Sustainability: Theme of U.S. Botanic Garden Exhibition

 

The Sustainable Schoolyard exhibit includes edible gardens, energy and water systems, solar technologies, wildlife habitat gardens and green building materials.
Photos: U.S. Botanic Garden

The U.S. Botanic Garden exhibition in Washington, D.C. this year is titled “One Planet—Ours! Sustainability for the 22nd Century.” The exhibition (through October 13, 2008) showcases garden displays on the Conservatory Terrace and interpretive and sculptural displays in the National Garden and Bartholdi Park.

For over 20 years, Longwood has composted and recycled all of its discarded horticultural material into mulches and compost. The Longwood exhibit explains its composting operation, the benefits of composting and the sustainable beauty that grows from this reclaimed resource.

The U.S. Botanic Garden has partnered with other organizations around the country to participate in the exhibition, from government agencies to NGOs and individuals who are leading sustainable lifestyle efforts. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), U.S. Department of Energy, American Horticultural Society, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Longwood Gardens, National Wildlife Federation and the American Planning Association are among the participants.

The garden displays, 22 in number, include Sustainable Schoolyards; Rainscaping; Wind Sculpture; Green Infrastructure; Secrets of Soil; EPA Greenscapes; Red List of Endangered Species; The Nature Conservancy; and the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Throughout the U.S. Botanic Garden exhibition are more than 40 sculptures, and a wind sculptures exhibit.

Tying it all together is “Cool Globes,” an exhibit of more than 40 sculptures with 18 sculptural displays, with such titles as Solar Home; Sustaining Pollinators; Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; Plant Conservation Alliance; Water for People; Interactive Solar Fountain; Importance of Trees; Seattle Green Factor; Green Roofs; and Sustainable Turf Care.

Sustainable Schoolyard

The American Planning Association, in conjunction with the Smart Growth Network, the Conservation Fund, et al., is presenting the Sustainable Schoolyard exhibit to illustrate the connection between community design and the health and well-being of its residents.

The Sustainable Schoolyard exhibit elements include edible gardens, energy and water systems, solar technologies, wildlife habitat gardens and green building materials.

The exhibition’s sustainable theme is in evidence with this solar powered fountain.

The idea of sustainable schoolyards is closely connected to the “Complete Streets” movement [www.completestreets.org]. The APA notes: “Sustainable schoolyards provide schoolchildren with a healthy, dynamic, learning environment. A well-designed, green schoolyard can serve the wider community as well, by allowing nearby residents to walk, run, and bike to it as a valued, recreational resource. Planning that encourages the integration of schools as the centers of their communities helps create safer, more pedestrian/bike-friendly, and accessible routes to schools. In turn, more walkable and bikable destinations open up in the surrounding neighborhood.”