For many years we gardened, diligently buying potting mix and planting European annuals like large tomatoes, cabbage, eggplants, lettuce etc. While we had some successes, lettuce often wilted, and tomatoes were plagued with pests. The effort and expense involved kept us buying from the local grocery store. However, all of that changed after a chance meeting with a fellow gardener. Standing amidst their wild and bountiful rosellas and strange looking greens my eyes were opened to the wonderful world of perennial edibles and from then on I was hooked! Edible perennials have since become my gardening passion. This page is an introduction to the hardiest, most reliable and nutritious backyard food crops for South-East Queensland growing conditions.

When people say to us that they have trouble keeping plants alive, our response is usually a reminder that plants are like pets, they all need shelter, regular food and water. Some gardens are wilder, like a food forest system, and can survive predominantly on their own. If on the other hand you’re planning on raised garden beds and pots, know that these are the most intensive form of plant domestication and, as such, they require the most intense care to achieve good results. Water, fertilizer, temperature and pest control will all be increased in these systems compared to a food forest approach.