Tracey Duffy’s Acacia Gardens vegie patch a finalist in Blacktown Council garden competition

TRACEY Duffy’s backyard may resemble a fruit bowl but she still has to shop for produce. The greenthumb’s Acacia Gardens yard is spilling with fruit and vegetables — plums, figs, bananas, herbs, sweet potato and limes, to name a few.

Tracey Duffy in her lush yard. Picture: Annika Enderborg

TRACEY Duffy’s backyard may resemble a fruit bowl but she still has to shop for produce. The greenthumb’s Acacia Gardens yard is spilling with fruit and vegetables — plums, figs, bananas, herbs, sweet potato and limes, to name a few.

“Oranges and my limes, I can’t do enough with them,’’ Ms Duffy said. “I’ll find we have so many and then all of a sudden you run out so I’m working out what to plant so I have them for the whole season.”

Tracey Duffy is hoping her garden will fetch a prize. Picture: Annika Enderborg

Ms Duffy has entered the edible category of Blacktown Council’s garden competition which she last entered 12 years ago. Her oasis has a free-range approach, unlike her previous, more organised garden.

The garden is a source of joy. Picture: Annika Enderborg

Tracey has lost count of the plants in her yard. Picture: Annika Enderborg

“I used to have more cottage garden-type plants whereas here I try everything and anything,” she said.

Tracey Duffy with her husband Richard Nowak and daughter Chelsea, 12, and son Kai, 9. Picture: Annika Enderborg

Ms Duffy loves seeing her family, including children Chelsea, 12, and Kai, 9, spot tadpoles or pick basil for dinner.

“… I was always helping my dad in the garden. And when I left home, (living) in rental properties, I would always tidy them up,’’ she said.

Winners will be announced on Friday, October 26