finances are limited and this is a great way to save money and provide a healthy diet. When our grandchildren come to visit there’s always plenty to offer. I give them little tomatoes as treats.”

Raised wooden garden beds reduce bending down and assist drainage. A compost bin in a back corner provides all the nutrient for fertile soil, and at the same time, the compost throws up many new seedlings.

“It’s such a pleasure to sit down for breakfast and look out on the garden. Every day brings something new,” said Peter. Ed.