For a while ITC has been stalking the Lane Cove Urban Farmer on Instagram. Who is this person who loves growing veggies in their back yard and sharing their passion? We had to find out and we did. Let us introduce you to Chris Tait aka the Lane Cove Urban Farmer. We asked Chris to tell us why he is so passionate about gardening.
It all started in Lane Cove…..
Chris grew up in Best Street Lane Cove and like many other Lane Cove residents moved back to Lane Cove after spending time in other parts of Sydney. His parents’ house in Best Street was on a huge block. His mum and dad were keen gardeners with a big veggie patch, compost and what was very common in those days a backyard incinerator!!!
After Chris and his family moved backed to Lane Cove, they started planning a garden. After renovating their house and finished extensive landscaping they had room for a veggie patch and the Urban Farmer could put his plan into action.
The Urban Farmer is not just Chris, but the whole family gets involved. Chris even gets advice and direction from his daughter who lives and works in London.
It’s not just veggies
Chris loves the diversity he has created in his garden. Chris told ITC it’s mesmerising watching the native bees around their hive, watching the chooks do their thing (dust-bath, scratching at the garden or just roosting!) and of course preparing the garden for his home-grown seedlings then harvesting all his own produce!
Last year the Urban Farmer Family were runner’s up in the open section of the Lane Cove Gardening Competition.
Chris would love others to create their own little urban farm and he has three tips:
- Get a native beehive – they are stingless;
- Get some chooks; and
- The more you do the more you get into it!
Why return to Lane Cove?
Chris loves living in Lane Cove for many reasons. He likes the local retail, good cafes and current and future growth potential for more retail, cafes and restaurants. Lane Cove is close to the city and has plenty of hills for his running (when Chris is not gardening, he likes to run). He likes to spread his coffee love around and his favourites cafes are Story, Lil Lane Eatery, Birdwood, Pottery Green, Zivelli’s Two Brothers and The Junction Coffee Co (previously known as Pablo & Rusty). His favourite thing to do in Lane Cove is having dinner with the family in Lane Cove Village.
How could Lane Cove be improved?
Lane Cove could be improved by activating all the retail spaces (for example: the former pharmacy without the awning next to Pottery Green). He would also like a local shuttle bus like the Artarmon Loop to take locals to the Village.
Follow on Instagram
Follow the Lane Cove Urban Farmer on Instagram to be inspired. Who knows you could be the next urban farmer?
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