REGENERATIVE GARDENS

Welcome to gardens built upon thriving, self-sustaining ecosystems that benefit both people and the planet!

Child watering vegetable seedlings in a sustainable eco-friendly food garden with raised beds.
Organic lettuce start, growing in a raised permaculture bed, in a kitchen garden designed by ReGen Gardens of Asheville, NC.

WHAT IS ‘REGENERATIVE’ GARDENING?

This holistic approach to gardening aims to restore and enhance ecosystems while nurturing biodiversity and soil health.

Regenerative gardening actively promotes the regeneration of natural systems. It considers the interconnected relationships between different elements of a garden and seeks to seeks to emulate the resilience and biodiversity found in natural ecosystems. Key principles include:

  • BUILDING SOIL HEALTH: Practices such as minimal soil disturbance, composting and cover cropping help improve soil structure, fertility and microbial activity.

  • PROMOTING BIODIVERSITY & ECOSYSTEM HEALTH: Diverse plantings attract beneficial insects, birds and wildlife contributing to a balanced ecosystem. This supports the regeneration of degraded landscapes, improving overall environmental quality.

  • ENHANCING RESILIENCE: Fostering a healthy ecosystems helps plants withstand environmental stresses and adapt to changing conditions.

  • CONSERVING RESOURCES: Water efficient irrigation, energy conservation and the use of organic materials minimize environmental impact.

Regenerative gardening takes organic gardening to the next level by improving the overall health of your garden ecosystem.

Raised Kitchen Garden beds with organic vegetables and herbs grown from heirloom seeds.
Harvesting organic lettuce greens and edible herbs from a regenerative garden.

BENEFITS OF A REGENERATIVE GARDEN

Regenerative gardening offers specific benefits that contribute to human health and well being, soil fertility and ecosystem health. Key benefits include:

  • SUPERIOR FOOD QUALITY: Regenerative gardening produces nutrient-rich, flavorful foods that are free from synthetic chemicals, promoting better health and well-being.

  • LOW MAINTENCE: Heavy mulch, perennial plantings and soil health lead to water retention and weed suppression, resulting in a garden that is easy to take care of and enjoy.

  • MINIMAL SUSTAINING COST: Little need for additional fertilizer and external inputs to the growing system.

  • SOIL HEALTH: Practices such as minimal soil disturbance, cover cropping and composting enhance soil structure, fertility, and microbial activity, resulting in healthier, more productive soils.

  • NUTRIENT CYCLING: Regenerative gardening promotes natural nutrient cycling, with organic matter decomposing to release essential nutrients for plant uptake, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and improving soil fertility over time.

  • ECOSYSTEM RESILIENCE: Healthy, biodiverse ecosystems are better able to withstand environmental stresses such as drought, pests and disease outbreaks. This reduces the need for chemical interventions and further improves garden resilience.

  • WATER CONVERSATION: Water-efficient irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation and mulching, help conserve water and reduce runoff, leading to more efficient water use and healthier plants.

  • CARBON SEQUESTRATION: Healthy soils act as carbon sinks, sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and mitigating climate change, making regenerative gardening a climate friendly practice.

Regenerative gardening offers a holistic approach that benefits both you and the planet. It fosters connections with nature, promotes a healthy lifestyle, invites community engagement and is eco-friendly.

Harvesting your own garden grown blueberries showcases then joy a eco-friendly edible garden brings to your life..

WHAT GROWS IN A REGENERATIVE GARDEN?

You can grow a wide variety of plants for year round flowering and harvest in your regenerative garden. The following is a sampling!

  • VEGETABLES: Common vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, peas, beans, lettuce, spinach, arugula, bok choy, carrots, radish, asparagus, potatoes and onions thrive in regenerative gardens.

  • FRUITS: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, gouge berries, currants, apples, pears, paw paw, kiwi and figs.

  • CULINARY HERBS: Basil, rosemary, oregano, thyme, chives, dill, parsley and cilantro are well suited to regenerative gardening practices.

  • PERENNIAL VEGETABLES, FRUITS & HERBS: Asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, sage, mint, lavender, lemon balm, sorrel, anise hyssop and winter savory require less maintenance and provide years of harvests.

  • EDIBLE FLOWERS: Nasturtiums, violets, marigolds, roses, calendula, lovage and borage add beauty to a garden and provide edible blooms for culinary use.

  • MEDICINAL PLANTS: Echinacea, calendula, chamomile, red clover, rose hips and passion flower are grown in regenerative gardens for their healing properties.

  • COMPANION PLANTS: Marigolds, nasturtiums and garlic help deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve overall garden health.

  • COVER CROPS: Clover, vetch and rye improve soil health, suppress weeds and add organic matter.

  • NATIVE PLANTS: Incorporating native plants into your regenerative garden helps support local ecosystems, attract beneficial wildlife and promote biodiversity.

The diversity of plants that can be grown in a regenerative garden creates an abundant food source, provides an oasis of peace and beauty, offers ecosystem resilience and promotes biodiversity!

A plate filled with the benefits of a regenerative garden - organic peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, herbs and edible flowers.