URBAN FARM

GREYWATER REUSE SYSTEM

Installed by Catching H2O Home

Using washing machine waste water for irrigation is legal in San Diego, as long as water is not used directly in garden beds. The system consists of a diverter valve behind the machine that allows direct water to the landscape or to the sewer, an auto-vent, biocompatible laundry detergent, wood mulch in basins, hand-operated shut-off valves, irrigation tubing, and plants that tolerate wet conditions. Two highly productive Passiflora Edulis (Passionfruit) vines demonstrate their appreciation for family laundry days.

INSECT HOTELS

Small insect hotels play an important role in garden productivity by encouraging pollinators to stay a while to rest up and to lay their eggs. The hotel rooms come in a variety of sizes to accommodate diverse visitors. The hotels construction uses scraps of redwood and bamboo stalks left over from other projects. The design uses the iconic “home” shape to shelter the critters from rain and sun.

CHICKEN COOP

Backyard chickens are the ultimate composters. These four hens consume kitchen scraps, garden clippings and bugs, and directly fertilize the soil, leading to a prodigious amount of fruit from the fig tree that shades their chicken run. Portraits of Henny and Dot by Esmé Puzio hang in the living room. Chicken coop was constructed from salvaged redwood posts, a semi-circular hippie truck bed, excess siding and chicken wire; the corrugated roof and wall panels are new.

FEEDTROUGH PLANTERS

Landscape architecture firm, Studio Nectary, suggested using livestock feeding troughs as garden planters, and what a great idea! The aluminum shell is a durable and long-lasting material, and the proportions - especially the height - make tending the garden beds comfortable. Because they are so deep, they can hold dwarf and semi-dwarf trees, as well as plants. Organic growing methods are used, including vermiculture and companion planting. The lightweight redwood trellises provide support for climbing plants and maturing tree branches, designed to be easily demountable and remountable, and flexible regarding number and locations of supports.