On a recent trip to Melbourne we were delighted to come across the most random collection of veggie boxes at Federation Square in the heart of the city.
Created by Mat Pember and Fabian Capomolla, The little Veggie Patch Co. has created a storm around Melbourne with their “pop-up” veggie crates.
We even found one when we were having a cuppa at a café in Fitzroy!
What seems like a cute and novel little idea really is having some impact. This system gives people the opportunity to grow an amazing selection of their favourite herbs and veggies.
You can rent space in the pop up patch for the cost of a cup of coffee a day.
Or you can buy your own crate and have it delivered to your garden.
The crates are made from recycled apple crates, adding to the sustainable message these guys deliver.
The background of Mat and Fabian is a delightful tale of two friends following their passion and finding their purpose. Growing up in very similar backgrounds with memories of Italian families, Sunday lunches and skills passed on from their migrant grandparents.
They have created a much needed and heartfelt business designed to feed the hearts, souls and stomachs of anyone who wants to participate.
Being a passionate food production gardener myself, I understand the need to connect with the soil I stand on. 
I yearn for the smell of compost on a warm day and seek out market gardens whenever I travel.
To find something as vibrant and totally delicious in the heart of Melbourne city just made me want to cry with happiness!
When you grow food, it makes the act of preparing a meal from it and then eating that meal, so much more significant. There is a ritual surrounding home-grown food that just doesn’t exist with package bought meals.
To give city dwellers the opportunity to grow food, to touch the beautiful organic soil the veggies grow in and to harvest and carry home the treasures they grew is a gift. In a world so fast paced, where meals are eaten on the run or in front of the TV, it brings back the celebration of slow food, sharing love, laughter and the magic of what truly nourishes us.
So, to the creators of The Little Veggie Patch Co. I salute you what a little treasure to stumble across. If you are passing through Federation Square and want to feel a little of this magic the pop up gardens are open most days..Find out more about them here…
http://littleveggiepatchco.com.au
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