Metropolitan Gardening

J erry Caldari of Bromley Caldari Architects PC located in Manhattan discusses the development of green roofs in his practice.  Bromley Caldari are the architects of record for the Brooklyn Grange a renowned rooftop farm  in the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens, New York City.

T he Festival of Ideas for the New City   is an urban triumph. The mayor of Seattle gave us some tips on composting and David Byrne (who was a delightful surprise for the evening) said that he has a small herb garden. The presentation opening the panel of mayors was of a number of pictures Byrne had shot while bicycling - in his signature manner Mr. Byrne described urban greening, the future of cities and the importance of parking spaces for bikes. The great hall was packed for the event and the crowd was enthralled while each of the four city leaders elaborated on their plans for successful community. “ The overwhelming focus of the evening was this - act transparently, use resources wisely, be available and open, wander your city in search of marginal neighborhoods -  plant gardens and build unique town squares and architecturally innovative structures to displace blight. These initiatives have a positive and measurable results - crime is reduced and most notably murder rates are

G enevieve Schmidt started her gardening career in urban San Fransisco - She made her way into the suburban landscaping business and has been designing coiffed exquisite private gardens these last few years. My reason for  interviewing was her candor surrounding some of the more dangerous aspects of urban gardening - well that and she's easy to chat with. The last few weeks has left Gen with a bit of a cold and we are lucky to have this interview as the end of the season rush is on.  “ MG: what is the most difficult thing about gardening in an urban environment?   Genevieve: For me, it was always having to be careful about where I put my hands. Knowing that there might be sharps, broken glass, feces or other detritus that I needed to look out for made it hard to work smoothly in more public areas of the city. I remember feeling great pride to be on a crew out at Grace Cathedral, until we found an un-capped needle in the groundcover. Sorta took the wind out of my sails. MG: What

Perennials and Gazing Balls C ara Dafforn runs U-Relish Farm in Indianapolis. Metropolitan Gardening got a chance to interview her over the last few days and found that she had an urban garden as well as the farm. In the garden she has five raised beds and a perenial patch as well as a three tree orchard. A pear and two apples. She explained that the last few years has been tough but she's making lemonade and keeping her spirits up by gardening and working on her farm.

D usty Gedge is the punk rock of green roofs. He's put green roofs on Barclays Tower in London and the Komodo Dragon House at London Zoo. He is a leader in the UK in the promotion and development of green roofs... and perhaps the emerging go to consultant for euro policy and planning on the matter.    and ... and... and... he juggles. Dusty sent us this link to a training film on green roofs to share - GREAT INTRODUCTION TO GREEN ROOFS! Metropolitan Gardening caught up with Dusty while he was in Istanbul doing a wildlife adventure and asked Mr. Gedge a few questions recently. MG:What made you think to integrate juggling and green roof training? Dusty: not sure about but juggling is a system and we are interested in eco system services - there is an analogy there - i think! MG:Do you have any patents? What innovations you have seen over the years? Dusty: Don't have patents as I not very commercially minded! Innovations - there aren't really any innovations - this is

Recently came across a informative article describing the findings of the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service that seems to put to bed some serious concerns over urban gardening produce. The basic gist of the matter is that in many cases when gardening in challenged areas the use of compost and other soil additions and an adjustment of the soil pH can alter the soil to the point that it can be safely used to grow food. The researchers also endorse using raised plant beds, making sure to wash your hands after gardening and to wash all produce. Read the full article here :  Researchers Work to Ensure Safety of Urban Gardens

September 10-12 at  Milwaukee 's State Fair Grounds is the Growing Power National and International Urban and Small Farm Conference . This is the premier event of it's kind. With over 7 tracks and over 100 presenters of merit. This conference will feature illustrious keynote speakers such as Grace Lee Boggs , Dr. Judith Palfrey , and Winona LaDuke .  Will Allen  is the founder, a giant of a man - leading the way to a bright future and innovation in urban agriculture.