Potential Plots

GardenCaching is a relatively new project for us, so we will start small this year. we have been keeping an eye out for potential plots along bus routes and paths and trails that we frequent. accessibility is important to consider, and transportation, and these factors will affect what we choose to grow where. for example, if there's a spot that is only accessible by bike, it may not be best to plant things that will bring a heavy harvest. or if we choose quick growing crops, it would be better to keep them close by the home base for easy access.

there are a couple bike paths near by that i run on a few times a week, and i've noticed a few different kinds of spaces that we may be able to take advantage of, and green up. there are a couple spots of small man-planted urban forest patches that have a nice rough edge around them and water running through where we may potentially be able to integrate a few herbs, some rocky areas that we may be able to stick some hearty sun-loving rock dwellers, and even some places right out in the open that we can utilize for indistinguishable edibles.

as winter turns to spring we will be keeping a close eye on how the environments change that we may use, and also look out for 'naturally occurring' or rogue and already established edibles that we can help along. there are already a few species along the trail that could use a little help like apple trees, blackberries, and a few herbs. we will also have to watch for where the water runs off in the thaw, and where the sun will end up as it creeps north for the summer.

the concept of GardenCaching is very similar to guerrilla gardening, and sort of like city farming, but not quite the same. guerrilla gardening utilizes urban areas that have been neglected and left to dirt and dust, and turns them into lush, green gardens, planters or meadows to both beautify the space and build ecosystems where they did not previously exist. garden caching more so utilizes already existing, mostly man made green spaces and makes them more diverse and productive spaces that will attract beneficial birds and insects, and provide fresh healthy food for people that do not have their own land to farm.

stay tuned the next few weeks as we keep an eye on potential places, and list off some species that we may choose to grow [and why]. this project is largely experimental, and any suggestions and input is welcome!

also, check out our home blog:
Southern Ontario Urban Permaculture

Inroduction to Garden Caching

two of my most enjoyed hobbies come together; Geocaching and Gardening.. what a combination. anything to keep me outside. after a couple years at our permaculture test patch my passion for gardening flourished, and it was a shame when the time came that we had to leave it all behind. now that i'm in the gardening mindset, i can't let a little thing like lack of garden space keep me from growing food, so my mission for 2013 is to create and begin my new hobby, GardenCaching.

i did a quick google search to see if such a thing existed and didn't find much, besides this one really cool blog about cache gardening which focuses on stashing away guerrilla food gardens as a backup food source. good idea! not only will this serve as backup fresh food reserves in times of need, but it will give us an opportunity to learn how to apply our cultivation skills to different microclimates and growing conditions.

not only will i seek spaces that can sustain a few herbs, fruits or veggies, but also to find already existing patches of wild edibles to help along or expand on. there are many fruits and herbs in the area along trails and bordering wild areas including apples, raspberries, strawberries.. i've even found random rogue tomatoes and squashes that have established themselves in places like ditches and along the canal.

there will be things that i will have to consider like accessability and transportation [given i don't drive] for myself, any materials i might need, and of course to bring in the bounty that i choose to harvest. tactics to be considered are seedbombs, transplanting and naturalization, wildcrafting and possibly even agroforestry if a suitable location is granted.

2013 will be our first year experimenting with such a concept, thus we must remember to keep it simple. over the winter and early spring we will keep our eyes open for unused urban spaces that would be typical for a guerrilla gardening site, as well as blending medicinal and edible herbs with the local weeds along walking paths and public access manmade greenspaces. 


stay tuned for potential plots as we scout the area for spaces to grow!