 Design Principles

 Goals & Objectives  Site Program  Site Inventory  Site Analysis  Site Planning  Graph Paper, Sketchbook, Trace Paper  Pens/Pencils  Markers/Colored Pencils  Straight Edge  Property Boundary  Soil Test

 What are the goals of your community garden? Collective vs. Allotment garden?  The objectives are how you expect to achieve those goals through design.  This process will provide you with a better understanding of your site’s needs which will help you develop your program

 This is an important process to determine what physical needs the site has.  Keep the garden plan simple and manageable for the first year. Once the garden is established, there will be lots of opportunity to add new elements and expand in future years.  A sample list of programming options: Raised beds or in ground rows, a gathering place, a composting area, space for chickens or bees, rain garden, fencing, rest and relaxation area, a demonstration garden (with containers) and many more.

 Using the tools of a garden designer, take a look at the existing conditions of your site  Things to consider: o Sun/Shade/Wind o Elevation changes (topography) o Soil Conditions and Quality o Existing resources: on site buildings, Water sources, Electrical Outlets, Trash Cans, Compost Bins o Accessibility: pathways, driveways, sidewalks (How do users get here? Vehicle?) o Play and Rest Areas o Safety and Security o Strong Views o Room for Future Expansion

 So What???  Using your site inventory, determine where site elements should be placed and how they will be connected  This step will help to determine the best placement of certain programming features (can be very general or very specific) o Note: Site Inventory and Analysis can be condensed into one drawing, but it is an integral part of good, sustainable design and layout

 Using your site analysis, it is time to start putting pen to paper and laying out your community garden  The site analysis will help you to create a garden design that more clearly represents the goals & objectives of your community garden organization  Remember that it is better to start small and leave space for expansion in the future

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 Please contact Indy Urban Acres or Purdue Cooperative Extension if you have any questions o Tyler Gough, Farm Manager: or o Ned Brockmeyer, Assistant Farm Manager: o Check out our Facebook Urban Acres Organic Farm o Contact Master Gardeners at the Purdue Cooperative Extension Marion County: Call (317) or