Plantcite A neighborhood & digital Learning Garden Laura Ballay & Meghan Deutscher plantcite.com

An idea born from frustration  As enthusiastic novice gardeners, we have found it frustrating using the trial and error method of finding plants that work in our limited garden spaces.  Finding native and/or drought-resistant plants that thrive and are still aesthetically pleasing seems to be an even taller order as gardening literature or plant lists can only tell you so much.  And lastly, finding a source -- be it a retailer, trading or a neighbour's seeds -- is yet another hurdle. For the casual gardener without much time on their hands, too often the reality is making do with whatever you can find at a big box retailer, even if it means the plants are potentially covered in pesticides, of dubious origin, overly common or not compatible with our climate.

Our Dream  We dreamt of gardens in the city that don't just provide the name of the plant, but also conveniently tell you a bit more about it beyond what size to expect once it's matured.  You could then see the plants in context and in all seasons (live and in the flesh!) but you'd have a living garden encyclopedia, relating interesting and relevant facts about each specimen such as what other plants compliment it well; what conditions will encourage it to thrive; how to propagate; if it's edible (and how to prepare it); when it blooms etc.  Perhaps the gardens could even invite you to harvest some seeds or leave a request for a division or cutting once it becomes too large!

The Vision  Our vision was to create a garden in Vancouver that would feature a tagging system along with several themes such as "water wise," edibles, fruit trees and native plants.  Each plant would have a small weather- resistant sign that provides its name and a brief summary, and then additionally a code that could invite you online to learn more.  On the website, you could access more information about the plant…and maybe even arrange “ plant adoptions.”

Phase 1: 2012  We started off the project by gathering some information from other novice gardeners by:  Online surveys  Face-to-face interviews  We wanted to understand what other novice gardeners’ needs and interests are & if they matched our own.

Survey Results (32 responses)  Majority of people only spend 1-3 hours/week in their garden.  They primarily garden to be outside, relax and grow their own food.  Most common frustration is not knowing what to plant for certain areas and dealing with pests.  Majority are interested in low-maintenance & sustainable gardening, native plants and organic vegetable crops.  Many people cited their favorite way to get seeds/plants are from family and friends, but often have to resort to purchasing from garden or hardware stores  Most learn about new plants from friends/family or seeing them at sales & displays.

Interview Results (7 people)  Enthusiasm in the spring often gets dampened by disappointments…tries to find plants now that are more likely to be successful with a “low maintenance” style and their site conditions.  Trial and error gardening style (little planning or organization).  Inspiration comes from walking around and browsing at stores.  Doesn’t have “community” for gardening—a solo activity because it’s just a casual hobby. Not interested in community gardens. Doesn’t has deep connections with neighborhood either.  Doesn’t seek out learning about plants; will only look for it as needed. Will usually resort to asking garden center staff.  Gardens in small spaces (apartment balconies; containers at rentals; small lots)

Phase 1 Results  Deep understanding of novice gardener needs  Identified:  Information for the tag  Information for the website  Themes that would be relevant to Vancouverites  Initial sketch/concept for garden

Phase 2: 2013  Build prototype of:  Plant tags Ceramic Wood Metal  Website (  Gather plants for “adopt-a-plant” distribution.  Design the first “Plantcite” neighborhood garden (front yard in Kensington/Cedar Cottage) utilizing tagged plants that thrive in Vancouver and gardening themes identified from research.

Garden Design

Plant Themes & Icons  Lots of sun  Lots of shade (dry shade)  Attracts beneficials (butterflies, bees, “good” insects)  Edible  Winter interest  Native  Drought Resistant (Waterwise)

Plant Tag - Ceramic

Website

Phase  Launch website with plant database  Distribute tagged plants  Get feedback on tags  Implement Plantcite garden