Edible Landscapes in Cornwall By Alain D’Aoust, Edible Cities Project
Presentation Goals Briefly explore the concept of edible landscapes Present an overview of the proposed project Highlight benefits and address common concerns Explore the possibility of future endeavors
1. Edible Landscapes An overview
Edible landscaping is the use of food-producing plants in the residential landscape. It combines fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, along with ornamental plants into aesthetically pleasing designs. - Oregon State University
Layers of an Edible Ecosystem
Benefits of public edible landscapes Promote activity in area Decrease maintenance Beautify through natural design Educate residents about urban food production Increase food security
2. Pilot Project Cornwall Bandshell
Project Goals Proof of Concept If successful, this installation will serve as a stepping stone for future projects. Educational Space Workshops, presentations and events centered around edible design and self reliance will bring residents to the area. Beautify Area Natural spaces that are both beautiful and practical have been known to have a large impact on mood, stress levels, cognitive function and even impulse control.
Landscaping around the structure West Side Receives the most sun and heat. Ideal for fruit trees, berries, perennial herbs. Thoughtful design will reduce the need for water. East Side Partially shaded throughout the day. Will accommodate leafy greens, perennial vegetables. Protected from strong winds.
Raised Planter Boxes Total of 10 units Will be used to grow herbs, small fruit, edible flowers, nursery stock Sub-irrigation and soil covering will reduce the need for watering
Commitments Community volunteers will be called upon for the following: Prep and Planting Watering Maintenance Education
2019 Project Timeline January: Fundraising begins February: Design is complete March: Plant materials are purchased April/May: Volunteer events for preparation and planting Spring/Summer 2019: Ongoing maintenance and community events Fall 2019: Generate report on first year successes and failures
Common Concerns Vandalism Insects Fallen Fruit Unsightly Cost A high level of community engagement in addition to the natural design of the site should reduce the risk of vandalism. Insects A diversity of insects is essential to any ecosystem. Ensuring a balance of pests and predators through design is key. Fallen Fruit If community members don’t get to it first, wildlife will likely consume any fallen fruit. Volunteers will assist in harvesting regularly. Unsightly While natural by design, these installations are planted in patterns that contain a variety of colors and textures. Cost Plant materials for a project of this size are not an expensive purchase. Further, established plants can be propagated to create more at no cost. Lack of Volunteers Once installed, edible landscapes are designed to eventually function as self-sufficient ecosystems, requiring less input as time progresses.
Future Possibilities Edible Bike Lanes Edible Markets Edible Playgrounds
Conclusion “Though the problems of the world are increasingly complex, the solutions remain embarrassingly simple.” ― Bill Mollison
Partners and Advisors Social Development Council Transition Cornwall + Meristem Communications Zach Loeks Ecological Design Kat Rendek, Allspice Solutions Scott Porter, City of Cornwall
QUESTIONS? You can find me at alaind@live.ca @ediblecitiescornwall Thanks! QUESTIONS? You can find me at alaind@live.ca @ediblecitiescornwall
Citations Slide 8: ( Capaldi CA, Dopko RL and Zelenski JM (2014) The relationship between nature connectedness and happiness: a meta-analysis. Front. Psychol. 5:976. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00976)