I approached the Kitchen Garden beside an orchard; the trees of which were separated by lawn. A mound of mulch surrounded each and exotic flowers decorated the edges.
The practice of including exotic florals, some of which were edible, continued through this garden adding vibrancy adjacent to the worlds of green coloured foliage.
This was an educational garden in the sense of current thinking about gardening. The garden plots were not those of a monoculture rather most included two or more types of plants, sometimes these were ‘companion’ plants and sometimes not. This diversity offers tried and true protection against pests and maintains a ground cover that resists weed growth. Two types of worm farms were on show.
A beehive for the native stingless Australian bee (Tetragonula carbonaria) sat happily amidst the vegetables and flowers.
The large compost bins were layered inside on top with cardboard.
Two different bamboo structure styles were in evidence.
Different mulches were used in different places. Gardens were trellised, in pots on the ground, in hanging pots, in raised corrugated iron beds, in ground beds- some were walled and some open to the footpath or lawn edge. In other words, if a person was about to start gardening they could use this Kitchen Garden as a reference for the options they had. An excellent educational tool.
But what about the plants. I loved seeing tomatoes which cannot grow in the open in Tasmania at this time of the year.
I realise that all Botanical Gardens face the problem of native animals coming for a feed and Mt Cootha’s was no different.
I did like a temporary solution in relation to young plants; the upturned pot trays under which curcurbits were germinating.
The kumara/ sweet potato arms were tangling into a healthy mass. I must try again to grow this wonderful vegetable.
All plants were flourishing.
A few signs told visitors what the situation was.
Mainland 'discoveries' 
Looks like a great place! Thanks for all the photos, cheers, Jon.
LikeLike