Up to this point, our research has been largely based in indpendent internet research and professional opinion. Over the past several weeks, we have been researching community gardens in the Vancouver area, looking at common materials used, average material costs, and options for construction strategies.
We have been in contact with Nate Begin, M. Land Arch, B. Land Hort, owner of Pure Landscapes. Pure Landscapes is an award-winning Vancouver-based Landscape Construction company (www.purelandscapes.ca). Mr. Begin has taken a look at the pictures we provided of the potential garden site, and given us estimates on what types of materials would be best suited for our situation and what their approximate costs would be for the given site paramaters, as well as explained which types of construction would warrant the need for further engineering investigation.
We have also been in contact with Jeremy Miller, principal landscaper and owner of Houston Landscapes. One of the most reputable Vancouver-based landscaping companies, Houston Landscaping (www.houstonlandscapes.ca) provides both residential and commercial landscaping services. Mr. Miller has also given us his opinion on what our best choice for materials, complete with cost estimates, would be for our given site.
And finally, Grant Cameron of Beaver Landscape Ltd. has offered to meet with us and answer any of our questions in a question-and-answer period. (http://www.beaverlandscape.com/)
We are currently attempting to communicate with various on-campus groups, such as the Student Union and Sustainable Food Club. In addition, the manager of the neighboring co-op has agreed to speak with us regarding their community garden.
A basic Google SketchUp model has also been created using the site drawings provided by VCC, and meetings have been scheduled with a Landscape Architecture student at the University of British Columbia to discuss viable design options. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/93598295@N03/sets/72157632871312700/)
A cost estimate, based on unit price estimates, and a construction timeline is already underway, and will be altered as more design elements and options become clear.
Over the next few weeks, as we begin to assemble our final report, we will be cross-referencing all the material we have gathered regarding cost and materials with interest and potential use to determine a final statement on the projects feasbility.