Water plays an essential role in gardening, and efficiently circulating it in a vertical garden is crucial. At ReLeaf, we’ve embraced the use of portable water "towers" in our upcycled vertical gardens, embodying the principles of the circular economy. This approach allows us to repurpose not only materials but also water—a precious resource.
A portable water tower, in the context of a vertical garden, is simply a container that stores water at a higher elevation. It doesn't need to be large or complex; it can be as simple as an upcycled plastic jug, an old watering can, or a repurposed bucket. Its portability provides flexibility, making it easy to position for optimal watering or relocate based on the garden's needs.
One key principle behind these portable water towers is gravity-fed irrigation. When the tower is filled with water and positioned above the plants, gravity pulls the water down, allowing it to gently trickle or drip to the plants below. This system provides a steady, consistent water supply while conserving energy, as no pumps are needed to move the water.
Once the water reaches the bottom of the garden, it needs to be lifted back to the tower. There are two options: mechanical pumping or manual labor. An upcycled pump, perhaps repurposed from an old fountain or aquarium, can pump the water from the basin back up into the tower, maintaining a continuous water cycle. Alternatively, for gardens without access to power, the basin can be manually emptied and refilled to complete the cycle.
This system of recirculating water aligns with the principles of the circular economy that ReLeaf promotes. In a circular economy, resources are kept in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value while in use and regenerating materials at the end of their life cycle. In the case of our water towers, water is continuously cycled, reducing waste and maximizing usage.
Through this approach, ReLeaf’s urban gardening initiative not only fosters a greener environment but also exemplifies resourcefulness and sustainability, contributing to a more resilient and eco-friendly community.