Harwood

Sustainable Features of the Garden 

Energy: Mitigates heat island effect, reduces indirect energy related to transportation and preservation of fresh vegetables otherwise purchased in a store; and volunteer human energy for building garden, preparing plots, and tending them throughout season.

Materials: Raised-bed construction using straw bales as the forms and filled with soil from composted municipal vegetative waste; bales should last two seasons, then will be turned into the soil to create raised rows to stimulate additional composting activity; additional materials (hoses, fencing, decorative landscaping) donated or reused; soaker hoses for drip system were manufactured from recycled tires.

Water: In 2007 water use was approximately 10 cu/ft. of water per month; a new strategy this year makes gardeners responsible for own plots; experimentation with a range of alternative watering systems (ollas, gravity-fed drip, etc.); information about water-wise strategies, including drip systems and use of heavy mulch to maintain soil moisture.

Health & Safety: Serves a vital role in providing access to fresh food and space for cultivation; provides a model for productive use of vacant parcels that otherwise negatively impact social health; functions as social space and a cool, green public gathering space.