Backpackers earn board in suburban garden

Andrew Mathieson
A DISABLED woman is the mastermind behind a water-efficient garden giving backpackers the chance of a bed for getting their hands dirty.
The North Geelong home has been a work in progress since Ingrid Hindell and husband Rob moved out of her parents’ home in Melbourne 12 years ago.
A range of ’60s and ’70s hippie literature and a visit to an inner-city garden in Brunswick inspired the pair.
More than 120 backpackers have now shovelled, raked and planted their way to board and a meal from the food they grow in exchange for a few hours of labour a day in the Hindell’s yard.
“This was our first home together and was happy to have a garden where we could grow food organically,” Mrs Hindell said.
“We have had to grow more and more water conscious, though.”
The Hindells use tank water, soaker hoses and a dripper system to keep their garden green, while apple trees and grape vines shade the house to minimise power bills.
Mr Hindell might be confined to a wheelchair but her garden would make the greenest of thumbs envious.
The yard sits in the middle of an industrial wasteland but she hopes to inspire nearby factories to clean up their acts.
“Hopefully other households do the same, of course, but we are really doing this for future generations,” she said.
The Hindells will open their House of Sunshine, at 54 Slevin Street, to the public on September 13 for Sustainability Day.