Miranda, NSW

A couple in Miranda wanted to grow some veggies in a sunny corner of their back yard, so we installed a wicking bed that should be very prolific in that warm, bright position. A sunny back-yard spot like this is ideal for a raised vegetable bed, and the Shire's mild coastal climate means it can stay productive for much of the year.

Tomatoes, beans, leafy greens and herbs all do well in this kind of aspect, fed steadily from the reservoir in the base of the bed. Because the watering looks after itself, a self-watering raised garden bed suits Miranda households who want a genuine supply of fresh produce without a lot of fuss or a daily routine — the plants simply draw what they need from below.

Raising the soil also lifts the veggies clear of the sandy Shire ground and keeps the patch tidy and easy to work, with no digging and very little weeding. It's a straightforward, good-looking way to put a sunny corner to proper use.

We build from sturdy, food-safe timber rather than cheap pine, chosen to weather the Shire's coastal conditions for years without rotting. If you've got a sunny back-yard corner in Miranda, Sylvania or the wider Sutherland Shire that could be growing dinner, we'd love to help you plan a bed for it.