Four Urban Farmers On The Art Of The Garden, And How To Build Your Own From The Ground Up. Words & Images by Maela Ohana
In the words of Alexander Pope, “all
especially in the context of urban living
gardening is landscape painting.” Artists
where space is an uncommon luxury. I
through the ages have sought refuge in
have tried without much enduring luck
gardens for inspiration, mediation, and to
to set up my own balcony garden in my
revel in the wonders of nature’s own artistic
city apartment. Between the scorching
creations. Some have gone so far as to refute
summer sun, the cul-de-sac wind channels,
the distinction between their studio practice
the neighbour’s cat and the squirrels, my
and their horticultural practice - Monet,
garden always succumbed to a tragic battle
who painted his beloved Giverny garden
of the elements. Of course, it can be done
over the last thirty years of his life, claimed
with the right skills and the right knowledge,
his garden (and not its watercolour replica)
and it is important to keep trying. Edible
to be his “most beautiful masterpiece.”
balcony gardens reduce unnecessary
wastage in the chain of food production,
I do believe that gardening, like cooking,
increase food security, and do their part
is a form of art that transcends into the
in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
realms of the heart. Watching a plant slowly
Not to mention they grow into peaceful
flourish under your care, cultivating a space
oases to work, create, write, or think in.
of beauty and learning - gardens can be
likened to living installations that engage
In preparation of a new gardening
our five senses while nourishing our spirit.
attempt this summer, I set out to
learn some of the principles of small-
Nevertheless, setting up a new garden at
scale urban farming from those who
home can be a daunting task for a beginner,
have had more success than I.
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