Tuesday 9 August 2011

Urban farming

We live just 5km from Sydney's CDB. We can see the city skyline from the end of our street. Most of the houses in our area are small and have pocket-size courtyards or gardens. Ever since we moved here, I've worried about the girls having too much of an urban lifestyle. None of the freedoms or experiences of living in the burbs or the country.

The reality is the kids in our neighbourhood play every day in the park across the road from our house, instead of in big backyards. Which is kind of nice as there is real sense of community and everyone knows everyone else. There is always someone for the girls to play with and we all keep an eye on each other's kids. So much for the nameless, unfriendly existence I was worried about. Sometimes it's like living in a country town, with lots of gossip as well.

The girls seem to know everyone in our suburb by name, much more than I do. A walk to the shops always involves stopping and saying 'hello' to someone we know. One of our neighbours commented that we couldn't leave the area as they know everyone and are famous in the community.

Our local shopping centre has recently brought this idea of community to its roof top and Goose and I went and checked it out. They've created a community garden so people can plant, grow and pick herbs and vegies. There's an area for the kids to play, for adults to sit and it's a nice way for city kids to get their hands dirty and eat something they've grown (or at least picked).

I think it's a fabulous idea. Goose had a great time playing and looking at the plants. Smelling, touching, naming. We even picked some herbs for our dinner. Sure it may not be the same as have a big vegie patch in your garden, but it's the next best thing and more than I experienced as a kid.




Windmill and the city skyline.



Goose makes her mark.

5 comments:

  1. What a great idea - sounds to me like the girls have the perfect growing up experience. A sense of community and belonging is priceless.xx

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  2. Wow!

    I absolutely LOVE that!

    We are in the burbs' of s Melbourne. And I thought we'd have a sense of community here, but in reality, everyone drives directly into their automated garages, and I've never honestly spoken to anyone from my street.

    We've been here a year and a half!

    Sure, we have big backyards ... but I think a sense of community is what is most important.

    Your community sounds beautiful!

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  3. Hi corrine

    Wow!

    Isn't it amazing when the grass is greener.
    You've got me wanting a community park thingy and herb garden like you have.

    x

    Loulou
    http://hereiamloulou.blogspot.com/

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  4. That is a FABULOUS idea! I too worry about the effects of living in such a condensed community, but I always find things like this community garden (though I've never seen anything like this exactly) to busy the boys and then I am comforted that we are doing the right thing living in the city. There are advantages in the city and the country, but it's always nice when you can have a taste of both at your doorstep. Lovely photos, the girls must think it's a wonderland! xo

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  5. The sense of community is a distant memory for me.

    Envious of the place you call home.

    What a wonderful world for your children to grow up in.

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Thank you so much for your comments! I'm always thrilled to hear from you.

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