The TOP 10 BEST Fruit & Vegetables in Mount Mercer VIC

Having purchased our little patch of paradise in December 2020, we started with a blank canvas with the goal of building a little side hustle which would allow us to cut back in our corporate roles. Lal Lal is a hamlet located in the foothills of Mt Buninyong near Ballarat, 108 kms west of Melbourne. Lal Lal is home to the spectacular Lal Lal falls and Lal Lal Reservoir. The area surrounding Lal Lal was once a very prominent mining area. The Paddock started in 2022 with first the planting of garlic. Five varieties were planted to test the suitability to the local area, which has an average elevation of 468m, experiences persistent winter frosts and summer heat, which suits garlic well. These varieties were: Mammoth purple, Flinders Island purple, White crookneck, Spanish Roja, Valiant. Growing garlic wasn’t on the radar but with 23 acres and little animals to tender too there was plenty of space to use for another reason. Melissa being an avid gardener planted the idea with Sean in 2021 about turning one of the paddocks into a garlic paddock and to her surprise Sean was on board. 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. All original garlic seed was sourced form Australian growers. 2023 saw the expansion of our variety’s to again test the suitability to the local area. In 2023 we planted Dunganski, Purple Hardneck, Turban Master Jack, Elephant garlic. A total of 1343 gloves were planted from 9 different varieties. 2022 saw the introduction of Dahlia tubers to the farm with 12 varieties planted 2023 saw the “Dahlia Addiction” take hold and over 200 varieties planted being approx. 300 tubers.

Welcome to Coles Lara, where quality meets convenience. Our supermarket offers a wide range of fresh produce, groceries, and household essentials. With a focus on locally sourced products, we bring you the best in Australian flavours. Explore our selection of exquisite wines from our very own vineyards, delivering a taste that tantalizes the senses. Visit us in Lara and experience the vibrant fusion of Supermarkets & Grocery Stores with the elegance of Wineries & Vineyards. Shop now and savour the finest.

Located in the vibrant suburb of Waurn Ponds, Coles is a renowned supermarket offering an extensive selection of groceries and household essentials. With a diverse range of products, competitive prices, and exceptional customer service, we ensure a delightful shopping experience. From fresh produce to pantry staples, our store caters to all your culinary needs. Visit Coles Waurn Ponds today and indulge in the variety and quality we have to offer.

Our aim is to provide food that is fresh, local, and produced in a way that enhances rather than damages our environment. We grow a range of seasonal vegetables, as well as berries, cherries ,and other fruit. You can find us at Kyneton and Lancefield Farmers Markets, and other local markets when the seasons are more productive. You can also find our cordial range at the Glenlyon General Store.