I can hardly believe it—we have officially passed the one-year mark on our small acreage! If we’re counting days, we have already gone well beyond that. Some days, it feels like we haven’t accomplished much, but then I look back at old photos and videos, and I’m quickly reminded of just how far we have come.
Every step, no matter how small, feels like a victory. Sure, to others, our milestones might seem minor, but I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved. If only I could work part-time—then maybe our dreams would come true just a little faster. But hey, one can dream, right?
From Tiny Duplex to Small Acreage
It’s funny to think that just over a year ago, we were living in a tiny duplex. The space was probably similar to our current house, but the duplex had a tiny courtyard—mostly in the shade—and no garden to speak of. Winters there were all about bundling up in heavy layers, and my puffer jacket was like a second skin. Queensland winters might be mild compared to the scorching summer heat we’re headed for, but I’ll take the cooler months when I can get them. As summer rolls in, I can already feel that dread creeping in, knowing we’ll be dealing with those long, sweaty days ahead.
Gardening Struggles and Small Wins
Our garden journey has been full of ups and downs. For every step forward, it often feels like we’re taking a step back—especially when those scorching summer days fry our plants before they’ve had a chance to grow.
We’re still trying to figure out our soil. It can be overwhelming to learn which nutrients and fertilizers work best. But hey, it’s one day at a time. I can’t help but dive in with an all-or-nothing attitude—and sometimes, I learn the hard way. Just ask my grapevine, still sitting in its original pot on the patio because I’m too scared to plant it. The conditions are tough, and I’m worried it won’t survive.
Pro Tip: If you’re struggling with soil issues, consider testing it or reaching out to a local gardening expert.
The Challenge of a Drought
We’re in the middle of a drought, and it’s taking its toll. With no significant rain expected until February 2024, we have had to rely on water deliveries to keep everything going. Our property has two large rainwater tanks (22,000 litres each), but even those aren’t enough in a dry spell like this.
Each delivery costs $200 and gives us about 12,000 litres of water. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s an added expense. On top of that, we recently installed filters to make the rainwater safe to drink, and now that we have tasted fresh rainwater, the chemically treated town water just doesn’t compare. Does anyone else relate to that feeling?
The Garden Layout Puzzle
I’m making progress with our veggie patch, but the rest of our 6,000-square-meter property still feels like a blank canvas. Sometimes I hit a creative block when it comes to planning the layout.
Trees are at the top of my priority list, though we all know how long they take to grow. Funny enough, one of my students recently thought trees grew in just a few weeks! I had to break the news that it takes years. Maybe we should plant a tree and track its progress to settle that debate once and for all.
Veggie Garden in Progress
As we continue planting and planning, the veggie garden is slowly coming together. It’s not perfect, but we’re learning along the way, and the progress feels good.
Future Plans and Decisions
We’ve got big dreams for the property. Our wishlist includes a chicken pen, a fire pit, and an above-ground swimming pool (because an in-ground pool is just too expensive).
The tricky part is figuring out where to put everything and making sure it flows well with the rest of the property. It’s a fun problem to solve, but it can also feel a little overwhelming at times. I know I should focus on one project at a time, but that’s easier said than done.
Got any tips? If you’ve had experience planning a large outdoor space, I’d love to hear your advice!
Reflections and Gratitude
Looking back on this first year, I’m amazed at how much we have learned and accomplished, even with all the challenges. From droughts to creative blocks, every hurdle has been an opportunity to grow.
I’ll admit, that sometimes I get carried away rambling about our struggles and triumphs, but writing this post has been a great way to reflect and share our journey with you.
Thank you so much for sticking with us through this process. If you’d like to see more of our journey, check out the video below:
Watch: Our One-Year Acreage Journey
Have a wonderful day, night, or week ahead. Until next time!
Candice