Farm Life

               We would love to say that we have been doing this for a life-time and have all the answers, but we only moved to our 25 acre property in Lochinvar in June 2019! 

 

The property was rundown, degraded and overgrazed, with very little infrastructure, a few established fruit trees and one tiny little (asbestos filled) garden bed! As 1st Generation farmers, you could say we were flying blind. So much to learn and plenty of mistakes along the way!

​

Our passion (obsession) is Native plants and the unique biodiversity they create within our communities. Belonging to the Wiradjuri people, connection to country is held strongly within, and our vision is to create an abundant and thriving eco-system. A living system full of plants and wildlife that will withstand climate change and not only provide nourishment to our family, but provide an abundance of food security for the generations to come.

 

Upon becoming stewards of this wonderful property, we felt it fitting to give her a proper title -  Carinya Downs.

Carinya is an Aboriginal word, meaning "happy peaceful home" and Downs is a European word, meaning "low hills covered in grass".  Combining our heritage as a happy peaceful home on the grass covered hills!

 

We are proud of what we have achieved in such a short time. Using Permaculture Principles, Natural Sequence Farming, Holistic Farming Practices and Regeneration Techniques, we have taken our degraded property and created an abundance of life which includes: 

​

• Emerging Food Forest Systems, Bush Tucker Garden and Orchard on Water Harvesting Swales

• Soil Creation and Health - Intensive Plant Guilds/ Stacking/ Succession Planting/Composting

• Integrated Water Harvesting Management Systems and Water-Wise Solutions

• Animal Management Systems integrating our beautiful one-eyed horse, light-footed Dexter cattle, Australian miniature goats, Ducks, Chickens, Quails, Fish and Bees

• Recycled, Up-cycled and Repurposed Materials used extensively throughout the farm

• Homestead Style Preserving incorporating unique Indigenous flavours

And so much more....

 

Produce from our farm is used to create our NATIVE INSPIRED product range. We also produce an array of fresh seasonal, organic produce for the local Slow Food, Earth Market Maitland (our Jams and Award Winning Honey are a big hit!)

Our NATIVE INSPIRED range of products can also be purchased through our on-site farm gate (by appointment or on tour days only).

 

Come share our journey, learn from our mistakes, soak up our wisdom and see what you can create for yourself on your own little patch of earth.