What began as a side income for a working mum with three kids has turned into the main bread winner while also creating career opportunities for the family.
Karen O'Brien started Hillview Herb Farms more than 30 years ago to add a little extra money to the family income.
Now Karen, her husband, and their kids are all involved in the operation which uses organic and sustainable farming practices to produce fresh herbs, potted seedlings and microgreens for sale.
On 3.5 hectares at Forbesdale, NSW, half of which is sown to herbs in various large gardens, Hillview Herb Farms produces a wide range of products which are sold at the farm gate stall and local farmers markets.
When Karen was deciding what to get into, she looked for something with low start up costs.
"I thought it might be nice to do something from home and raise the three kids," she said.
"I looked at what I could do on small acreage with not much money to start.
"I decided I could buy packets of herb seeds, plant them and grow them, and maybe local people would buy them from me.
"When I went and put the idea to two local businesses, they said they wanted more local produce."
Karen's research showed that the Forbesdale climate was suited to growing herbs.
"I was told that from Coffs Harbour down to our area, because of the climate and rainfall, would be good for herb growing," Karen said.
"We sometimes get frost damage but have learned to grow within the climate.
"We grow most things all year round, using cloths to cover things at different points for protection."
Karen has to deal with a number of pests including cabbage moth, snails, slugs, and fruit fly.
"Because we grow organically, we try to have a healthy garden to help combat any pests," she said.
"We do put up a fruit fly trap in a bottle and use an organic paste which we don't put directly on the trees, but paint on wood and hang from the trees.
"We encourage bird life and lizards to help control the snails and slugs."
Hillview Herb Farm produces a wide range of fresh herbs as well as products produced on farm.
"We try to grow every herb that anyone would want for any culinary experience in our district," Karen said.
"We grow all your Asian and Italian herbs, salad greens and we also grow exotic and Australian fruits.
"One of our very popular products is our range of herb culinary salts and cocktail salts.
"We also do dried herbs, herb vinegars, chili sauces, jams and pickles.
"Everything we grow fresh we have value added products to match."
