Once in full bloom, visitors to Endicott’s newest community garden will pass through an arbor and into a mandala of raised vegetable beds, surrounding a circular heart of fragrant herbs with a bird bath, feeder and fountain. Berry bushes, fruit trees and perennials will flank the sides in a harmonious construction that not only maximizes garden space, but dazzles the senses.
The winning design was created by SUNY Broome students in Dr. Craig Jefferson’s Engineering Design class. Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments, or VINES, will bring the $10,000 project to life this fall, the latest in its network of community gardens.
“We split into different groups, and each group worked and designed their own idea, and (VINES) picked what they liked,” explained Engineering Science major Dylan Shimer. “Each group had elements that were used. It was a team effort.”
Students came up with a range of possibilities for the 130-foot by 120-foot plot, and created their designs on computer-aided design and drafting software.
“We were able to more easily keep our drawings in order that way,” explained Engineering Science major Max Novack. “It was an open-ended project with some constraints. We were able to practice problem-solving without a whole lot of details involved.”
While the students won’t build the projects themselves, they look forward to seeing their work take shape this fall. Great job, Hornets!
