Files
Abstract
Rapid urban development reduces children’s access to nature. When children do not interact with nature, they are less likely to learn about edible plants. People are concerned that children lack knowledge about where their food comes from. Edible gardens, as a medium between children and nature, can provide opportunities for children to learn about edible plants. Playgrounds encourage children to interact with their environment. Combining interesting edible gardens with the potential for play can encourage more children to participate in caring for these gardens. This research asks the question: how can one integrate edible gardens with playgrounds through landscape design? This study creates design guidelines for edible playscapes through literature reviews and case studies. It applies the guidelines to a proposed redesign of the World of Wonder Playground in Athens, GA. Lessons learned from the guidelines and the design process can help designers interested in creating children’s gardens that integrate play and edible gardening.