A native ethnobotanical garden.
The Bloom Garden would be grown on a preexisting, underutilized pocket park located in El Monte Valley Mall. The garden would allow for people within the community to come and learn about the ethnobotannical uses of native plants through a multi-sensory experience. This also provides a neutral and safe space for people within the community to gather and be closer to nature.
The Bloom Garden would be grown on a preexisting, underutilized pocket park located in El Monte Valley Mall. The garden would allow for people within the community to come and learn about the ethnobotannical uses of native plants through a multi-sensory experience. This also provides a neutral and safe space for people within the community to gather and be closer to nature.
PROGRAM
01_EXPOSURE TO NATIVE PLANTS
Exposure to native plants at a young age is essential for people to develop intimate relationships and appreciation for the local landscape.
Exposure to native plants at a young age is essential for people to develop intimate relationships and appreciation for the local landscape.
02_DEADWOOD PATHS
Deadwood is placed along the path to define walkways as well as providing housing for burrowing bees.
Deadwood is placed along the path to define walkways as well as providing housing for burrowing bees.
03_OUTDOOR KITCHEN
Here, people can begin to process and cook native plants that have been harvested in the gardens. The shaded structure is made of woven, live willows– reminiscent of the willows used to build Tongva homes.
Here, people can begin to process and cook native plants that have been harvested in the gardens. The shaded structure is made of woven, live willows– reminiscent of the willows used to build Tongva homes.
04_BEE NEST SEATING
The seating area is nestled into soft mounds of native soil that is optimal for native bee nesting. People can coexist with native bees and closely observe them, breaking down the negative stigmas against bees.
The seating area is nestled into soft mounds of native soil that is optimal for native bee nesting. People can coexist with native bees and closely observe them, breaking down the negative stigmas against bees.
SEMI-ARID MEDITERRANEAN
Full-sun plant
Full-sun plant
NATIVE GRASSLANDS
California Bunchgrass act as carbon sinks
California Bunchgrass act as carbon sinks
MOUNTAINS
Trees and shade tolerant plants
Trees and shade tolerant plants