Growing In Paradise

This family has created their own garden of Eden in their island paradise

- Linda Brennan

Ian, Kathy and their young son Harry live on the island paradise of Lord Howe Island, which is actually part of NSW. They can swim in crystal clear ocean waves before breakfast, walk to work or school in five minutes and watch the sun set over the lagoon if they choose. Their home, Customs House, is surrounded by vegetable gardens and subtropical rainforest.

A trip to the big smoke means a two-hour flight to Sydney or Brisbane and all their supplies are either grown on the island or brought in by barge once a fortnight. It’s not quite Swiss Family Robinson, but to a mainlander it seems like heaven.

NO OBSTACLE

Life in this idyllic setting is gentle, fresh and pure, but as with all island life, resourcefulness is needed — often. Each resident collects all their own water, treats their waste and soon will be required to provide at least a percentage of their own energy via solar or other means. But it’s the daily requirements for sustenance — food and water — that are most pressing.

The supply barge that arrives fortnightly with fresh food can be delayed for days in poor weather or with low tides. While locals like Ian and Kathy stockpile dried, preserved and frozen food, it’s the fresh items that are precious, especially for little Harry, who loves his veggies. So what’s the solution? Make or grow your own, of course!

GARDEN GOODNESS

Ian is the productive gardener of the family, while Kathy loves to grow flowers for colour. Her garden display is brilliant, with sunflowers and a blaze of red salvias flourishing in the sandy soil.