The District’s Edible Garden showcases a variety of edible plants and trees, along with innovative features like sustainable drainage and rain catchment systems. Highlights include a Hugelkultur bed (pronounced “hoogal-culture”) and other permaculture principles designed to inspire water-wise, edible landscaping.
The garden emphasizes low-maintenance plants and trees that thrive in the local climate. Rainwater is captured from the roof and kept on-site: one side feeds into a dry pond called an infiltration basin, while the other side directs rainwater through gutters into a rain barrel tank for irrigation. The garden also includes mulching, water retention techniques, and permeable surfaces to reduce stormwater runoff and minimize the need for potable water.
Planting a sustainable, water-wise edible garden offers numerous benefits, such as:
- Saving money, adding convenience, and increasing food security
- Conserving water and reducing carbon emissions from food transportation
- Attracting pollinators, which are essential for the reproduction of flowering and edible plants
- Providing opportunities for fun, recreation, and exercise, for kids and adults alike
Edible Garden Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of trees and plants are featured in the Edible Garden?
A: The garden features a variety of easy-to-grow, visually appealing, and climate-appropriate edible plants and trees. This includes fruit trees like apple, apricot, avocado, fig, pear, plum, persimmon, pomegranate, and guava. Edible plants such as aloe, artichokes, berries, grapes, kiwi, and lemongrass are also included, along with a diverse selection of herbs. Even the cactus – know as a Prickly Pear – is edible, but remember to remove the thorns before eating!
Q: Is an edible garden easy to maintain?
A: The District’s Edible Garden design emphasizes drought tolerance and low-maintenance features. It uses mulch and efficient irrigation systems to keep plants healthy with minimal upkeep, making it a practical choice for busy gardeners.
Q: What is the big mound in the Edible Garden?
A: The mound is a Hugelkultur bed (pronounced “hoogal culture”), which is a permaculture technique that uses buried logs to enhance soil fertility, moisture, and drainage. This method requires minimal fertilization and irrigation, making it a highly effective, water saving strategy. For more information, visit www.appropedia.org/Hugelkultur.
Q: Where can I purchase the trees, plants, and special features of the garden?
A: The plants and features showcased in the Edible Garden are available at local nurseries, irrigation suppliers, and other garden vendors.
