A new innovation, to be showcased at next year’s Chelsea Flower Show, looks set to make this a reality with the Avanade Garden, designed by Tom Massey and Ji-Ann, equipped with a system that can inform gardeners of the necessity of watering, especially if rain is forecast later.
Speaking at a Royal Horticultural Society event in Britain, Massey noted that the garden will be able to answer questions such as: “How do you feel?” What do you need? Do you need watering?” He added that plants may express a need for more water or even a desire to be pruned.
The garden will contain sensors buried in the soil to monitor moisture, nutrient and pH levels. These “relatively inexpensive” wireless devices will communicate with a computer at the back of the park, giving insights into how parks will be managed in the future.
Massey expects this technology to be very useful, as it can save large amounts of water by irrigating only when needed, rather than relying on fixed schedules.
Visitors to the exhibition will also be able to interact with the park through a special application.
Massey stressed that artificial intelligence will not reduce the enjoyment of gardening, but rather will help improve it, saying: “It is not fun to spend time watering a garden that does not need it.”
Indeed, the field of gardening is witnessing an impact from artificial intelligence, with many companies offering innovative applications in garden design.
Source: Daily Mail
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Interview with Tom Massey and Ji-Ann on the Avanade Garden Innovation
Editor: We’re here at the Royal Horticultural Society event with Tom Massey and Ji-Ann, the visionary designers behind the Avanade Garden, set to debut at next year’s Chelsea Flower Show. Tom, can you tell us a bit more about how this garden will reinvent the way we approach gardening?
Tom Massey: Absolutely! The Avanade Garden employs a unique system of buried sensors that track key factors such as soil moisture, nutrient levels, and pH. By utilizing these relatively inexpensive wireless devices, we can provide real-time insights into what each plant needs. It’s like the garden will be able to communicate its requirements, saying things like, “Do I need watering?” or “It’s time for a prune.”
Editor: That’s fascinating! Ji-Ann, how do you envision the interaction between technology and the gardening experience for visitors?
Ji-Ann: Visitors will have the chance to engage directly with the garden through a dedicated application. They can ask questions about the plants and receive tailored advice based on the data collected from the sensors. The goal is to enhance their understanding of gardening rather than take away from it.
Editor: Tom, you mentioned that this technology could save significant amounts of water. How crucial do you think that aspect is, especially with today’s environmental challenges?
Tom Massey: It’s incredibly important. By only irrigating when the plants actually need it, we can drastically reduce waste. This method not only conserves water but can also lead to healthier plants, ultimately transforming how we manage gardens and parks.
Editor: As we see advancements like these in gardening, some might argue that reliance on technology could diminish the joy of gardening. What are your thoughts on that?
Tom Massey: I would disagree with that perspective. Gardening can be labor-intensive, and it’s not enjoyable to spend hours watering if it isn’t necessary. This technology allows gardeners to focus on what truly matters—creative design and plant care—rather than tedious maintenance tasks.
Ji-Ann: Plus, it opens up gardening to a broader audience by making it more accessible, which is critical for fostering a love of nature and sustainability.
Editor: That’s an interesting take! As we see AI and technology making their way into an age-old practice, what do readers think about this shift? Will it enhance or detract from the traditional gardening experience? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Amounts of water. Can you elaborate on that a bit more? How does it work?
Tom Massey: Certainly! Traditional irrigation methods often operate on fixed schedules, which can lead to overwatering or underwatering. With our sensor technology, we monitor the actual needs of the plants in real-time. For instance, if rain is on the way, the system will hold off on watering, ensuring we only use water when absolutely necessary. This not only conserves water but also promotes healthier plants by avoiding waterlogged roots.
Editor: That’s a remarkable approach to sustainability! Ji-Ann, how do you think gardeners will adapt to this kind of technology?
Ji-Ann: I believe it will be a game changer for both novice and experienced gardeners. For beginners, it simplifies the process by removing guesswork, while seasoned gardeners can enhance their practices with data-driven insights. The aim is to empower all gardeners to grow in a more informed and responsive way.
Editor: Lastly, Tom, you mentioned that AI won’t take away the joy of gardening. Can you explain that philosophy further?
Tom Massey: Definitely! Gardening is about connection and enjoyment. This technology is designed to eliminate tedious tasks, like unnecessary watering, allowing gardeners to focus on the creative and rewarding aspects of gardening—like designing their space, nurturing plants, and enjoying the beauty around them. We’re enhancing the gardening experience, not replacing the life and joy found in it.
Editor: Thank you both for your insights! The Avanade Garden sounds like an exciting innovation that could transform our gardening practices for the better. We look forward to seeing it at the Chelsea Flower Show!
