2013 ASHS Annual Conference

Many organizations have tried to establish sustainable community gardens and failed.  Permaculture is a design framework that promotes sustainability through the design of efficient, regenerative systems that save resources, time, and energy.  An urban community garden was re-designed using permaculture with a focus on Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Perennials, Compost, Shade, and Signage. Energy efficiency included converting many of the annual beds to perennials; establishing a crop rotation with ½ the garden in cover crops throughout the year; composting weeds on site; and reorganizing the garden to maximize efficiency. Water Conservation included more and better access to water in the garden for irrigation as well as beauty.  In addition the soil’s ability to capture and hold water was enhanced. Strategies included: capturing rain-water off the shed; mulching more often and more deeply and using living mulches on garden edges; creating wind breaks to reduce evaporation; and creating a beautiful water feature as a small emergency water resource for surrounding plantings. Perennial plantings were increased as one method for decreasing maintenance while keeping beauty, interest, and food production as well as adding shade and shelter.  Fruit trees and berry bushes; living mulch perennial edging; perennial edible & pollinator plants; edible perennial arbor for shade; food forest floor plantings; and an herb spiral were all added. Compost and soil were used more efficiently by improving access to the compost bins and improving signage.  More, smaller compost containers were installed for faster, more efficient production.  Compost bins were placed more strategically.  A separate compost pile was created for grasses and weeds to minimize weed seeds in the main compost system.  Living mulches decrease the need for additional compost during the season.  A perennial food forest floor plantings will build soil in an existing empty quadrant. Signage enhancements included artistic, educational, welcoming, and directive signs including more street signage to welcome neighbors and direct traffic through the garden. Shade involved increasing shaded gathering spaces; increasing vertical growing spaces to create microclimates; replacing existing ornamental trees with fruit and nut trees that also provide shade; adding seating and gathering spaces; creating a visual and educational model for organizing a garden to connect with nature. A before and after comparison of permaculture elements showed 42% prior to the redesign and 73% after.  A similar comparison of permaculture systems found 10 before and 44 after.