When Kelly Johnson lost both her husband and young daughter within a span of years, it nearly shattered her. But instead of letting grief consume her, she chose to transform it—planting hope, one tree at a time.
Located in South Australia, Woodlane Orchard sits on a stretch of land that’s been in Kelly’s family since the 1980s. It had once been a thriving stone fruit farm, but years of drought and hardship had taken their toll. When Kelly inherited the property in the midst of personal tragedy, she faced a decision: let it go—or bring it back to life.
She chose the latter.
With little farming experience but an unshakable drive, Kelly taught herself everything from irrigation to soil regeneration. She worked the land by hand, often alone, battling weeds, pests, and the ache of absence. What began as a modest revival effort slowly grew into a lush, productive orchard—now home to nectarines, apricots, plums, and a seasonal bounty of berries and produce.
But it wasn’t just the fruit that began to flourish.
Kelly began hosting community events, offering workshops on regenerative agriculture and mental health resilience. She created a farmstand that became a local staple. In 2023, she received the South Australian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award for her work connecting sustainable farming with emotional healing.
“My orchard is more than a business,” Kelly said in a recent interview. “It’s a promise to myself that I wouldn’t give up. It’s a tribute to the people I lost—and a gift to everyone who visits.”
Her story has touched hearts across Australia, reminding us that growth can come from the darkest soil, and that sometimes, the most beautiful harvests are born from the deepest pain.
Kelly’s journey is a powerful reminder that resilience doesn’t just mean surviving — it means choosing to create again. Woodlane Orchard isn’t just a farm; it’s a living tribute to love, perseverance, and the healing power of purpose. Her story shows how one person’s strength can sow hope for an entire community.
One thing I love about my business, is that I can tell my customers exactly where the ingredients come from.
- Kelly Johnson
