During my last couple years of college I lived in a house that had ample backyard space and I decided to take up gardening as a hobby. My grandma took me into her garden on the farm a lot when I was a kid to put me to work. As a maker and artist I think it was natural I would return to gardening at some point and I have continued over the years. After college the house I lived in also had prime space for a garden and we quickly designed wooden beds to use. Then we decided to get smart and design the layout of the garden so as to optimize the sunlight and space per the needs of each plant. This is where the opportunity to draw the plan came from and how I ended up detailing this pencil drawing to layout the garden space.
First I researched the best combinations of layouts in terms of partnering vegetables for success and complimenting each plant. I did light studies to determine the amount of time each area received sunlight and compared that with the actual needs of each plant. I then measured to determine spacial requirements and considerations for each location. Then I selected the vegetable pairs and went to work drawing up the plan based on the design we created and measurements and research we gathered. I then sketched the design of the final garden before we went to work planting and setting up the vegetables in the actual space. This garden design is still in use and has worked well over the last several years.
The final detailed drawing was developed based on a ton of research and studies to best define and layout the space. The needs of the vegetables and plants in order for them to be successful was critical. Mapping out the partnered plantings to compliment each plant and enhance their chances of success was a key component to designing the layout ahead of time.
The impact of the plan was a huge success due in part to the research and prioritization of the actual needs of each plant. Complimenting their growth with a neighboring partner plant also aided in the gardens success. The soil and layout plan has been fruitful each time we use it and the design is an aesthetic addition to the backyard for an afternoon glass of wine with the setting sun.
One foot deep in creative and one foot deep in the alpine. Designing solutions to solve big challenges & suffering in beautiful places.
