After three weeks away, returning to our property was a mix of excitement and hard work. December took us on a long-awaited trip to South Africa to reconnect with family and friends—a journey we’d been planning for four years. While it was a trip full of unforgettable memories, coming back home meant rolling up our sleeves and getting to work to bring the garden and property back into shape.
Our Long-Awaited Trip to South Africa
December finally brought us to South Africa, a trip we’d put off for years due to the disruptions of 2020. It had been far too long since we last saw our loved ones, so this trip was a chance to create new memories together.
We began in Johannesburg, where we stayed at a beautiful hotel. However, the long flight left us feeling jet-lagged, so we didn’t get to fully enjoy the amenities before moving on. Johannesburg was just a pit stop, though, as we headed straight for Hoedspruit, our first big destination, to visit family.
In Hoedspruit, we were treated to an incredible game drive. Seeing South Africa’s wildlife up close—elephants, leopards, and everything in between—reminded me of the beauty of our old homeland. While I love Australia’s unique wildlife, there’s something undeniably magical about Africa’s animals.
Next, we headed to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the province where we grew up. It was here, surrounded by family and friends, that the heart of our trip truly unfolded. Four years is a long time to go without seeing the people you love, and we soaked up every moment. Shared meals, deep conversations, and quiet moments together made it one of the most cherished parts of our time there.
Missing Home
Despite the amazing experiences, I couldn’t help but miss our fur babies, Zoom and Blue, who were being well looked after while we were away. I also found myself longing for my garden. There’s something so grounding about working with your hands and being surrounded by nature—it’s a peace I couldn’t wait to return to.
By the end of three weeks, we were ready to come home. While Africa will always have a place in our hearts, Australia is where we’ve built our lives, and it’s where we truly feel at home.
The Challenges of Returning
After 36 hours of travel, jet lag hit us harder than expected. I was under the weather for a day and felt drained for another three. And of course, Queensland’s summer humidity didn’t make things any easier—it’s always an adjustment.
Despite the challenges, there was something so reassuring about returning home to see the water tanks full. Before we left, Sven set up a WiFi-controlled irrigation system with timers, so we could manage watering remotely. This system was a real lifesaver, especially as we tracked the weather and adjusted the watering when unexpected rain came through.
The sight of full tanks, especially after months of drought, was a huge relief. But it also meant there was a long list of tasks waiting for us.
Tackling the Overgrowth
When we got back, our property was thriving—but overgrown. The grass was so long it took us over a week to mow, and we’re still not finished. Frequent rain made it tricky to mow, especially with the ride-on mower struggling with the wet, dense grass.
The veggie garden was in a similar state, completely overtaken by weeds. My heart sank, thinking of all the hard work I’d put in, only to see it undone. But as I ventured deeper into the garden, something amazing happened—the plants were still thriving beneath all the overgrowth!
I couldn’t believe it. Despite the weeds, I was able to harvest a decent amount of produce with very little loss. It was a great reminder that nature often knows best.
Lessons Learned
This whole experience taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, less is more. As a beginner gardener, I tend to fuss over my plants, trying to control everything. But this combination of rain, sun, and just a little neglect allowed the garden to thrive in ways I hadn’t expected.
Looking ahead to 2024, I’ve got big plans to build on what we’ve learned. There’s still plenty of work ahead to restore the garden to its full potential, but I’m feeling optimistic.
Watch: Check out how the garden looked after we returned home:
Looking Ahead
As much as we loved our trip to South Africa, there’s no place like home. The challenges we faced when we returned only reaffirmed why we chose this lifestyle. It’s a journey full of learning, adapting, and finding joy in the simple things—like harvesting fresh veggies from an overgrown garden or seeing the water tanks overflowing after a long drought.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this, it’s the resilience of nature and the importance of trusting its rhythms. Sometimes, stepping back and letting nature take its course is exactly what’s needed.
Final Thoughts
While there’s still plenty of work to be done on our property, I’m grateful for the abundance it’s provided, even in its overgrown state. If you’re a gardener or property owner, I’d love to hear about your experiences with returning home after a trip. How do you tackle the challenges of overgrowth and restoration?
Leave a comment below or share your thoughts—I’d love to connect!