Blooming Blog: De 5G’s of Biodiversity

Biodiversiteit 5b's infographic

Ground, Greenery, Growth Arch, Gushing, Gardening

A healthy ecosystem relies on the Ground, Greenery, Growth Arch, Gushing, and Gardening. These elements are crucial for our planet’s survival, especially in urban areas, where nature can enhance biodiversity. Doing it right is essential. To flourish amidst concrete and asphalt, we at Blooming Buildings have devised the 5 G’s of biodiversity.

Nature seeks balance and harmony. When it’s absent, the ecosystem compensates, often upsetting another equilibrium. Everything is interconnected, necessitating a holistic approach.

To foster a harmonious biodiversity, certain conditions must be met. The five G’s include nurturing a healthy Ground, fostering diverse Greenery, establishing a year-round Growth Arch, implementing efficient Gushing, and ensuring meticulous Gardening. Each G is equally vital.

The first G: nurturing a thriving Ground

Biodiversity starts underground. A healthy soil, rich in nutrients, is paramount. It must allow air and water circulation, fostering the growth of worms, fungi, and roots.

We dig deeper, ensuring a 50cm depth, surpassing standard practices. Often, the soil quality falls short, requiring careful excavation and replacement with a tailored soil mix. We adjust pH levels, introduce microorganisms, and add live compost, laying the groundwork for thriving Greenery, our second G.

The second G: fostering diverse Greenery

We prioritize diversity, utilizing at least 150 plant species per project. Indigenous species and regional flora are favored, ensuring adaptability and resilience. From perennials to ferns, our selections are site-specific, thriving under varying conditions.

Each design is bespoke, considering sunlight exposure and soil composition. Our landscapes evolve, attracting insects, birds, and mammals, showcasing the interconnectedness of nature. Thus, we transition to our third G

The third G: a year-round Growth Arch

We select plants for their aesthetic appeal and ecological roles: as host plants, food sources, or shelter. Climate change confuses insects, triggering premature emergence. Hence, we ensure continuous blooming across seasons in our projects. This not only sustains insect populations but also offers year-round surprises in our gardens and parks.

The fourth G: efficient Gushing

With frequent and prolonged droughts, irrigation becomes crucial to prevent plant loss and sustain growth during dry spells. We employ water-efficient methods, prioritizing rainwater and gray water usage. Additionally, we explore water storage solutions to maximize resource utilization.

The fifth G: caring Gardening

Central to our approach are our garden caretakers. Trained and equipped with little more than pruning shears, they monitor plant health, water levels, soil conditions, and conduct weekly maintenance visits. Proximity minimizes transport emissions. Regular care enables early detection of issues, ensuring ecosystem balance and biodiversity preservation.

Let the green ripple of biodiversity expand

To sustain our planet, healthy ecosystems are vital worldwide, including urban areas. The green ripple must spread rapidly. We trust the 5 G’s of Blooming Buildings to serve as a practical guide for fostering biodiversity everywhere. Thus, not only around iconic landmarks like the Groothandelsgebouw, Radboudumc, or the Inktpot but in all urban areas globally.

Contact us to know more about how we can apply the 5 G’s to your office and outdoor space!

 

Photos of Baxter Building, Amsterdam, Groot Handelsgebouw, Rotterdam. Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Carré, Amsterdam, Weesperlusthofje, Amsterdam en Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amsterdam