In the Netherlands, an area has been created, greened with hundreds of species of edible plants

Located on the outskirts of the city, the new 150,000 sq m quarter includes around 1,000 residential buildings surrounded by parks, water bodies and forests. The main idea is to integrate food-producing plants into the environment as much as possible, write Dezeen.

The concept for the neighborhood came from the residents themselves. “It started as a community initiative to integrate edible green spaces into the neighborhood. Our role was to help bring that vision to life,” said Deborah Lambert, founder of Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners.

The landscape is designed according to the principle of a natural forest and has seven layers of greenery:

• the upper tier of large trees (existing and planted);

• a tier of smaller trees;

• shrubs;

• herbaceous plants;

• soil cover;

• underground plants that form root crops;

• vertical vines.

This approach creates a diverse environment that attracts pollinating insects, birds, small animals, and increases biodiversity.

“The structure of such landscaping recreates a natural ecosystem, offering space for birds, bats, insects and other wildlife,” explains Lambert.

The large-scale landscaping required specialized care and support from the municipality. For this purpose, a separate team was created and trained in regenerative care methods, including the use of green manures to restore soils.

The district used permeable tiles, gravel and green areas that effectively manage water flows. Benches and pedestrian bridges were made from local wood to minimize emissions from transportation.

 

See also:

Architecture of Healing: The First Phase of the Therapeutic Garden Opened at VDNH

Lutsk urban planners presented the concept of an eco-park in the valley of the Styr and Topillya rivers

A permanent one will appear in Borodyanka on the site of the temporary Active Park