Garden
Step 1: Friday, February 17, 2006
Map:
Site Description:
I. This site is owned by the Cooper's Glen Apartments. It is located near my apartment. I don't have permission to garden here yet, I'm still working on this.
II. This area is located next to three sidewalks, near a gravel bed. It is small and is full of dead plants. It looks quite ugly right now.
III. Size - This area is about 8 ft long on one side, 6 ft long on the opposite side, 3 ft wide on one side and 1 ft wide on the opposite side.
Shape - The area is narrow and curvy.
Topography - The area is slightly raised from the gravel adjacent to it. It is flat in and of itself.
Slope - The slope of the area is about 10 degrees from level and faces NW primarily.
Exposure - The area has no blockage from the sun and likely has 10 hours of sun at this time of the year.
Soil Characteristics - The area has fairly sandy soil. It is a light brown color and is loose when dry. The drainage in the area is good as it borders a gravel area and is slightly raised and slanted.
Water Features - There are no water features.
Principal Plant Species Present - The plant species present are dead or sickly, presumably annuals or plants that didn't make it through the winter. There are five plants total and they are small to medium.
Animal Activity - There is no evidence of animal activity.
History of the Site - I have no idea about the history of the area.
My Feelings About the Site - I feel that this place is sad. It could be quite lovely and could brighten the monotony of the apartment complex if it was spruced up! I chose this area because of its close proximity to my apartment and my desire for a relaxing agrden retreat.
Drawings:
Step 2: Friday, February 17, 2006
Vision:
I would like this garden to be a quiet, relaxing place of health and rejuvination. This area is screaming to be made over into a beautiful retreat. I want to use medicinal herbs that bring relaxation, health and strength to the people who visit this garden. I would like to set it up in such a way as to invite good energy and soothe with smells and colors and layout.
Step 3: Monday, February 20, 2006
Specific Plants:
Lavender - Lavandula angustifolia
- Labiatae family
- promotes relaxation
- full sun
- sandy, well-drained soil
- purple flowers
Huang Qi - Astragalus membranaceus
- Leguminosae family
- strengthens immune system and energy
- full sun
- sandy, well-drained soil
- red and pink flowers
Chai Hu - Bupleurum chinense
- Umbelliferae family
- encourages energy flow
- full sun
- sandy, well-drained soil
- pink flowers
Vervain - Verbena officinalis
- Verbenaceae family
- promotes relaxation and is especially helpful with the liver
- full sun
- sandy, well-drained soil
- pink flowers
Mugwort - Artemisia vulgaris
- Compositae family
- promotes relaxation
- full or partial sun
- sandy, well-drained soil
- yellow flowers
Basil - Ocimum basilicum
- Labiatae family
- promotes relaxation, spiritually uplifting
- full sun
- sandy, well-drained soil
- pink and white flowers
Borage - Borago officina
- Boraginaceae family
- promotes relaxation
- full or partial sun
- sandy, well-drained soil
- purple flowers
Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis
- Labiatae family
- promotes relaxation, anti-depressive
- full or partial sun
- sandy, well-drained soil
- white flowers
Design for Garden:
Sequence of Activities:
- get permission to garden
- tear out existing plants
- spread new soil
- buy plants and white stones
- create rock pattern
- plant new plants
Materials Needed:
- plants
- soil
- small white stones
- shovel
- rotatiller
- rake
Compost System:
I will use compost from the organic farm on campus as I have no place to set up a compost pile of my own right now.
Watering System:
I will dig a minor trench in follwing the path of the rock design so that water will flow down the direction of the spiral. I will also move the soil so that the highest elevation of the garden is a hill/hump at the center of the spiral and the lowest elevation is at the point where the white stones lead into the gravel, to promote drainage.
Step 4: Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Sequence of Steps:
- get permission to use area (STILL WORKING ON THIS)
- purchase materials
- garden, garden, garden
- maintain
Changes in Garden Area:
The area is still pretty empty with the few plants in it. Once is beginning to perk up with the coming of spring but I don't care as I'm so excited about installing my own garden.