Garden

Somewhere between a well-maintained, lived-in home garden and a plant shop

Characteristics:

• Maintained but not precious: Beautiful and functional, but not intimidating
• Knowledge transfer focused: Every interaction teaches something valuable
• Gift guidance expertise: Helping people choose plants for specific people, occasions, and conditions
• Community resource: A place people come for plant problem-solving, not just purchasing

What plants to grow

See https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oyeU7df-XDbZQPOWGn9sqXc1qrFIf6XKWmm_0nfF1Gg/edit?usp=sharing

Ecosystem Design & Wildlife Integration

Layered Forest Ecosystem Structure

• Canopy layer: Larger trees and tall plants creating overhead coverage and bird nesting opportunities
• Understory: Medium-height plants filtering light, creating depth, and providing shelter for beneficial insects
• Ground cover: Low-growing plants carpeting surfaces while creating corridors for small wildlife movement
• Epiphytic layer: Air plants, orchids, and climbing species on vertical surfaces supporting specialized pollinators
• Root layer: Beneficial fungi, soil microorganisms, and decomposers creating foundation for entire ecosystem health

Climate Control Through Living Systems

• Building facade vegetation: Research vertical greening systems for exterior walls - creepers, vines, and climbing plants to reduce heat absorption and improve air quality
• Air purification plants: Strategic placement of species known for filtering pollutants and generating oxygen - snake plants, pothos, rubber plants, spider plants
• Cooling microclimates: Dense foliage areas creating natural AC zones through evapotranspiration and shade
• Wall coverage research: Testing which climbing plants work on different wall materials and orientations - morning glory, money plant, English ivy adaptations for local climate
• Air circulation enhancement: Plant placement to channel and cool air flow through the space
• Seasonal temperature regulation: Deciduous vs evergreen placement for year-round climate management

Integrated Wildlife Habitat Systems

• Bird habitat creation: Nesting boxes, food sources, water features for local bird species distributed throughout all areas
• Butterfly ecosystems: Host plants for caterpillars and nectar sources for adults creating movement corridors between zones
• Beneficial insect infrastructure: Solitary bee houses, ladybug shelters, predatory insect habitat integrated into design
• Pollinator networks: Connected flowering zones supporting bee and butterfly movement across different areas and building levels
• Wildlife observation & research: Discrete viewing stations for studying ecosystem interactions and seasonal changes

Ecosystem Functionality & Pest Management

• Natural pest control: Birds, insects, and beneficial species actively contributing to biological pest management
• Snake deterrent research: Testing plant barriers, scent deterrents, and habitat modifications to discourage venomous snakes while maintaining ecological balance
• Integrated pest management: Combining beneficial predators, companion planting, and natural repellents specific to Guwahati’s common pests
• Rodent control through ecology: Encouraging natural predators and removing attractants without harmful chemicals
• Mosquito management: Plants and practices that reduce breeding sites and repel mosquitoes naturally
• Wildlife movement design: Pathways for species migration between habitat zones and connection to Guwahati’s native ecosystems
• Seasonal adaptation cycles: Habitat that changes with monsoon/dry cycles to support year-round wildlife needs
• Natural succession spaces: Areas where beneficial plants and wildlife can establish and evolve naturally over time
• Soil ecosystem building: Encouraging beneficial bacteria, fungi, and soil organisms for complete ecosystem health

Moss Integration Everywhere

• Living moss walls: Structural walls covered in cultivated moss species supporting micro-wildlife habitat
• Moss-covered stones: Natural rock features with moss growing on surfaces creating humid microclimates
• Moss ground cover: Soft, green carpeting in shaded areas supporting beneficial soil organisms
• Moss propagation stations: Active cultivation of different moss varieties for ecosystem expansion
• Seasonal moss rotation: Different species for monsoon vs dry periods maintaining year-round coverage

Integrated Water Systems Infrastructure

• Multiple water features: Solar fountain at roadside gate with lily pond, streams, pools, whirlpool systems creating varied vortex effects
• Sound orchestration: Strategic placement for layered water sounds - gentle bubbling, trickling creating forest ambiance while masking urban noise
• Humidity generation: Localized high-humidity zones (70-90%) for tropical species, ferns, orchids, and amphibian habitat
• Advanced misting systems: Automated fine mist with rainwater harvesting for delicate plants and butterfly drinking stations
• Water circulation & cooling: Closed-loop systems with natural filtration, aquatic plant cultivation, and temperature control
• Interactive & experimental elements: Water features responding to wind, rain, seasonal changes, and different movement patterns

Natural Material Integration Supporting Wildlife

• Raw bamboo structures: Unfinished bamboo for growing supports, dividers, and insect habitat
• River stones: Local stones for drainage, decoration, moss cultivation, and beneficial insect shelters
• Unfinished wood: Natural wood surfaces that age and weather naturally, supporting wood-dwelling beneficial insects
• Living supports: Trees and large plants as structural elements and wildlife habitat
• Woven elements: Traditional basketry for planters, storage, and small wildlife shelter integration

Filtered Light Environment for Ecosystem Diversity

• Dappled lighting: Light filtering through multiple plant layers creating diverse microclimates for different species
• Natural shade gradients: From bright clearings to deep forest feeling supporting full spectrum of wildlife preferences
• Seasonal light changes: Plant arrangements that adapt to changing sun angles while maintaining habitat continuity
• Artificial lighting integration: LEDs that mimic natural forest light patterns without disrupting wildlife behavior cycles

Closed-Loop Systems Integration

1. Waste to Resource Cycles

   • Organic waste composting: Customer and space waste becomes fertilizer
   • Water recycling: Greywater from retail operations waters plants
   • Plant material reuse: Pruned material becomes mulch and compost
   • Soil regeneration: Worn-out potting soil gets refreshed and reused
   • Packaging returns: Customers return pots and containers for reuse

2. Energy & Resource Efficiency

   • Solar power integration: Renewable energy for lighting and pumps
   • Rainwater harvesting: Monsoon water storage for dry season use
   • Natural pest control: Beneficial insects reduce need for treatments
   • Thermal mass: Using stone and water for temperature stability
   • Passive ventilation: Natural airflow design reduces energy needs

Traditional Knowledge Integration & Low-Tech Methods

1. Northeast Indigenous Techniques & Seasonal Wisdom

   • Bamboo growing systems: Traditional bamboo planters and supports integrated into modern designs
   • Monsoon adaptation: Traditional methods for dealing with heavy rains and seasonal flooding
   • Local soil amendments: Using traditional organic matter, composts, and indigenous growing media
   • Native companion planting: Traditional plant partnerships and indigenous plant combinations
   • Seasonal timing: Following indigenous planting calendars specific to Assam’s climate cycles
   • Traditional knowledge preservation: Recording and documenting indigenous plant wisdom from local communities
   • Community knowledge sharing: Regular programs connecting traditional knowledge holders with modern practitioners

2. Knowledge Preservation & Citizen Science Framework

   Elder Knowledge Documentation:

   • Oral history recordings: Systematic documentation of traditional plant knowledge from community elders
   • Seasonal wisdom mapping: Recording traditional understanding of monsoon patterns, soil changes, planting times
   • Medicinal plant knowledge: Documenting traditional uses and preparation methods
   • Water harvesting techniques: Traditional methods for capturing and storing monsoon water
   • Cultural plant practices: Festival connections, ceremonial uses, and cultural significance of local flora

   Community Citizen Science Programs:

   • Local flora documentation: Neighborhood plant surveys identifying native species and their distribution
   • Bird and insect observation: Community-based wildlife monitoring to understand urban ecosystem health
   • Microclimate mapping: Residents documenting temperature, humidity, and growing conditions in different areas
   • Phenology tracking: Recording seasonal changes in local plants and wildlife for climate adaptation planning
   • Biodiversity corridors: Mapping wildlife movement paths and identifying conservation opportunities

   Knowledge Integration & Accessibility:

   • Digital archives: Online repositories making traditional knowledge accessible to younger generations
   • Multi-generational workshops: Programs bringing elders and children together for hands-on knowledge transfer
   • Community science presentations: Regular sharing of citizen science findings with local government and institutions
   • School curriculum integration: Partnering with educators to include local ecological knowledge in formal education

3. Natural Pest & Disease Management

   • Beetle juice applications: Natural insect extracts on stones and surfaces
   • Neem treatments: Traditional uses of neem for plant health
   • Fermented plant extracts: Compost teas and natural fertilizers
   • Beneficial insect cultivation: Attracting and maintaining helpful bugs
   • Companion planting: Using plants to protect and enhance each other

4. Living Surface Cultivation & Natural Succession

   • Moss propagation techniques: Traditional methods for growing moss
   • Epiphyte establishment: Getting air plants to colonize surfaces
   • Natural succession spaces: Allowing beneficial plants to establish naturally
   • Mycorrhizal cultivation: Encouraging beneficial fungal networks
   • Soil building: Creating rich, living soil through natural processes

5. Traditional Water Management Integration

   • Rainwater harvesting: Traditional collection and storage methods integrated with modern systems
   • Natural irrigation: Using gravity and natural water flow
   • Monsoon flooding adaptation: Techniques for managing excess water
   • Drought preparation: Traditional water conservation methods
   • Natural filtration: Using plants and natural materials to clean water