No Dig Gardening: Less Work, Healthier Soil

Gardening doesn’t have to be a back-breaking task. When I discovered No Dig Gardening, it was like uncovering a key to healthier soil and less effort in the garden. This method, championed by renowned gardener Charles Dowding, aligns beautifully with my philosophy of working with nature, not against it.

What is No Dig Gardening?

No-Dig gardening means exactly what it sounds like—minimising disturbance to the soil. Traditionally, gardeners would till and turn the soil to prepare it for planting. However, Dowding teaches that by leaving the soil undisturbed and simply adding organic matter on top, you allow the natural soil structure to remain intact. The soil’s ecosystem—its bacteria, fungi, and worms—thrive, leading to healthier plants and fewer weeds.

There are two essential principles to No-Dig gardening:

1. Leave the soil undisturbed as much as possible. You may occasionally need to dig a small hole for planting a tree or cutting out persistent weeds, but overall, the goal is to maintain the soil’s natural structure.

2. Feed the soil from above by adding organic material such as compost to the surface. This replicates what happens in nature when leaves and plant debris decay on the forest floor.

This simple approach has transformed my gardening practices. I no longer spend hours digging or tilling and instead focus on layering organic matter and letting nature take its course. It’s a slower, more intentional way of gardening—one that aligns with my belief in mindful living.

Healthier Soil, Healthier Plants

When we dig or till, we disrupt the intricate network of life in the soil. No-Dig gardening encourages this life to flourish. Worms, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms break down the organic matter on the surface, enriching the soil and improving its structure. This helps with both moisture retention and drainage—two crucial elements for a productive garden.

Charles Dowding’s research shows that No-Dig gardening not only results in healthier soil but also boosts productivity. In his trials, No-Dig beds consistently produced more food than those that were dug, despite the same amount of compost being applied. By simply allowing the soil to maintain its natural structure, plants can root more deeply and draw on more nutrients.

Less Work, More Reward

One of the joys of No-Dig gardening is how much easier it makes garden maintenance. The layer of compost naturally suppresses weeds, meaning less time spent hoeing and weeding. And because the soil structure remains intact, there’s no need to laboriously dig or turn the soil each season.

Dowding’s experience, backed by over a decade of trials, proves that No-Dig methods save time and effort while delivering better harvests. As he says, “No-Dig makes life easier for us and allows soil life to flourish out of sight, and plants grow more healthily.” I’ve found that this method allows me to focus more on nurturing my plants and enjoying the beauty of my garden rather than constantly battling weeds and compacted soil.

Inspired by Nature

No-Dig gardening is all about working with nature’s systems, not imposing our own. In natural environments like forests, the soil is never dug up. Instead, leaves and organic matter fall to the ground and decompose slowly, enriching the soil from the top down. No-Dig gardening mirrors this process. By applying compost and mulch to the surface, we support the organisms in the soil that help break down organic material and make nutrients available to plants.

This method of gardening isn’t just practical—it’s philosophical. It encourages us to slow down and observe the natural rhythms of the earth, to garden with patience and mindfulness. And the results? Healthier soil, healthier plants, and a deeper connection to the land.

Getting Started with No Dig Gardening

If you’re interested in trying No-Dig gardening for yourself, it’s wonderfully simple to get started. According to Charles Dowding, you can create a No-Dig bed anywhere—even on top of grass or weeds! Here’s how to do it:

1. Lay down cardboard: Start by cutting back any existing plants, then cover the area with cardboard to block light and smother weeds. If the ground is particularly dry, water the cardboard to help it decompose more quickly.

2. Add compost: Spread a layer of compost, about 5-10 cm thick, over the cardboard. This will serve as the growing medium for your plants.

3. Start planting: You can plant directly into the compost layer. As the compost breaks down, the cardboard will decompose, and the soil underneath will improve without being disturbed.

4. Maintain with annual mulching: Each year, add another layer of compost to feed the soil and suppress weeds.

Whether you’re working with clay, silty, or stony soil, No-Dig methods are effective for all soil types. Over time, your soil will become richer and more fertile, supporting a wider variety of plants.

Why No Dig Works Anywhere

While Charles Dowding developed his methods in the UK, no dig gardening works in virtually any climate. Whether you’re gardening in temperate, tropical, or dry environments, the principles of building up organic matter on top of the soil remain the same. At Little Cottage on a Hill, even with a smaller space, I’ve found that no dig allows me to maximise productivity while minimising effort.

The Future of Sustainable Gardening

No dig gardening is more than just a technique; it’s a step towards creating a sustainable, resilient future. By reducing our reliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and by treating the soil as a living, breathing ecosystem, we can cultivate gardens that are healthier for both the environment and ourselves.

Charles Dowding’s work has shown that no dig gardening produces more food with less effort and fewer resources. For me, this method represents a way to reconnect with nature, to live more mindfully, and to embrace a simpler, more sustainable way of life.

Productive Gardens: Functional, Beautiful, and Sustainable

Creating Productive Gardens: Natasha Morgan’s Approach to Blending Beauty, Function, and Sustainability

In my years as a landscape architect, both large and small-scale projects have taught me that a garden can be so much more than just a space of beauty. It can serve a multitude of purposes, nourishing the body, connecting us with nature, and offering moments of mindfulness. My approach to creating productive gardens reflects this philosophy: a seamless blend of beauty, function, and sustainability that invites participation in the natural rhythms of life.

Little Cottage On A Hill, Daylesford

A Deep Connection with Nature

For me, a productive garden is more than just a source of sustenance; it is an active partnership with the landscape. It embodies a respect for the cycles of nature, encouraging us to grow what is suited to the soil, climate, and season. I believe that by working with nature, rather than imposing upon it, we can create gardens that are both abundant and sustainable.

Little Cottage On A Hill, Daylesford (As featured in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine - May 2024 issue)

Beauty and Function in Harmony

At the core of my garden design philosophy is the belief that beauty and function should never be mutually exclusive. Every element in the garden has a role to play. Whether it’s an espaliered fruit tree that defines the boundary while producing seasonal fruit, or a wicking bed that conserves water while adding sculptural interest to the landscape, I aim to create spaces where every element serves multiple purposes. It’s this careful balance of form and function that makes a garden truly inspiring.

The Wicking Bed Garden at Little Cottage on a Hill, Daylesford, uses repurposed and timber-clad IBCs (industrial-grade containers engineered for the mass handling, transport, and storage of liquids) and reinforcing mesh to create beautiful and water-wise wicking beds that not only nourish my productive crops but also save my back!

Sustainability as a Guiding Principle

Sustainability is integral to my approach. From Oak & Monkey Puzzle’s expensive five acres to the compact Little Cottage on a Hill, I’ve always prioritised environmentally conscious practices. This means using water wisely through techniques like wicking beds, encouraging biodiversity by planting for pollinators, and reusing materials wherever possible. These practices are not only good for the environment but also make the garden more resilient and self-sustaining.

Small Spaces, Big Impact

My latest project, Little Cottage on a Hill, is a testament to how even the smallest spaces can be highly productive and deeply rewarding. With only 515 square metres, I’ve reimagined the concept of a productive garden, demonstrating that with thoughtful design, small spaces can produce an abundance of food while remaining beautiful and inviting. From the verge gardens that provide seasonal vegetables, medicinal plants and herbs to the espaliered fruit trees that define the space, every square metre has been carefully considered to maximise both productivity and aesthetics.

Little Cottage on a Hill’s west-facing verge garden includes flowers and medicinal plants, maximising our wide verges on deep volcanic soils.

A Space to Live Well

A productive garden isn’t just about growing food—it’s about cultivating a space that allows for living well. It’s a space to slow down, observe the seasons, and find joy in the simple act of planting, harvesting, and preserving. For me, this mindfulness is just as important as the garden’s physical yield. It’s about creating a space that nourishes the body and the soul, offering a deeper connection to nature and to ourselves.

Little Cottage on a Hill’s north-facing verge garden includes flowers, herbs and vegetables maximising every horizontal and vertical surface.

Gardens are living, evolving spaces. They are places of beauty, function, and sustainability, where each season brings new challenges and rewards. My approach is always to create spaces that are not only visually pleasing but also deeply functional and environmentally mindful. Whether working on large-scale projects or intimate urban spaces, my goal remains the same: to inspire others to live well through the creation of beautiful, sustainable, and productive gardens.

My Journey from Oak & Monkey Puzzle to Little Cottage on a Hill

From Oak & Monkey Puzzle to Little Cottage on a Hill: A Journey in Sustainable Living and Landscape Design

My journey from Oak & Monkey Puzzle, a five-acre oasis of creativity and community, in Spargo Creek, to the intimate space of Little Cottage on a Hill, Daylesford,  has been one of transformation and growth. Both properties, though vastly different in scale, have come to embody my evolving philosophy on sustainable living, community connection, and the role of landscape design in nurturing not only the land but also the spirit.

Oak & Monkey Puzzle: A Dream Realised

Oak & Monkey Puzzle was my first foray into creating a space that combined my love for landscape architecture, horticulture, and the beauty of country living. Situated on five acres in the Central Victorian Highlands, this property became much more than just a home. It was a hub where artisans, craftspeople, and creatives gathered to share their skills, collaborate, and inspire one another. The fertile soil and expansive landscape offered endless possibilities for growing, preserving, and teaching.

The property became an evolving hub that sparked dynamic conversations and fostered a deep sense of community. It was a place where creativity flourished, and I had the privilege of nurturing not just the land but also the relationships that grew around it. I learned to live with the seasons, appreciate the beauty of nature’s cycles, and understand the value of sharing these lessons with others.

Oak & Monkey Puzzle became a canvas for all my passions—a place where I could experiment with landscape design, host workshops, and foster a vibrant community. It was a richly layered experience, filled with lessons about what it means to live well, deeply rooted in the land.

The Shift to Little Cottage on a Hill

In 2022, after nearly a decade at Oak & Monkey Puzzle, I found myself reflecting on the lessons I had learned about sustainability, community, and the rhythms of country life. The global pandemic provided the space to reevaluate what was truly important to me. I started thinking about how, with a bit of creativity, beauty, and productivity, one could thrive in much smaller spaces. This shift in perspective led me to Little Cottage on a Hill, a 515-square-meter property nestled in the heart of Daylesford.

Little Cottage On A Hill (above 2022, below 2023)

Little Cottage on a Hill has been a joyful challenge—distilling the expansive, productive gardens of Oak & Monkey Puzzle into a small town block. With the constraints of space, I’ve had to rethink how every garden element could serve multiple purposes, maximising productivity while maintaining a sense of beauty and simplicity.

Reimagining the Productive Garden

The move to Little Cottage on a Hill wasn’t just about scaling down; it was about reimagining what a productive garden could be. Here, orchards have been transformed into espaliers along the boundary fences, verges have become abundant gardens, and the driveway doubles as a multifunctional courtyard. It’s an experiment in how little space one needs to create something that is both functional and beautiful.

By working within the limitations of a small space, I’ve come to appreciate the intricacies of thoughtful design all over again. Every element must work hard—be it the wicking beds that reduce water usage or the espaliered trees that provide both fruit and visual interest. This garden has become a prototype for sustainable living, showing that even the smallest spaces can be highly productive, environmentally conscious, and deeply rewarding.

A New Kind of Community

One of the most unexpected joys of Little Cottage on a Hill has been the connection it has fostered with the local community. The verge gardens, planted with flowers, seasonal vegetables, herbs, medicinal plants and espaliered fruit trees, have become a source of inspiration for neighbours and passersby. People stop to chat as I tend the garden, and in those moments, I’m reminded of the power of gardens to bring people together, even in an urban setting.

The sense of community that I cherished at Oak & Monkey Puzzle has continued to flourish here. It’s proof that beauty and connection can thrive in any environment, regardless of size.

Lessons Learned and Shared

The journey from Oak & Monkey Puzzle to Little Cottage on a Hill has been a lesson in adaptability, creativity, and the importance of living with the land. What I’ve learned through this transition is that a productive garden isn’t defined by its size but by the care and intention with which it is designed. Whether on five acres or 500 square meters, the principles of sustainability, beauty, and community remain the same.

As I continue to experiment with this new space, I’m excited to share the insights and tips I’ve gathered along the way. Little Cottage on a Hill is a living example of how anyone, with a little planning and imagination, can create a garden that nourishes both body and soul. It’s a reminder that no matter the scale, we can all start where we are, use what we have, and do what we can to live well.

Moving from Oak & Monkey Puzzle’s expansive rural property to the intimate yet vibrant Little Cottage on a Hill has reaffirmed my belief that beauty and productivity can flourish anywhere. It’s not about the size of the garden but the heart and intention behind it. Whether you’re working with acres of land or a small backyard, the principles of sustainable living, community connection, and thoughtful design can create spaces that are not only beautiful but deeply nourishing.

Quince and Orange Blossom Syrup

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of have a couple of insanely talented creatives collaborating with you on capturing the simple things that make life at Oak and Monkey Puzzle all that it is.

I gave up the hustle and bustle of the city 5 years ago for the slightly more measured hustle bustle of raising young children in the country, and whilst it isn’t all syrup making, life here is mighty sweet! But seriously, this little film is a window into the not so unusual things that happen here at Oak and Monkey Puzzle.

My Quince and Orange Blossom Syrup might not be made in the same perfectly beautiful way, think a little more mess and a little less dreaminess ;-) but even so the process of foraging, sourcing and making feels none the less beautiful as life is lived here by the seasons.

A huge thanks goes to one of my favourite image makers, photographer Mark Roper for this beautiful short film, which shows he isn’t just revered for his still photography, and also to the cleverest and loveliest Deborah Kaloper for her styling keen eye and heart warming generosity.

I had the most inspiring day with these two incredible folk. I am eternally grateful xx

The fear of missing out (FOMO)

"And into the forest I go
to lose my mind
and find my soul."

Sitting quietly drinking tea this morning I think I had an epiphany… something about FOMO (the fear of missing out) and this social media world of needing to be constantly connected.

Strangely it started with a conversation about my boy and him not eating his morning snack or lunch at school due to a fear of missing out; that by sitting and eating his friends might run off to play and he’d be left behind. In the conversation my friends told me many of their children had the same anxieties. It got me thinking about the need to feel connected, constantly included in something, and the fear of missing out.

I know from my own experiences particularly on social media there’s been a creeping need to keep checking in, to see what other’s are doing, to read the comments to my posts, to feel constantly connected. My days finish with long nights where I fight between the need to turn the lights off and the want to feel I’ve been ‘filled up’. I feel this want to keep having the beautiful conversations I am so fortunate that social media has facilitated. I keep trawling for imagery that inspires, words that inspire and heartfelt connections. Those are all beautiful things but sometimes they come at the expense of connecting with myself and creating my own meaningful and ‘real’ experiences. It’s too easy to let it slip into (lets be honest) an addiction. And the reality is not all days can be concluded feeling inspired, and that’s ok. But instead of acknowledging that I keep trawling, checking in, having conversations, until either I’m filled up or my eyes involuntarily close. 

The beauty of social media and the virtual world is that it’s bursting with beautiful imagery and people’s stories. That’s why I go there – to be inspired, to connect. Mostly its all genuine and sincere but I know from my own experiences that it’s the best of life, its curated moments, and whilst ‘real’ in their singularity its not a true representation of life; nevertheless the fear of missing out keeps me there, and often.

So I made a decision, with my head filled with all of these thoughts that I would go to my favourite place, the place where my overwhelming sense of connection to nature is greater than the fear of missing out. The forest.

I discovered the old pine forest when I first moved to our little haven in Spargo Creek. It was winter, bitterly cold and wet but I needed to walk. With one foot still in city life and a head full of anxieties and the other foot inspired by the vision I had of creating, the vision for Oak and Monkey Puzzle, I put on my raincoat and gumboots and just had to walk. 

‘My’ forest is old and undulating, in parts its thick with blackberry. Some of it seems impenetrable whilst others give beautiful views between the trees that beckon you to keep travelling further. I remember a fear of getting lost at first but knowing if I travelled uphill I’d always find the dirt track, so I just kept wandering, meandering and letting the forest lead me deeper. As I did I was completely overwhelmed by the smells, the sensation of the soft needles underfoot and the incredible and almost form-like thickness of the quiet – the thick pine needle forest floor sucking up the sounds. The quiet was spatial and all enveloping. The experience, that very first time, left me literally euphoric – so blissed out that I promised myself this was something I need to continue doing and every now and then I’m reminded, beckoned in fact to go back to my happy place, a place that gives me so much with seemingly so little. I have learnt since that day that it really is true that it’s experiences not things that nurture me, ground me the most. It’s a humbling realisation.

So with a little folding chair hung over my arm, camera, raincoat and gumboots on today I walked up to the forest to wander and sit, to soak up the forest, its tangibly ‘thick’ quiet, to reconnect with the ‘real’, to sort through all these thoughts in my head and to switch off from the fear of missing out.

As I walked the voices in my head quietened, the periphery faded out, the little details became clearer and I found an incredible in-the-moment focus. Forest bathing is a real thing, shinrin-yoku. It’s the experience of simply ‘taking in the forest atmosphere’ and it’s become a recognised preventative health care and healing in Japanese medicine. It’s not rocket science to know this is good for me. 

Letting my feet and my senses lead me I stopped in a little clearing and unfolded this little chair. I sat, listened and watched. I smelt the scent of rain that was dense in the air. It’s been months since we’ve had rain and it felt like not only had the dust settled but also life’s pace. Its incredible the things you see when you truly stop. The light and shadow mesmerizingly danced across the forest floor. A small snake moved its way in front of me, the first I’ve seen in 4 years since moving here. We acknowledged each other with a glance before it continued on its way. Strangely I wasn’t scared. It had as much right to be here. Keeping respectful distance we could both share this space. 

It’s hard to describe the feeling of being truly connected in time and place. What I know is that it is experiences and not things that inspire me the most. And so my hope is that this page is a conversation between my favourite experiences and I. With every season and all its ever-shifting nuances there’s so much to see, feel and share. I moved to the country with a purpose - to truly experience life. And whilst you may chose to live vicariously through this page I ask one thing, and that’s that you don’t fall into the fear of missing out but instead are motivated to get out there and appreciate the little things, and find the ‘real’ parts of life that inspire you the most.