Sitting at Leroy’s having the longest of lunches Lou, Amy and I got greedy. We wanted another lunch date, one wasn’t enough. So plans were made to meet up the next day as well, this time at CERES – a magical place close to our hearts but somewhere Lou was yet to discover.
Tucked away in a former landfill site by the Merri Creek in Brunswick, CERES (Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies) was created to educate and engage people in their environment, promoting living sustainably, ethically and organically. It encompasses education programs, community gardens, an organic market, cafe and permaculture nursery. It just so happens that Matt’s uncle is a founding member of CERES, a man of great vision and conviction. Our family is part of the CERES family. So yes, we know CERES – and I was excited to show Lou the fabulousness of it all.
With two kidlets with me we meandered the pram through the nursery, past the chickens and some veggie plots to the cafe and met Lou-with-three and Amy-with-two. Kids roamed free, delicious organic food was devoured. After tummies were full we wandered back up the hill, stopping by the market to grab basketfuls of freshly grown vegetables and buy some herbs to plant in pots back at the farmhouse.
Violet was in fine form, attacking children, chickens and newborns with gay abandon. Poor Cedar. Poor Savannah. Poor chickens. Poor Aunty Em. Before long it was most definitely home time, little people were tired, big people were weary too. Kudos to Lou for one of her first outings with three littles. You are doing a fantastic job. Fantastic.
Disclaimer: I wrestled with Ava for half an hour before giving up and letting her wear whatever she wanted. Floral skirt with stripy tights and hot pink puffer vest was the winning combination apparently.
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CERES is in East Brunswick, I like to park near the nursery off Blythe Street. The gates are open during daylight hours and anybody is welcome to visit, wander through the community gardens or find out more about sustainable living. There are endless education programs, courses, workshops and training that goes on at CERES. It’s a very special place.
Jane @ Shady Baker says
I love the concept of this place Emma, how awesome. Somewhere else to add to my Melbourne list!?
Jo @ Countrylifeexperiment says
I always feel the need to justify my kids clothing choices. CB doesn’t care at all what they wear. One time he let my eldest where her swimmers over her track pants and jumper to the supermarket… so stripes and florals are nothing to be ashamed about!
Emma says
Ha! That is brilliant. I actually kind of enjoyed it, letting her chose her outfit every day, she was so proud of herself how could you say no? She thinks she looks fabulous – and she does! I do smile a lot when I see the swimmer with the track pants wandering down the supermarket aisle. Good on them.
sharon says
what a gem of a place! preaching to the converted for you guys, but still a wonderful place to enjoy (those plants look so fresh!)
Kathy says
What a wonderful little place…yes with kids you do short outings and both kids and parents are happy. I used to take mine out first thing and be home for lunch and a sleep (kids that is….however I could have always done with a midday nana nap) or we would go out to the park in the afternoon followed by baths, early dinner and bed. The photos are lovely. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia