Spiro-Giardina...or, The Spirogarden
1. As cloistered gardens upheld medieval concepts of the universe (a
transcendental enclosed Eden, unbesmirched by the outside world) so too
does this, the Spiro-Garden reflect today’s fashion of a spiral
universe, ever-changing, vibrant, dynamic.
2. The garden will flourish, rise up and break out beyond its
insemination (three years.) The spiral will rise over time by an
Archimedes' screw, turned by mortals. Historically used for elevating
low-lying waters into irrigation ditches, it now will satiate plants of
this inverted Babylonianesque hanging garden (Leonardo Da Vinci meets
Martha Stewart.) Once trod on, now it shelters the trodders.
3. The pool of water will reveal itself beyond its stated purpose of
nurturing; now a vanity-object of self reflection and medium for paper
boats. Bambini like that a lot.
4. Plant species wooed from afar will tell their story by scent, sight
and vibe. Self-propagating, their progeny will cross-pollinate adjacent
gardens and nail virgin tracts far beyond Padula: stretching a three
year life span to three hundred.
5. Initial species will include: aloe from Africa, olive plants from
Jordan, basil (king of herbs) from Greece and grapes of black, blue,
gold, green, purple-red and white. Lavender will accent edges. One
Italian Alder will anchor the arrangement; a vertical foil for the
garden acrobatics.
6. Once the frame has risen, wildflowers will celebrate as errant tourists. Some stay.
7. Glulam beams, legno non trattato, will frame galvanized metal
soil-matrices whence hanging flowers ensue. Sunlit bronzed oversize
hinges will highlight connections. High ash concrete will form water
basin-foundations, to neutralize gathered rainwater and destined to
become visitor-perches post load-bearing duties. The garden will rise.
8. Lights underwater will alight when an observer is bodily a
meter away (above, below, or beyond.) This garden is one of discovery...
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