The Dream

Following on with the notion of green roofs on houses, I want to let you in on a little dream of mine. It is a combination of all things I love and am passionate about; the environment, good fresh produce, my home and cooking – and having all of this to share with family and friends.

Stemming from my love of the High Line and the Eagle Street Rooftop farm in Brooklyn (and all things rooftop gardens) my dream is to one day own a kitchen garden café that boasts a green roof that from which I can grow as much produce as I can to then cook with in the kitchen.

The menu will be completely seasonal, varying day to day with a major focus on fresh produce. For the produce and other products that I am unable to grow I aim to source it very sustainably, within a close proximity reducing carbon footprints as much as possible.

I had this philosophy in mind when penning my design for the achievable gardens display in the Melbourne International Flower and Garden show. Everything was completely edible! (except for the decking, 2000l water tank - that cleverly had a planter box on top that was stocked up with vegetable seedlings).

Like my garden design above, I want my café to be a place of relaxation and serenity - a meeting place for people to talk and eat and to enjoy each other’s company. I want my consumers to feel as if they are at a friend’s home – comfortable with their surroundings.

And for a special treat, I will have special days with my Nonna in the kitchen cooking stuffed artichokes (cuori di carciofo) that we’ve picked from her garden, or better yet, from my rooftop garden

!