Wandiful Produce Shed, House, Farm 2016

House Notes – Wandiful Produce Shed, House, Farm

Tours of the shed, house and farm are being run from the shed at 10.30am & 2.30pm – please call or text to book a spot on 0409 783 012.

The farm shed has been partly renovated using salvaged and second-hand materials such as plywood, bricks, timber, doors, windows and tables have been made using pallets. The farm-to-table cafe that now operates out of the shed uses biodynamic produce off the property, particularly our chestnuts and hazelnuts. The shed has a 3.25kwph grid-connected solar system which helps offset the cool room used during the nut harvest period. Two 22,000 litre tanks have been installed to capture some of the rainfall off the massive roof catchment. A Clivus Multrum compost toilet system has been fitted with two pans for cafe patron use, which also composts scraps from the kitchen and uses zero water. Wicking beds grow vegetables and herbs that barely require watering, even in summer.

The house is a standard brick 1987 build, but faces North South and has been taken off the grid to have standalone solar power. Other retrofits have occurred such as the north facing carport roofing was taken off to create a pergola and let more sunlight into the house. The house water supply is from a 22,000 litre rainwater tank captured from the roof, replacing the unreliable spring water pump system. A solar tube has been installed as an alternative to a skylight and works well letting extra light into the house.

The farm grows chestnuts and hazelnuts primarily, with value-adding of the chestnuts into flour, creme (sweetened puree) and other products. We use biodynamic practices on the orchard, using no chemicals. The trees are only irrigated by rainfall. We have other projects in the pipeline which we will also talk about on the tours!

The landscaping in the house yard is a work in progress but we are striking a balance between natives for all year round foliage with fire retardant deciduous trees and as much vegetable growing as we can find time for.