Greetings, I’m Nick, a devoted gardener based in Melbourne. As a husband and father of three in my 40s, my professional journey spans over 15 years in the I.T. industry. However, my lifelong passion for gardening has been a constant thread since childhood.
Growing up in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, our backyard was an oasis of diverse fruit and nut trees, including lemon, lime, almond, triple-grafted apple, chestnut, apricot, plum and avocado. Interestingly, my mother successfully cultivated an avocado tree from seed, a feat that drew skepticism from passersby who believed avocados couldn’t thrive in Melbourne. This was around 25-30 years ago when avocado trees were less common in the region. I fondly recall a visit by Kevin Heinze to our primary school, featuring an excursion to the Victorian State Schools’ Nursery (now defunct), once situated near Hughesdale Station.
Despite a busy life in I.T. and as a family man, I maintained a connection with the garden, opting for low-maintenance plants like geraniums, echiums, agaves, and various succulents. Seasonal plantings of peas, beans, sunflowers, tomatoes, and other vegetables were annual rituals, a testament to my enduring love for gardening.
The pandemic-induced period of staying at home prompted me to reflect on our use of space. I questioned why we weren’t maximising our backyard for growing more fruits and vegetables. Recognising the ample yard space we were fortunate to have, I embarked on a journey of discovery. Exploring local gardening channels on YouTube, I encountered fellow enthusiasts from the south-eastern Melbourne area. Their skillful use of available space, interweaving fruits, nuts, vegetables, and beneficial plants, inspired me to redirect my time and energy towards fostering a vibrant garden and embracing a healthier lifestyle. Moving forward, my goal is to share my gardening knowledge and advice, particularly tailored to the unique conditions of Melbourne, and offer insights into plants that thrive well in this region.
