NurtureStructure’s Carbon Reducing Gardens transform neglected urban spaces into permaculture-based carbon eaters.

NurtureStructure is pioneering a regenerative system to transform overlooked patches of land in our cities, communities, and domestic spaces into carbon reducing gardens.

By employing a permaculture-based system and selecting the right plants, NurtureStructure is contributing to the larger movement of removing carbon from the atmosphere and drawing it into the soil where it can be digested and turned into nutrients.

Below is an outline of how NurtureStructure’s carbon-reducing gardens work and the impact on they can have on local ecosystems.

Permaculture-Based Approach

Permaculture is a design system that focuses on creating sustainable, resilient ecosystems by mimicking patterns found in nature. It is guided by three core ethics: care for the earth, care for people, and fair share (redistributing surplus resources to achieve a balanced, sustainable system). By using a permaculture-based approach, NurtureStructure’s gardens promote biodiversity, resource efficiency, and self-sustaining ecosystems, which are essential components for creating carbon-eating gardens.

Plant Selection and Relationship

An essential aspect of NurtureStructure’s carbon-reducing gardens is the careful selection of plants and the understanding of their relationship to each other. To create a thriving, carbon-absorbing ecosystem, the company selects plants that:

1. Have deep root systems: Deep-rooted plants like switchgrass and comfrey help draw carbon deep into the soil, where it can be stored long-term.
2. Fix nitrogen: Leguminous plants such as beans, peas, and clover convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that other plants can use, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
3. Produce abundant biomass: Fast-growing plants like certain grasses and ground cover produce large amounts of organic material, which can be used as mulch or compost, further sequestering carbon in the soil.
4. Support pollinators and wildlife: We use only plants native to the immediate region which are adapted to natural water supply levels and have evolved to efficiently attract pollinators and provide habitat for wildlife, contributing to a balanced, biodiverse ecosystem.

These plants are then strategically placed in relationship to each other to maximize their carbon-reducing potential and support the overall health of the garden.

Transforming Neglected Urban Spaces

NurtureStructure’s mission to transform overlooked urban patches of land into carbon reducing gardens serves a dual purpose. First, it creates green spaces in areas that are often void of – or lacking – beneficial natural plants and systems, providing an oasis for both humans and wildlife. These carbon reducing gardens not only improve air quality and reduce urban heat island effects but also offer mental health benefits by providing a calming, natural environment in bustling cities.

Second, by converting these underutilized spaces into productive, carbon-absorbing ecosystems, NurtureStructure is contributing to the global effort to combat climate change. With urban populations continuing to grow, it is crucial to find innovative ways to reduce our carbon footprint in cities.

The Bigger Picture

NurtureStructure’s carbon reducing gardens are just one piece of the puzzle in the fight against climate change. Our work also demonstrates the potential of small-scale, grassroots efforts to make a tangible impact on our environment. By embracing permaculture principles, selecting plants with intention, and converting neglected urban spaces, NurtureStructure’s gardens offer a sustainable, regenerative solution that benefits both humans and the planet.

NurtureStructure’s carbon-reducing gardens are a powerful example of how innovative, nature-based solutions can help tackle the pressing issue of climate change. By expanding and supporting this urban green revolution, we can make a significant contribution to reducing our carbon footprint, enhancing urban ecosystems, and promoting a more sustainable future for all.

Want to transform spaces in your area into carbon reducing gardens?

Further Reading

To learn more about the principles behind NurtureStructure’s carbon reducing gardens we recommend the following resources:

1. Holmgren, D. (2002). Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. Holmgren Design Services. This seminal work by one of the co-founders of permaculture offers a comprehensive introduction to the principles and ethics of permaculture design.

2. Mollison, B. (1990). Permaculture: A Practical Guide for a Sustainable Future. Island Press. Another foundational text in the field of permaculture, this book by the other co-founder of permaculture provides practical guidance and case studies on implementing permaculture principles in various contexts.

3. Toensmeier, E. (2016). The Carbon Farming Solution: A Global Toolkit of Perennial Crops and Regenerative Agriculture Practices for Climate Change Mitigation and Food Security. Chelsea Green Publishing. This comprehensive resource explores the potential of carbon farming practices, including the use of perennial crops, agroforestry systems, and regenerative agricultural techniques, for mitigating climate change and improving food security.

4. Hemenway, T. (2009). Gaia’s Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture. Chelsea Green Publishing. This accessible and practical guide to permaculture provides an introduction to the concept and offers useful tips and strategies for implementing permaculture principles in home gardens and small-scale urban settings.

5. Jacke, D., & Toensmeier, E. (2005). Edible Forest Gardens: Ecological Vision and Theory for Temperate Climate Permaculture. Chelsea Green Publishing. This two-volume set focuses on the principles and practices of edible forest gardening, a key component of NurtureStructure’s carbon-reducing gardens, and offers guidance for designing and maintaining these systems in temperate climates.

By exploring these resources and engaging with the principles and practices of permaculture and carbon farming, we can all play a role in promoting a greener, more sustainable future. Together, we can support and expand upon the innovative work of organizations like NurtureStructure, fostering a thriving urban green revolution that benefits both our planet and its inhabitants.