Futuristic Space Garden and Floating Wheelbarrows: A Possible Vision of Gardens in Half a Century
In the world of horticulture, the future is blooming with innovative ideas and sustainable designs. The British Library has published a fascinating book titled "Gardens of the Future: unique visions for a changing world," exploring the question of whether sustainability will be the guiding principle in gardens 50 years from now.
One of the standout designs comes from Harry Holding, whose hovercraft wheelbarrows bear a resemblance to the 1950s Dan Dare comics, yet the design as a whole showcases great merit. The designs should not be too fanciful, using only technologies that are already being developed.
Tayshan Hayden-Smith's plan for a gardened Westway overpass is reminiscent of Manhattan's High Line, offering a green oasis in urban landscapes. Sarah Eberle has returned to outer space with a properly worked-out concept based on NASA's existing space-station garden, showcasing the potential for space gardening in the future.
The predicted trend for gardens in 50 years emphasizes a "grow-your-own revolution" integrated into urban landscapes, driven by the need for earth-friendly, wildlife-kind, and people-powered gardening practices. This movement is seen as a response to climate change and urban living, focusing on simple, sustainable methods such as tree planting and quiet, non-polluting tools like scythes over noisy machinery.
The book does not feature the romantic 'rewilding' concept, suggesting that humanity may have been conditioned by sci-fi culture to gravitate towards technological solutions. Midori Shintani, former head gardener at Tokachi Millennium Forest, has written a joyful and insightful account of the making of a garden on Hokkaido, featuring marauding brown bears.
Tonkin Liu (Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu) have produced the most attractive and original concept: a revamped 'garden square for the people' prototype, with grass berms instead of railings and a rainwater catchment system. Eelco Hooftman of landscape architects Gross Max has delivered an 'out there' concept about botanic gardens of the future.
The book raises the possibility that in 50 years' time, humanity may still desire the same things from gardens that it has always craved - the beauty of nature, productivity mixed with pleasure, and a place for transcendent escape. Ann-Marie Powell's urban back-garden design is serviceable and could look like a display at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Tom Massey's balcony garden is a riff on Stefano Boeri's high-rises with balcony gardens, offering a vertical gardening solution for urban dwellings. The designs are focused on sustainability, with themes such as rainwater run-off, composting, aeroponics, aquaponics, biophilic design, and phytoremediation.
Climate change is viewed as the single most important factor influencing horticulture in the future, impacting every aspect of a garden's design. The book suggests that this idea might be hopelessly romantic, but the future of gardening is undeniably green and sustainable. The "Gardens of the Future" offers a captivating vision of the role gardens will play in our lives in the coming decades, combining innovation, sustainability, and a deep connection with nature.
- In the realm of horticulture, Harry Holding's innovative hovercraft wheelbarrows, akin to 1950s Dan Dare comics, depict the fusion of tradition and modern technology in garden design.
- Tayshan Hayden-Smith envisions a verdant Westway overpass, echoing Manhattan's High Line, creating a green haven within urban landscapes.
- Sarah Eberle repurposes NASA's space-station garden concept, exploring the prospects of space gardening, highlighting the union of science and horticulture.
- The predicted trend for future gardens emphasizes a self-sufficient, eco-friendly gardening revolution, integrating wildlife-friendly practices into urban spaces.
- Midori Shintani's Account of Gardening in Hokkaido showcases the harmony between humans and nature, featuring encounters with marauding brown bears, underscoring the importance of environmental science.
- Tonkin Liu's revamped garden square prototype, with grass berms and a rainwater catchment system, epitomizes the fusion of traditional space and modern, sustainable design.
- Eelco Hooftman's vision of future botanic gardens presents an 'out there' concept that challenges the boundaries of landscape architecture and horticulture.
- The book "Gardens of the Future" posits that the essence of human desires—beauty, productivity, and transcendence—will remain unchanged, while emphasizing the importance of sustainability, phytoremediation, and biophilic design in the face of climate change and urban living.
