Pearcedale

The Living Earth People who own this beautiful 10 acre property in Pearcedale knew that they wanted something more. Running a flock of sheep, chickens and one pet donkey, as well as getting ready for an expanding family, they didn’t have the knowledge or time to sit down and research what could be done. During our consultation we discussed regenerative farming practices, rotational grazing, veggie gardens, orchards, composts and chickens. During the design phase the 10 acres was carved up into a grazing system that improved their pasture, decreased parasite pressure and improved their soil health and pasture diversity. An orchard area was put aside with plans for fruit tree guilds (plants planted around fruit trees to promote soil biology, deter pests and attract beneficial insects). Inside the orchard the new chicken yard was placed, allowing them to forage beneath the trees, again alleviating pest pressure and overwintered bugs.  A large area was left for their growing family, a fire pit surrounded by nature as well as their fenced in vegetable garden.

For the front a new driveway was needed, we designed a sweeping drive that allowed all important farm machinery access around the property and to the large machinery shed. Due to its drier more coastal clime we drafted a mostly native garden, pond for the frogs and insects, a beautiful mix of greys, greens, reds and yellows. Extremely low maintenance and able to handle neglect with ease. Statement boulders were used amidst this front yard to balance out the vegetation, complementing the naturalistic garden and providing structural focal points.