AT the beginning of 2000, Chris and Carolyn Francis moved to what was then an undulating paddock of thigh-high grass surrounded by a little creek on the outskirts of Berry.

Their dream was to build a home and garden in which their two girls could experience a true country childhood.

That garden has evolved over the past 11 years and will be open to the public as part of the Open Gardens Australia scheme on the weekend of January 28-29.

Although she has no official horticultural training, Carolyn designed the garden.

“I have always just planted the plants I like and it seems to work,” she said.

Chris is a builder and, with some help from Carolyn, has constructed the house and the more structural elements of the garden.

Wherever possible he has used recycled materials.

The garden features an octagonal veggie patch that utilises permaculture principles, an English-style courtyard surrounding the pool, an extensive outdoor entertainment area complete with wood oven and fire pit, and a bluestone bridge over the pond.

Open garden, 153 Kangaroo Valley Road, Berry, 10am-4pm, January 28-29. Adults $6, children free.