A community oriented garden in the campus with the practices on permaculture
The designated concrete site
This unutilized space was in a concrete yard of a campus. The project was to create a demonstration and educational garden with certain concept on permacultural practices.
The department had abundant supply on plants but very limited resources on luxury items other than common materials such as woods, concrete, iron bars, urbanite...etc. However, they did receive donations and recycled materials from the city or other communities regularly and encouraged to put them in use.
The site got good sun exposure in general. The concrete could stay or be removed per design suggestion. Labor and maintenance was not a concern.
The conceptual drawing
Two initial concepts were provided and discussed.
One focused on a healing theme over herbs, medicinal plants, and a relaxing pond for the peace-of-mind. The other was to play the concept of "edible forest", emphasizing a maximized harvest from different types of crops: roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds.
The second concept was decided and further developed into the final design. In this rather small space, raised beds were provided for leafy vegetables. Root crops and vines were planted nearby. Fruit trees stood on one border. Meanwhile, herbal plants and various useable shrubs completed the demonstration of this "edible forest".
The final design
Based on the concept to incorporate most types of edible plants, additional thoughts went into the final design.
The framework of this design was a community garden. Students, staffs, and faculties could all have ownerships, sharing and caring for this area.
Most of the concrete was left on for cleaner workspace to allow higher foot traffic and lower maintenance. All building materials were readily available or locally accessible at a friendly budget. The planters used were existing donations from the city, and some were repurposed to demonstrate hydroponic planting.
A small greenhouse and shed reduced the need to travel with tools and seedlings. On site compost was essential to sustainability. Last but not least, rain catchment system was installed for demonstration and educational purpose if not too practical in our climate.
