From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Raised beds lend themselves to the development of complex agriculture systems that utilize many of the principles and methods of Permaculture. They can be used effectively to control erosion and recycle and conserve water and nutrients by building them along contour lines on slopes. This also makes more space available for intensive crop production. They can be created over large areas with the use of several commonly available tractor-drawn implements and efficiently maintained, planted and harvested using hand tools.
This form of gardening is compatible with square foot gardening and companion planting.
Circular waist high raised beds with a path to the center (a slice of the circle cut out) are called keyhole gardens. Often the center has a chimney of sorts built with sticks and then lined with feedbags or grasses that allows water placed at the center to flow out into the soil and reach the plants' roots. The charity 'Send a Cow' is promoting the creation of these in Africa.
Vegetable Garden Bed Construction materials should be chosen carefully. Some concerns exist over the use of timber such as Treated Pine that was traditionally treated using Chromated Copper Arsenateor CCA, a toxic chemical mix for preserving timber that may leach chemicals into the soil which in turn can be drawn up into the plants, a concern for vegetable growers, where part or all of the plant is eaten. If using timber to raise the garden bed, ensure that it is an untreated hardwood to prevent the risk of chemicals leaching into the soil. A common approach is to use timber sleepers joined with steel rods to hold them together. Another approach is to use concrete blocks, although less aesthetically pleasing, they are cheap to source and easy to use. On the market are also prefab raised garden bed solutions which are made from long lasting polyethylene that is UV stabilized and Food Grade so it isn't going to leach undesirable chemicals into your soil and it won't deteriorate in the elements. A double skinned wall provides an air pocket of insulation that minimizes the temperature fluctuations and drying out of the soil in the garden bed.
Waru Warn
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Waru Waru)
Waru Warn or Waru Waru is an agricultural technique developed by the Quechuas in South America before the rise of the Inca Empire. It is dated around 300 B.C.[1]The technique has been revived in 1984, in Tiawanaco, Bolivia, and Puno, Peru.
The technique consists in combining raised beds with irrigation channels so as to prevent damage due to soil erosion during floods. The technique ensures both collecting of water (either fluvial water, rainwater or phreatic water) and subsequent drainage. The drainage aspect makes it particularly interesting for areas subject to risks of brutal floods, such as tropical parts of Bolivia and Peru where it emerged.
Therapeutic garden
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 | This article is an orphan, as few or no other articles link to it. Please introduce links to this page from related articles; suggestions are available. (February 2009) |
Therapeutic Gardens can be found in a variety of settings, including but not limited to hospitals, skilled nursing homes, assisted living residences, continuing care retirement communities, out-patient cancer centers, hospice residences, and other related healthcare and residential environments. The focus of the gardens is primarily on incorporating plants and friendly wildlife into the space. The settings can be designed to include active uses such as raised planters for horticultural therapy activities or programmed for passive uses such as quiet private sitting areas next to a small pond with a trickling waterfall.
Design
The design of a Therapeutic Garden is ideally a collaborative effort involving the people using and caring for the garden. The development of the garden is typically accomplished by a design team of healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, gerontologists and other staff members. Additional stakeholders involved may include, if appropriate, the patients or residents themselves and their respective family members and other caregivers. The design team is often led by a landscape architect or other design professional trained in the design and development of Therapeutic Gardens. Depending upon the actual use of the garden, other members of the design team may include a horticultural therapist, recreational therapist and related disciplines.The majority of elements in a Therapeutic Garden should be plant related, such as perennials that attract hummingbirds, shrubs that attract butterflies and water features for gold fish and Koi. Plants familiar to those using the Therapeutic Garden need to be non-toxic and non-injurious. Issues related to sustainability of the garden, such as using native plants and rain water harvesting, should also be considered in the overall design. Attracting nature, such as butterflies, gold finch and hummingbirds into the Therapeutic Garden, is important. Nature is referred to as a ‘positive distraction’ by Roger Ulrich, Ph.D. at Texas A&M University[1]. Other considerations include providing ample shade, movable furniture, water features, smooth and level walking surfaces, and year round interest. Consideration should also be given to the maintenance and upkeep of the Therapeutic Garden as safety is an important consideration. An endowment fund can be set up for the perpetual maintenance of the Therapeutic Garden.
Elements
The elements of a Therapeutic Garden consist of the following:Natural elements:
- Familiar plantings
- Plants that attract birds and butterflies
- Ornamental trees, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses
- Non-toxic and non-injurious plantings
- Vegetables
- Annual plants
- Soil
- Sunlight and natural shade
- Wind
- Precipitation
- Patio, courtyard
- Paved walking pathways
- Seating, such as tables, chairs and benches
- Landscape lighting
- Raised beds
- Shade, such as Gazebos , Pergolas or umbrellas with tables
- Fountain, water garden, or other water features
- Hose bib or other water source
- Electrical outdoor outlet; for music and related activities
Nature
Spending time outside in a garden has been shown to positively affect a person’s emotions and improve their sense of well-being. Access to nature balances circadian rhythms, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and increases absorption of Vitamin D. Nature has been shown to be beneficial for our overall health and well-being. We are all connected to nature and it is important to maintain this vital connection for our health and well-being, which is described in the work ‘The Biophilia Hypothesis’ by Edward O. Wilson[2].
Garden Programs
Healing gardens for hospitals have put a new emphasis on creating garden programs where patients can go. This model takes the form of the Swedish Covenant Hospital system [3]. Landscape artist David Kemp has a business on the East Coast of the United States designing healing gardens for hospitals. [4]
Therapeutic Gardens in literature
- Healing Gardens: Therapeutic Benefits and Design Recommendations
- Healing Landscapes: Therapeutic Outdoor Environments
- The Healing Landscape: Gardening for the Mind, Body, and Soul
- Restorative Gardens: The Healing Landscape
- Interaction by Design: Bringing People and Plants Together for Health and Well-Being
- Design for Aging: Post-Occupancy Evaluations
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar