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.