DIY Civil Engineering: Home Grown Cities
A truly modern city is one that’s overgrown.
I love cities. In Rome last month, I was fascinated by how Italians utilized every corner of their balconies and gardens (more so in the Republic of Georgia) – admittedly as much for rusting motorbike/moped parts as for greenery. That’s men for you. But it struck me how this most ancient of European cities has evolved – in some places at least – into the very synergy of nature and culture that modern designers are falling over themselves to create from scratch.
That means growing things. That’s the personal call to arms of the city dweller, the would-be guerrilla gardener, the committed gastronaut. It’s a cinch to line windowsills and balconies with pots and baskets. There are even kits to do half the work for you, like the Miniature Edible Garden Kit, or the “herb eggs” we reported on recently. Your own fresh oregano and mint makes dishes like this toe-wigglingly delicious – grow nettle and dandelion, and you’re on the way to a free, healing green tea every morning. The list heads over the horizon. Feeling more adventurous? Have a read of this blog from a balcony-growing enthusiast.
But it’s not just about saving money, it’s about ownership. The best way to live in a city is to care about it; to want it to have a positive effect on yourself and those around you. A city neglected by its occupants feels ugly and unappreciated. So let your plants run riot over the wood and concrete – beautiful and useful. Bring your city to life!
Image: bluelemur
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5 Comments
June 26th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Yes, I love this idea! Cities run rampant with plants! I have to admit, I get a particular glee when I see tree roots busting through the sidewalks. It feels like a tiny victory.
June 26th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Hey Mike! I was just in Rome myself (last week) and I was completely in awe of the beautiful way everyone’s balconies were filled with greenery. It makes me so jealous… I may need to put a window box outside my apartment (although my co-op board will probably try to force me to take it down…grumble). Ah, Rome! I want to go back
June 27th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
You rebel you, Sarah.
Yes, where modern architecture fails to bring a place alive (in more than one way), then a bit of natural muscle shoving its way through the concrete is very welcome…….
June 27th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Hi, Michelle. Thanks for stopping by! And yes, I want to be back there too – it’s a city with an exciting, zingy feel. And the coffee was….oh boy. **Mike’s pupils dilate to the size of dinner-plates**. From there I went to the rural Abruzzo region, so I’ve come back rather greenery-obsessed, with great plans for the garden.
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