A Visit to Melliodora

Embracing Permaculture and Sustainable Beekeeping

I recently had the great pleasure of visiting Melliodora, the renowned permaculture property of Su Dennett and David Holmgren.

Located in the heart of Hepburn Springs, Victoria, Melliodora is a living example of permaculture principles—a sustainable living design system that David co-created with Bill Mollison in the 1970s.

This visit was especially meaningful as I had the chance to deliver a piece of natural beekeeping magic: their very first Kenyan top bar hive.

Discovering Melliodora

Melliodora is a 2.5 acre property and has been a model of sustainable living since the 1980s. Over the past four decades, Su and David have transformed this land into a thriving ecosystem, integrating food forests, water harvesting systems, passive solar designs, and an assortment of animals. Their dedication to permaculture is evident in every part of the property, making Melliodora more than just a home—it’s an ongoing experiment in living harmoniously with the rhythms of nature.

As I walked through Melliodora, I was impressed by how thoughtfully everything is integrated. The property features over 120 different fruit trees, carefully chosen and strategically placed to maximise yield while keeping maintenance low. Vibrant orchards thrive alongside veggie patches full of fresh produce. Free-ranging chickens roam around, providing eggs and natural fertiliser, while Su’s beloved goats graze peacefully, enhancing the property’s biodiversity and supporting sustainable farming practices.

Introducing the Kenyan Top Bar Hive

Beekeeping has always been a key part of Melliodora’s sustainable lifestyle. For years, Su and David used conventional Langstroth hives to support their bee populations and food production. However, introducing the Kenyan top bar hive marks an exciting new chapter in their beekeeping journey. This hive design encourages natural bee behaviour, allowing bees to build their combs without the constraints of pre-pressed foundation frames. The Kenyan top bar hive fits perfectly within Melliodora’s permaculture ethos, fostering a more natural relationship between the beekeepers and their bees.

Delivering the Kenyan top bar hive was a moment of excitement and pride. Seeing it placed among the thriving gardens of Melliodora symbolised their ongoing commitment to working with, rather than against, nature. I’m looking forward to seeing how this new addition will blend into their beautiful ecosystem and lifestyle and enhance their sustainable practices.

A Day of Connection and Collaboration

One of the highlights of my visit was the warm hospitality from Su and David. Su prepared a delicious lunch straight from their garden, featuring a fresh salad bursting with flavour, homemade bread still warm from the oven, and creamy homemade yoghurt drizzled with honey. This meal showcased the abundance that comes from living in tune with your environment.

Being of Italian descent, I couldn’t resist chatting with Su about pasta sauce recipes. Su, who has spent time living in Italy, shared some of her insights into traditional methods, and we exchanged a few secret ingredients. Our conversation highlighted the strong connection between good food, sustainable living, and cultural heritage.

Inspired by Permaculture in Action

Leaving Melliodora, I felt inspired and excited about the future of sustainable living. Seeing permaculture in action and watching Su and David embrace the Kenyan top bar hive was truly motivating. Melliodora demonstrates the power and potential of permaculture, showing how thoughtful design and a commitment to working with nature can create a resilient and thriving ecosystem.

My visit to Melliodora deepened my appreciation for permaculture and reinforced the importance of sustainable beekeeping practices. I’m grateful to have been part of their journey and look forward to seeing how the Kenyan top bar hive enhances their beekeeping efforts. Melliodora is a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, knowledge, and respect for nature come together.