In December 2020, we found our little slice of paradise in Lal Lal, a picturesque hamlet nestled in the foothills of Mt Buninyong near Ballarat, 108 km west of Melbourne. Known for the stunning Lal Lal Falls and Reservoir, this historic area once thrived as a prominent mining region. 

 When we first arrived, our vision was clear: to return to the land where we grew up as children and rediscover the simplicity and beauty of the Australian rural lifestyle. Surrounded by wide-open spaces and fresh air, we reconnected with the land that shaped our childhood. Being outdoors here is more than just a pastime—it’s a way of life that nurtures health, well-being, and community. We have found purpose in working the land, building meaningful connections, and living true to the values that have always grounded us.

While growing garlic wasn’t part of the initial plan, with 23 acres and few animals to tend to, the open space inspired new possibilities. Melissa, an avid gardener, suggested transforming one of the paddocks into a garlic farm. To her surprise, Sean was immediately on board. 

 By 2022, we planted our first garlic crop, choosing five different varieties to see what would thrive in our local climate. With its 468-meter elevation, regular winter frosts, and hot summers, Lal Lal proved to be perfect for garlic. We tested Mammoth, Flinders Island Purple, White Crookneck, Spanish Roja, and Valiant varieties, and we haven’t looked back since. 

Our property in Lal Lal continues to be our haven, where we’re building not just a business, but a lifestyle connected to the land and its rich history. 

Why garlic?

WE LOVE GARLIC ! and we wanted more of a choice to be able to buy Australian grown garlic. China is responsible for providing over 70% of garlic sold in Australia. China is notoriously known for using chemicals banned in Australia, thus its garlic tends to lack flavour, and its spotlessly white colour is due to bleaching as part of the import process.

​We don't aspire to large scale commercial production as we want to supply garlic grown following chemical free practices incorporating crop rotation, natural fertilisers & herbicides. But what we do aspire to is growing high quality, fresh Australian grown garlic, We want to contribute to the rebuilding of the Australian local garlic industry after the mid-1990s deregulation of the industry which caused the virtual collapse of the Australian garlic industry.

Why dahlia's

In 2021 on a visit to The Garden of St Erth in Blackwood, these beautiful flowers descending from white, creams, yellows, oranges to red caught Melissa’s eye.

2022 saw the introduction of Dahlia tubers to the farm with 20 tubers planted.

2023 saw the “Dahlia Addiction” take hold and over 250 tubers planted.

2024 will see over 1100 tubers planted

How we farm

Our garlic and dahlia’s are grown and produced without the use of harmful chemicals.

We input organic matter and natural fertilisers into the soil, using crop rotation and sustainable practices.

As the garlic and dahlias grow, it is treated to the occasional drink of Seasol and essential nutrients to boost soil health and vigour.

At the optimum time, our garlic is harvested by hand and cured.

The garlic is then hand sorted before being stored as seed stock or sold.

Our dahlias are dug up, labelled and stored for the winter before being divided late winter or early spring and re planted or tubers are sold.

The peopled behind The Paddock Lal Lal

  • The Farmer and The Muscle

    Melissa and Sean

  • Security

    Digger and Buddy

  • The Lawn Mowers

    Sarge and Porky