Sunken Gardens: A Centuries-Old Solution for Modern Water Conservation
Sunken gardens, a centuries-old concept, are making a comeback due to their water-saving benefits. Originating from repurposed limestone quarries like the Butchart Gardens in Canada, and historical agricultural systems in regions like Palestine, these gardens have proven effective in desert climates and areas with limited water availability.
Sunken gardens work by creating a trench-like setting with hills or mounds in between each row of plants. This design helps conserve water, alleviate runoff, and provides cooling for plant roots. The size of the sunken garden can vary depending on the climate. Smaller gardens are ideal for areas with less precipitation, while larger ones can be suitable for climates with more rain.
To create a sunken garden, topsoil is first dug out. Clay soil is then used to create hills or berms, and amended topsoil is returned to the dug-out trench. Adding mulch to the sunken areas helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. There are various designs, including sunken pool gardens, which involve filling an in-ground pool with a dirt and gravel mix and adding planting soil on top, and sunken waffle gardens, designed to catch all available water for plant roots with planting areas separated by mounded hills. A sunken garden bed is a formal garden set below the main level of the ground surrounding it.
Sunken gardens offer a unique and practical solution for water conservation and efficient irrigation. By utilizing the natural landscape and creating a trench-like setting, these gardens can help alleviate water runoff and provide cooling for plant roots. Whether it's a sunken pool garden or a sunken waffle garden, these designs are a great way to have something different while being environmentally conscious.
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