Thank you Onyx and BG, most appreciated.

Onyx; I didn't realise vertical gardens could be so productive. It will be good to keep in mind. I would , if possible, have to make sure the walls are facing a certain direction. Like North, so the plants get the sun they need? A property I am keen to know more about would have more than enough space for a 'traditional flat garden'.

BG; From your replies, I may give the old spuds a miss. Again, I had no idea about what growing potatoes does to soil. At least I got the chook-thing right, lol. I think I might come up with a chook yard once we have a place. I will look at some permaculture blogs, thank you for directing me that way. Again, wouldn't have known where to start looking. I will also try to note down, I guess, how much of what vegetables we go through. I totally understand what you mean about what suits your family won't suit mine. I forgot what else I was going to say, but thank you very much for taking the time to write such detailed (and numerous!) replies. I really appreciate it.