I am a 67-year-old living on a scenic farmlet of 22 acres located 12 kilometres west of Lakes Entrance. With a large garden that encompasses vegetables, herbs, berries, an olive grove, and an orchard; it is a haven for a huge variety of native birds. I also have about a dozen hens, a rather noisy rooster, an aging horse, a dog and, at times, some neighbour’s sheep. Work varies from helping in the gardens/orchard, planting/harvesting the vegetables, wood chopping, weed control using non chemical methods and odd jobs. I do not actually practise permaculture but make my own compost and soil. At one end of the property is a bush gully that abounds with local wildflowers and native animals; this is a corridor between the State Forest and the wetlands on the edge of the Gippsland Lakes. Being located near the Lakes also means it is close to the Ninety Mile Beach. As I am in designated Fire Affected area a focus of work is often clearing debris and preparing for a potential fire season.
We have been WWOOF hosts in the past and have welcomed a range of ages and nationalities into our home which has enriched our lives considerably. At that time we had young children and as they have recently moved off to explore their own world I thought it an ideal time to once again enjoy the experience of having travellers come and share our home once again.
Organic/Biological methods we use
I do not use any particular method for growing fruit and vegetables but avoid use of chemicals. The animals provide a continuous supply of fertiliser and I make my own soil for replenishing the raised garden beds. Weed control is constant and blackberries need to be dug out on a regular basis.
