Large beauty in small space

We found an Aussie back yard in Assen Street, Karloo, that is lovingly cared for by a young Italian couple, Francesca Cocchi and Matteo Artioli.

They have been in Geraldton since last November.

“My City is Varese, one hour from Milan,” Ms Cocchi said.

“In ten minutes we are in Switzerland, we are on the border.”

I asked them what caused them to come to Geraldton.

“This is my second working holiday visa, my second year in Australia,” she said.

“In the beginning I was thinking about Melbourne and lived there for eight months with friends, but I don’t like the big city, the big buildings.

“So I said, ‘where can I go?’ Australia is so huge! My friend in Melbourne came to Geraldton three years ago, she told me Geraldton is a very quiet town; forget the night life. But I came and really like it now.”

Ms Cocchi said when the garden was much the same as it is now, just not as “grown up”.

“Me and Matteo are taking care of it; all the leaves we pick up and cart away and we are building a little orchard,” she said.

Ms Cocchi’s family in Italy love gardening and she said her father always took her into the garden at home.

She shared how she loves to work in the Karloo backyard in the early morning as lots of birds come into the native trees.

Her favourite thing is sit on the decking with her breakfast and enjoy the bird song.

Julie Firth from the Drylands Permaculture Farm recommended Ms Cocchi amd Mr Artioli to the owner as potential tenants who would appreciate the garden. Both have volunteered at the farm.

Prior to the young couple coming to Geraldton, the owner, in consultation with Ms Firth, created the space in a small area, which gives the feeling of being in the country.

The water-wise backyard features a strong young Kurrajong, a shady Poinciana, Boobiallas along the fence line, an olive tree and quick growing towering olive leaf grevillea hedge, a grape vine over the back decking, and three pomegranates.

A healthy pomegranate hid the back fence near the bath tub beds of tomatoes, chili, basil and herbs.

Non-native functional plants include:

Vetiver grass around the north deck providing termite resistance and binding soil

The semi-deciduous Poinciana blocking the living room from northern summer sun and letting in winter sun to heat the polished concrete floor

Productive plants which have thrived in the heat to produce good foliage and fruit are pomegranate, grape (pruning method important), olive and passionfruit.

The Mulberry tree, a recent addition, is growing up quickly.

The drip system is set for early morning on allowed days in the summer and turned off during seasonal rainy periods.