PlantciteA neighborhood & digital Learning Garden

Laura Ballay & Meghan DeutscherLaura @ plantcite.com

An idea born from frustration As enthusiastic novice gardeners, we have found it

frustrating using the trial and error method of finding plants that work in our limited garden spaces.  

Finding native and/or drought-resistant plants that thrive and are still aesthetically pleasing seems to be an even taller order as gardening literature or plant lists can only tell you so much.  

And lastly, finding a source -- be it a retailer, trading or a neighbour's seeds -- is yet another hurdle.  For the casual gardener without much time on their hands, too often the reality is making do with whatever you can find at a big box retailer, even if it means the plants are potentially covered in pesticides, of dubious origin, overly common or not compatible with our climate.

Our Dream We dreamt of gardens in the city that don't just provide the

name of the plant, but also conveniently tell you a bit more about it beyond what size to expect once it's matured.

You could then see the plants in context and in all seasons (live and in the flesh!) but you'd have a living garden encyclopedia, relating interesting and relevant facts about each specimen such as what other plants compliment it well; what conditions will encourage it to thrive; how to propagate; if it's edible (and how to prepare it); when it blooms etc.

Perhaps the gardens could even invite you to harvest some seeds or leave a request for a division or cutting once it becomes too large!

The Vision Our vision was to create a garden in Vancouver

that would feature a tagging system along with several themes such as "water wise," edibles, fruit trees and native plants.  

Each plant would have a small weather-resistant sign that provides its name and a brief summary, and then additionally a code that could invite you online to learn more.

On the website, you could access more information about the plant…and maybe even arrange “plant adoptions.”

Phase 1: 2012 We started off the project by gathering

some information from other novice gardeners by: Online surveys Face-to-face interviews

We wanted to understand what other novice gardeners’ needs and interests are & if they matched our own.

Survey Results (32 responses) Majority of people only spend 1-3 hours/week in their

garden. They primarily garden to be outside, relax and grow their

own food. Most common frustration is not knowing what to plant

for certain areas and dealing with pests. Majority are interested in low-maintenance & sustainable

gardening, native plants and organic vegetable crops. Many people cited their favorite way to get seeds/plants

are from family and friends, but often have to resort to purchasing from garden or hardware stores

Most learn about new plants from friends/family or seeing them at sales & displays.

Interview Results (7 people) Enthusiasm in the spring often gets dampened by

disappointments…tries to find plants now that are more likely to be successful with a “low maintenance” style and their site conditions.

Trial and error gardening style (little planning or organization). Inspiration comes from walking around and browsing at stores. Doesn’t have “community” for gardening—a solo activity

because it’s just a casual hobby. Not interested in community gardens. Doesn’t has deep connections with neighborhood either.

Doesn’t seek out learning about plants; will only look for it as needed. Will usually resort to asking garden center staff.

Gardens in small spaces (apartment balconies; containers at rentals; small lots)

Phase 1 Results Deep understanding of novice gardener

needs Identified:

Information for the tag Information for the website Themes that would be relevant to

Vancouverites Initial sketch/concept for garden

Phase 2: 2013 Build prototype of:

Plant tags• Ceramic• Wood• Metal

Website (www.plantcite.com) Gather plants for “adopt-a-plant” distribution. Design the first “Plantcite” neighborhood garden

(front yard in Kensington/Cedar Cottage) utilizing tagged plants that thrive in Vancouver and gardening themes identified from research.

Garden Design

Plant Themes & Icons Lots of sun Lots of shade (dry shade) Attracts beneficials (butterflies, bees,

“good” insects) Edible Winter interest Native Drought Resistant (Waterwise)

Plant Tag - Ceramic

Website

Phase 3 - 2014 Launch website with plant database Distribute tagged plants Get feedback on tags Implement Plantcite garden