A transformation from an empty lot to a paradise for home vegetable gardeners
The Empty Lot for a Renovation
In this residential project, a full empty lot was asked to be designed into a modern day vegetable garden. The open space was in a good size, sloped as typical San Franciscan lot, and provided with plenty of sunlight.
The owner lived next to the lot and a out-of-shape tool shed stood next to the even-higher back road on the other side of the property, where the overgrown shrubs needed to be managed every now and then.
Other than the few existing (fruit) trees, nothing were planted. Most trees were to be kept. Other requirements include easy accesses to any of the hardscape materials from any of the local retailers or box stores.
The Complete Design
This was a rare and exciting opportunity to transform a decent sized undeveloped lot, very unusual in the already crowded city. Several thoughts went into the final design.
The native soil was not ideal for vegetables, so raised beds were designed to best grow the edibles. To accommodate numerous beds, the site was leveled into two tiers with stairs on the shade side of the lot. The rises were gentle with no drops higher than 1 foot. The more mobile household members could work around without using relying on stairs.
A compost facility and greenhouse/tool room combo was a great addition to any vegetable gardeners. The backside under the fence was kept largely clear to allow occasional but necessary management for the overgrown nearby shrubs.
Rendering on this Vegetable Garden Design
No specific plant selections were recommended. This design was more to provide the framework and backbone for the household to meet their edibles, fruits, and aesthetic plant needs.
Six raised beds provided plenty of space for various and continuous harvesting on chosen vegetables. Ample space were reserved in between to allow easy access, footpath, and frequent maintenance on the beds.
In addition to the beds, herbs and flowers could be planted on the surrounding ground to accommodate the harvest and attract beneficials. Containers were used for herbs needed to be tamed.
Along the lower side of the fence, a hedge was suggested for visual screen, as well as seasonal interests if flowering types were chosen.
