Out and About: Melliodora Permaculture Gardens
(22nd October 2015) Melliodora Permaculture Gardens in Hepburn Springs Victoria is the stuff dreams are made of. Home of revered Permaculture co-creator David Holmgren, along with his mother, son Oliver, and exceptional partner Sue, Melliodora is a working example of all it is to be permaculture, that is, living simply and with care. The solar passive property is set on a one hectare block, just minutes from the gorgeous village centre. Built in the mid 1980’s, Melliodora demonstrates the potential to combine aesthetics with function and food production. David and his family have been living without frequenting major supermarkets for quite some time and amusingly, their well-stocked freezer has been dubbed ‘Coles’. All food and daily living supplies are either produced on the property or sourced/bartered for within the local community. The Melliodora site is a thriving example of a complex and harmonious ecosystem. Plants in this surplus generating, self-perpetuating landscape are as diverse in their types as their uses, ranging from minute to majestic; fleeting to long-lived; native to exotic; and ‘weedy’ but invaluable. For those interested in permaculture and sustainability, I cannot recommend this destination highly enough. The journey is also idyllic and fruitful - bagged horse manure on the roadsides is plentiful and a bargain at only $2 per bag! For more information about Melliodora Permaculture Gardens, books for sale and upcoming tours: www.holmgren.com.au For more information about Hepburn Springs Village and adventures to be had: www.hepburnspringsvillage.com.au |