The "Value Garden" project explores the relationship between humans and nature, using gardening as a middle ground for deeper connections. The project focuses on enhancing people's connection to their gardens by encouraging more sustainable, biodiversity-friendly spaces that support well-being and environmental consciousness.
Inspired by insights from participants who kept garden diaries, documenting their daily interactions and challenges, the project aimed to create tools that make gardening more engaging and accessible. These tools include a garden map, seasonal/daily timelines, and a purpose-built garden jacket designed for practicality, with pockets for tools and harvested goods. Peter, an entrepreneur who wishes to transform his garden into a more productive, biodiverse space, was a key case study in this project.
The overall goal of the "Value Garden" project is to change perceptions of what gardens can be—living, evolving ecosystems that foster a mutually beneficial relationship between humans and nature, while promoting biodiversity, relaxation, and pro-environmental behavior.
Peter’s garden is designed for productivity and biodiversity, featuring apple trees, a greenhouse, vegetable beds, and olive trees to support his goal of self-sufficiency. The garden also includes a harvest box for sharing excess produce with the neighborhood and a garden jacket with pockets for tools and harvests.
Essentially, we restructured Peter’s interaction with his garden by replacing his direct exit with a new pathway that loops around the entire garden. This encourages Peter to engage with all areas daily, allowing him to observe seasonal changes and deepen his connection to the space.
The garden jacket is a chore-style jacket designed for practicality and comfort while working in the garden. Made from durable cotton twill, it features multiple functional pockets for holding tools, harvested produce, and even a small journal. The jacket makes Peter’s daily garden routines more efficient by allowing him to carry everything he needs while moving through the garden, freeing his hands and making his tasks more convenient. This design helps him stay engaged and connected with the space.
