1. Edible Landscapes in Cornwall By Alain D’Aoust, Edible Cities Project

2. 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

3. 1.
Edible Landscapes
An overview

4. 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

5. Layers of an Edible Ecosystem

6. Benefits of public edible landscapes
Promote activity in area
Decrease maintenance
Beautify through natural design
Educate residents about urban food production
Increase food security

7. 2.
Pilot Project
Cornwall Bandshell

8. 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. 

9. 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.

10. 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

11. Commitments
Community volunteers will be called upon for the following:
Prep and Planting
Watering
Maintenance
Education

12. 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

13. 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.

14. Future Possibilities Edible Bike Lanes Edible Markets
Edible Playgrounds

15. Conclusion
“Though the problems of the world are increasingly complex, the solutions remain embarrassingly simple.”  ― Bill Mollison

16. Partners and Advisors Social Development Council Transition Cornwall +
Meristem Communications
Zach Loeks Ecological Design
Kat Rendek, Allspice Solutions
Scott Porter, City of Cornwall

17. QUESTIONS? You can find me at alaind@live.ca @ediblecitiescornwall
Thanks!
QUESTIONS?
You can find me at
@ediblecitiescornwall

18. 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: /fpsyg )