HILLTOP CROP

A COUPLE REVIVES AND REBUILDS A NEGLECTED GARDEN, TRANSFORMING IT FROM SADNESS TO NEW LIFE

- Jana Holmer

Rosie Bright and Mark Moody spent two years looking for the right house before they found a 761m2 block six years ago. Located in the hilly Geelong suburb of Belmont, the property had a few trees, some established garden beds, and three derelict greenhouse sheds, which they demolished and replaced with more beds.

The pair were after a place where they could grow their own food and be close to work and beaches. With no children of their own, they wanted to be part of a community. They both enjoy cycling along the Barwon River.

“The house was big and open with plenty of space,” says Mark, “and every window looks out onto the garden.”

Rosie enjoys reading, cooking, swimming at the beach, cycling and gardening. A former Sydneysider, she has always had an interest in gardening. Her parents had a beautiful garden with a few fruit trees but no vegetables.

Mark is an experienced plasterer who used to restore period homes in Sydney. He’s also an artist specializing in oil painting. As for his gardening background, his English-born grandparents were gardeners and his father had an orchard in Adelaide where he used to like helping out.

SUSTAINABLE AND SEASONAL

Having always eaten lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, Mark and Rosie were determined from the start to go organic. “It’s healthier and better for the Earth,” says Rosie. “You don’t need to use poisons for a successful food garden.”