We recently completed an inventory of the animals located in zone 1 to 5 of our (permaculture) garden areas. In total, the garden has approximately 180 unique animals (including insects, birds, arachnids, mammals, frogs, molluscs, reptiles and worms)... read more

You can now take a different look at the plants in our garden (using an interactive data visualisation tool from Tableau Public). The information is from our most recent inventory of the plants in our zone 1 to zone 5 (permaculture) garden areas. We will be… read more

Maddy (and I) are extremely lucky to have a father (and husband) that loves to create all sorts of delicious homemade food. He is constantly working to find the best recipes and techniques for everything from homemade whole wheat pastry (to make tasty apple… read more

After far too many years of using practical (but completely uninspired) names for our various (permaculture) garden areas, we are finally in the process of using our imagination to develop more creative names. A shared family challenge and quick walk around… read more

We recently completed an inventory of the plant varieties located in zone 1 to 5 of our (permaculture) garden areas. In total, the garden has approximately 229 unique plants that each have a different function in the garden. Of these, 108 unique plants are… read more

Before living at treetops, we'd never thought about bulk food storage. But, as our family started to think more about self sufficiency, we realised that long term food storage was going to play a major part for us. Long story short, after doing research on… read more

Once again, before living at treetops, we hadn't given much thought to homemade flour. But, over time, we came to realise that flour was going to play a part in our journey towards self sufficiency. Our first step in the journey was to switch from white flour… read more

The following photo galleries show how half of our zone 1 (permaculture) garden areas have progressed over time - from 2003 to the present. As with all the photo galleries on the site, please single click on an image to see a larger view and/or a slideshow. read more

If you're looking for a fun family activity over the holidays, why not consider making a family tree? This activity can be a great way to learn more about your family and can be made as simple or as complicated as you would like. read more

Before living at treetops, we had never kept chickens (or any other livestock). Now, we can't imagine life without them. They are truly lovely creatures that have allowed us to experience the true essence of egg! Over the past 5 years we have had many… read more

Gaining the skills to become more self sufficient can take you in so many different and interesting directions. For example, about 20 years ago, I knitted a scarf. At the time, I didn't value the outcome enough to justify the time and effort required.… read more

We have just finished our first attempt at taking a basic wildlife inventory of the treetops property. At present, our species list is based on the climatewatch species list. You can find out more about this excellent initiative at… read more

Before living at treetops, we'd never thought about bulk food storage. But, as our family started to think more about self sufficiency, we realised that long term food storage was going to play a major part for us. Long story short, after doing research on… read more

This section has recently been updated. The following photo galleries show some of the wildlife (including animals, insects, and plants) and scenery that we've come across over the past years. As with all the photo galleries on the site, please single click… read more

I discovered the wonder of crochet while finishing my first knitting project (kids knitted poncho - the joy of knitting). I decided to try to crochet a few flowers as an embellishment. Now, I am addicted to both crochet and crochet flowers! read more

You can now take a different look at the plants in our garden (using an interactive data visualisation tool from Tableau Public). The information is from our most recent inventory of the plants in our zone 1 to zone 5 (permaculture) garden areas. We will be… read more

We are going on a treasure hunt to collect (safe) bugs for a closer look. Stay tuned for what we find lurking in the bushes. Until then, you might be interested in looking at some of the insects we've found during our climatewatch species wildlife inventory... read more

After far too many years of using practical (but completely uninspired) names for our various (permaculture) garden areas, we are finally in the process of using our imagination to develop more creative names. A shared family challenge and quick walk around… read more

A fairy garden is a special place that you can create in the smallest (or largest) of garden spaces. A few flowers, plants and treasures are all that you need to create a magical space for your family to enjoy! More content coming soon. In the meantime, you… read more

This section is where you'll find photo galleries showing our progress in the following areas: landscaping, zone 1 (part 1), zone 1 (part 2), zone 2, and zone 3 to 5 areas. Please select from one of the options to get started. read more