Recently I've noticed these gumball machines that dispense seed bombs placed around town, and had to do some investigating to see what the deal is. I'm so excited about what I found out!
These seed bombs were created by Daniel Phillips and Kim Karlsrud, who met while students at Otis College of Art and Design. The idea behind the machines is that everyday people can make a difference in their community and beautify their neighborhoods. Some people have even gone so far as to form guerilla gardening movements. I just found this great article in the LA Times that explains more about the movement. The seed bombs are made from clay, compost and seeds. Check out these photos to see how to make your own seed bombs!
As designers, Daniel and Kim wanted to design something new and revolutionary but not bring unnecessary stuff into the world. So what they did is take existing technology (repurposed gumball machines) and mix it with their idea to populate grey space (vacant lots, parking medians, etc...)
The result of their idea was the seed bomb, and it's been so successful that new dispensers are being placed all across the country. You can find a complete list of machine locations here - also make sure to look at Daniel and Kim's website and watch the video above of them explaining their idea!
Do you have any great ideas for greening urban landscapes?
The kiddies would probably embrace this idea hook line and sinker--Holley. I think gum ball machines would appeal to their little likings as well. Great direction of contemplation. They probably would like dung beetles too. I mean, the little ones are rather curious about poo are they not?:)
How absolutely awesome! When the snow melts, I'm going to find some. My grandkids will ADORE them. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Suzann
Makeup Without Cruelty - a list of animal-friendly cosmetics companies
This is really cool and I wish we had one in Dallas. Now, I've just got to figure out who I can convince to put one outside their shop!
These would be great to make as Christmas gifts for co-workers!
One thing I have found to be ultra important in gardening/landscaping is getting rid of invasive plants and replacing them with native plants for the area. The Native Plant Society has dozens of chapters around the country and they have excellent resources of what is native to what region and where to buy the plants. In addition, planting plants that attract birds, butterflies, and bees will help the ecosystem even more - and they are often quite pretty.
So, while the seed bombs are a great idea and quite novel in the gumball machines, it is important to keep them in the geographical areas where they were purchased. If these are by the same company {Visualingual} - they categorize them into cat/dog, spices/herbs, wildflowers and then categorize for the climates of that region.
North American Native Society http://www.nanps.org/ (then you can find your regional or state chapter)
Native Plant Conservation Campaign http://www.plantsocieties.org/ (tons of info and resources here)
This is such a beautiful idea - even though it mightn't seem much, it's getting the point out there and at least getting people thinking.
So inspirational...if only more people could be like Danile and Kim...
I'm not sure if this seed bombs are such a good idea. As a California chaparral lover (California's native plant community), I know that our landscape is already stressed with non-native plants to the point of breaking. Adding more non-native plants to the mix, which, unless I misunderstand the website, seed bombs, do, sounds like a recipe for disaster. I realize that the intention is good. However, if you really want to make California a more beautiful place, yank out your non-natives (say no to Peruvian Pepper trees, Australian Eucalyptus, and South African Ice Plant) and replace them with natives. Less water, more beauty, and help to the native ecology. You won't be disappointed if you do this. I promise.
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