Agriculture is one of the main building blocks for civilization.
Gardens are the personal, family and community level of agriculture that
we will study in the Global-Garden.
Gardens teach us about diversity. Once you have a garden growing you begin
to see the many different kinds of plants and animals that live together
to make up the Garden Community.
Seeds teach us something very special about the potenial for life - in a
dry bean, with water added, is the beginning a a bean field.
Roots remind us that a lot goes on underground in a garden. From worms to
microbes and the all important Roots that feed plants.
Gardens can take many different forms, shapes and sizes. Working within
the limits of climate, materials, and space people have created some remarkable
Gardens.
Formal gardens, those that are laid out in strictly geometric patterns with
boundaries that are clearly defined by hedges, stone or gravel walkways,
statuary, fences, walls, and fountains, were popular in Europe during the
Renaissance and in the United States in the early 1800s.
Although Formal Gardenscan still be found as part of large estates or botanical
gardens, most domestic gardens are now much smaller and less formal.
Gardens can be divided into the following basic groups:
Flower
gardens
Flower Gardens usually include trees and shrubs are usually well layed out
and designed. The layout of features is usually planned first and then annuals,
perennials, and biennials are aranged around the trees and shrubs. Flower
gardens provide an environment where people can do agriculture for beauty.
For the color, smell and pleasure of raising flowers.
Vegetable
gardens
The vegetable garden requires an open and sunny location. Good cultivation
and preparation of the ground are important for successful vegetable growing.
A source of water and a plan for adding nutrition to the soil through compost
all lead to an excellent, food producing vegitable garden.
Some important lessons learned in commercial agriculture are important for
small gardners. Rotating crops is essential. Every three years soil should
be allowed to rest.
For a small vegetable garden, plants that produce heavily yet need little
space are ideal. Such plants include bush beans, tomatoes, lettuce, radishes,
Swiss chard, summer bush squash, onions, and parsley.
Vegetables that occupy the ground for a long season or need a great deal
of room include potatoes, winter squash, pumpkins, sweet corn, peas, and
cabbage.
The Camp Internet Experimental Garden currently has the following growing
in it: