The Winona Sustainable House and Garden features original buildings dating back to 1914 with some pre-20th century features. The owners have lived here for almost 40 years. Over this time, in response to environmental issues worldwide, they have worked hard to progress zero waste and sustainability practices as a way of life.
Around 2 decades ago the owners participated in a Permaculture Design Course. This experience inspired them, with the help of friends and working bees, to establish growing food and managing chickens.
Since 2003 the Winona Sustainable House and Garden has been open for tours for Solar House Day, Sustainable House Day and Permaculture Day. The property boasts a 23,000L rainwater tank, a two phase reed bed grey water treatment system, solar hot water, solar power and a dry composting toilet (Rotaloo).
In recent years the garden has received much appreciated hard work by the cottage tenants who take great interest and delight in finding better ways to utilise each area of the garden, guided by permaculture design principles. The garden currently features veggie patches, a banana grove, fruit trees, ponds, European honey bees, a greenhouse, composting, worm farms, native trees, animal habitat and chickens.
