The property described here is an experiment in creating an edible landscape on 1.2 acres in mid-Canterbury, NZ.

The area has overnight frosts in the short winters, occasional rain throughout the year most years, but summers are usually warm to hot, with occasional very hot, drying, 'norwesterly' winds - two months of most summers are dry ie. without rain. The soil is a good medium loam, and the subsoil is a moisture-retentive heavy yellow clay.

The property was bought in April 2002 (NZ's autumn). This site describes the first four years, from the 'startup' three years, on to 'maintenance'. There would also be an 'overhaul' phase at some point, when plantings and methods are re-assessed, and the system may then be modified accordingly.