The All-Giving Garden and the Woman Who Tends it
In this book extract we meet a gardener who produces much of what her family needs from an average suburban plot
Here, Rebecca Gross, the author of Urban Homesteads: How to Live a More Sustainable Lifestyle, talks to Monique Collins about the abundant produce she gathers from her standard-size suburban plot in Adelaide, SA. In Urban Homesteads, Gross takes an inspirational trip around the globe to visit various urban homes and talk to homeowners about the ingenious methods they use to grow fruit and vegetables, keep bees and chickens, and attract pollinators to their gardens, as well as other sustainability measures including aquaponics and water harvesting.
Monique embraced growing produce when her son was born in 2018. She wanted to be able to supply food for her family, and for her son to know where his food comes from, plus it provides fun daily activity. “Becoming a parent inspired me to grow more, and it is so much fun playing in the backyard with a toddler. First thing in the morning, he runs outside and wants snow peas,” says Monique.
Monique began planting her vegetables directly in the ground, which provided a lesson in the importance of soil. “We have very sandy, quite acidic soil that lacks a lot of nutrients. When you grow directly in the ground it’s important to understand your soil and the bugs that live in your garden. It taught me how to achieve a balance of good and bad bugs,” says Monique.
Gardening is now not only a hobby and passion for Monique, but a job and business. She founded The Edible Garden Co to help other people install and establish their own gardens, develop healthy soil, and to educate them about the importance of seasonal produce. “One of the biggest questions I get is, ‘What’s in season?’ Getting to know what’s in season, and growing food or consuming more consciously, is one small action that can make a huge difference for the environment,” says Monique.
Image by Monique Collins
Your turn
Have you developed an ordinary urban backyard into a productive garden? Tell us in the Comments below.
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Find out more about The Edible Garden Co in Adelaide here.
Your turn
Have you developed an ordinary urban backyard into a productive garden? Tell us in the Comments below.
More
Find out more about The Edible Garden Co in Adelaide here.
Monique Collins’ passion for gardening started in 2015 when she began growing flowers for her wedding bouquets. It evolved into edible plants, and it has since progressed into a business helping others in the community to grow their own produce. With a cottage garden, including many Australian natives, down one side of the house, and a productive garden down the other, Monique has transformed her yard and life, learning about soil, plants, and wildlife along the way. “My life has done a full 360, but in the best way,” she says.