The first veggies are about to be harvested. These leafy greens have an amazing texture - bound to be super-nutritious.
The farm is leased and the first year is a trial to see if the farm can recoup its costs and provide a livelihood for Carey (pictured). So the main focus has been on keeping hens and selling eggs.
I was pleased to see this new management has led to tree plantings on the property (as a windbreak). But if the farm becomes a housing estate (and it is within Melbourne's urban growth boundary), it will most likely be 'goodbye trees'.
There's plenty of work ahead for Carey and volunteers, from expanding the market garden beds to pruning the almond, olive and apple trees. Open days with working bees are every Sunday. And just in case you needed more incentive, there's a big fig tree with lots of fruit!
Written by Kate Leslie (Link updated 22 August 2014)