Berry, NSW

A retiring couple on an acreage down in Berry commissioned us to build a wicking bed in a sunny spot at the back of their garage — and provided the local wildlife can be kept at bay, it should be a very prolific one. Retirement on a rural block is the perfect time for a garden that gives plenty back without asking for daily labour, and a single generous raised bed is an easy way in.

We built it to catch the northern sun behind the garage and added a bench-seat capping along one side, so there's somewhere comfortable to sit and potter, plus a built-in composter to keep the soil fed. The wicking design means the bed carries its own water in a reservoir below and feeds it up to the roots, so it holds moisture through the warm months and shrugs off the odd missed watering — handy when you're off enjoying retirement rather than tied to a hose.

Berry and the surrounding South Coast enjoy a mild, reliable climate that's kind to vegetables, so once it's protected from the possums, wallabies and bush turkeys that come with acreage living, this bed should turn out a broad, steady crop across the seasons. Raising the soil also keeps it clear of the heavier ground and makes tending it easy on the back and knees.

We use kiln-dried, vegetable-grade timber with a food-safe finish so the bed stands up to years of weather on an open block. If you're on acreage around Berry, Kangaroo Valley or the South Coast and want a low-effort veggie garden, we'd be glad to help you plan one.