SP Photo by Richard Marjan, The StarPhoenix
These are sub-irrigated planters (SIPs) producing fresh vegetables on the roof of the Pinnacle condominium in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada. A group of students from the University of Saskatchewan were inspired by the work of The Rooftop Garden Project and McGill University Edible Campus in Montreal. Rooted is the name of their student urban gardening group.
Why is it that we do not have more rooftop and ground level SIP edible gardens like this here in the U.S.? It starts with education. We desperately need new educators who have not been indoctrinated by the retrogressive horticulture programs of our land grant institutions. It is a huge bureaucracy whose dogma is not easy to overcome.
"It's nice to see people that are interested in this type of thing. I just wish we could get the knowledge out," said resident Les Hodgson. He helped tend the plants and wants the project to continue. "It just takes care and water. Why not use the top of your roof? There's nothing up there," he said.
The Rooted group built the containers and residents did the weeding and watering. Best estimates people could provide at least one-quarter of their produce needs throughout the growing season with rooftop gardens. Much of the produce from this project was donated to the Childhood Hunger and Education Program (CHEP) and Interval House.
"It makes a huge difference just in terms of well-being and the carbon footprint if we're able to grow our own food," Best said. "The food doesn't have to travel anywhere, except maybe downstairs."
The project also created a "hang out" space at the top of the building. With no shortage of volunteers tending the plants, the garden also grew a sense of community among the residents.
"I think it should be on every roof that's safe," Thair said.
"I think what gives life meaning is a sense of connectedness to your community," he said. "From my perspective, the main benefit is people working together."
Hello,
We're two high schools kids in Colorado promoting the idea of using SIPs to reduce global malnutrition.
We'd be delighted if you could check out our website and provide some feedback.
http://www.GlobalBuckets.org/
Sincerely,
Max & Grant Buster
Boulder, Colorado
Posted by: Grant and Max Buster | September 08, 2009 at 02:16 PM
Hi Guys, I'm long overdue in posting about what you're doing and will remedy that in short order. You're doing a great job!
People...go visit Max & Grant aka Global Buckets. They get it! You will too when you read their info about utility bucket SIPs.
Take care,
Bob
Posted by: Greenscaper | September 08, 2009 at 03:09 PM