Designing a corporate sustainable, recycling garden
Transforming a Corporate Space with Sustainable Design
This project showcases the transformation of a standard corporate garden border into a thriving, educational, and sustainable permaculture demonstration garden. This initiative turned a sterile landscape into a vibrant ecosystem that embodies environmental responsibility and innovative design.
The Challenge: Reimagining a Corporate Garden
The initial challenge was to move beyond the typical, high-maintenance corporate plantings and create a garden border that was not only visually appealing but also served as a powerful statement of the company’s commitment to sustainability. The goal was to design a low-maintenance, low-water-usage space that utilized recycled materials and organic gardening principles in a harsh UAE climate.
The Vision: A Permaculture-Powered Oasis
Our vision was to create a multi-functional garden that applied the core ethics of permaculture: Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. The design process was guided by key permaculture principles, including observing and interacting with the space, catching and storing energy, producing no waste, and using and valuing diversity. The result is a garden that is not just a green space, but a living classroom and a source of inspiration.
Design & Implementation Highlights
The 10-month project involved a complete overhaul of the existing border, replacing a manicured lawn with a dynamic, multi-layered garden. The implementation process was a hands-on effort, involving collaboration with company volunteers and the engineering team to bring the sustainable vision to life.
Key features of the design include:
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Feature
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Description
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Recycled Materials
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Used car tires were repurposed to create retaining walls and planters, while recycled glass bottles from the company’s catering department were used to create a stunning “river bed” effect.
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Water Conservation
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A solar-powered water pump circulates recycled water through a fountain feature. An efficient drip irrigation system was installed to minimize water usage, a critical consideration in the arid climate.
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Sustainable Planting
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Nearly 400 indigenous, drought-resistant, and heat-tolerant plants were selected. These plants are adapted to the local environment, requiring minimal water and maintenance once established.
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Soil Health
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The soil was enriched with compost and coffee grounds sourced from the company’s own cafe, demonstrating a closed-loop system and diverting waste from landfill.
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Educational Elements
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The garden includes medicinal and edible plants, with plans for brass-plaque signage in both Arabic and English to explain the various plants and the permaculture principles at play.
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Biodiversity
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The diverse planting scheme provides food and habitat for local wildlife, transforming the space into a small but significant ecological hub.
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The Outcome: A Thriving Demonstration of Sustainability
The completed garden has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from employees, management, and contractors. It serves as a daily, visible reminder of the company’s sustainability goals and has sparked conversations about water conservation, recycling, and organic gardening.
“We are really interested to see that you have used tyres and bottles recycled from the company in this garden. It looks good and we need more of it!” – Senior Emirati Manager
“I am really impressed with this water pump, I am thinking of ordering one to take to my home in Pakistan.” – Head Gardener, Italian Planters
This project successfully demonstrates that corporate landscapes can be both beautiful and environmentally responsible. It stands as a testament to the power of permaculture design to create resilient, productive, and inspiring spaces, even in challenging environments.
This project is a prime example of my ability to design and implement innovative, sustainable, and educational landscapes. If you are looking to transform your outdoor space into a thriving, eco-friendly environment, please get in touch.
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Reach Us
Get in touch if you're interested in our permaculture courses, onsite accommodation, or events. We're here to assist you however we can and would be happy to help.
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+33 788113505
karen@afrinoonpermaculture.org