Our design
The EasyGarden provides a modular garden consisting of five different parts that together can make seven different combinations. We can provide two sizes of standard planters with a depth of 24 cm and a height of 30 cm. The different components are one smaller planter which is 80 by 80 cm, and one bigger planter, which is 80 by 160 cm. We offer three different heights, which are 30 cm, 90 cm, and 110 cm. The highest planter is accessible for wheelchair users. Each garden comes with one main module. This module provides the gardens with electricity, provides storage space, and sends data to the app. Aside from the planter components, we also provide seats that can be placed underneath the planters.
Besides providing different height levels for seating and standing, the EasyGarden has more functionalities. On each planter, a moisture level indicator is placed. This reminds residents of the care home to water their plants when necessary. When a plant is overwatered, the water drainage system will make sure that excess water can be removed from the planter. When a planter is placed inside, this water drain system can be blocked, since the extent to which the planter can be overwatered is limited.
Technical functions
Each garden will have at least two modules. One ‘main module’ which functions as the brain of the garden and at least one ‘base module’ which will house the plants. The elderly home can choose which and how many modules they would like them selves, this way elderly homes can decide on the size of the garden themselves.
Main module
Base module
The main module’s main function is that of the power supply of the garden. It has to be connected to a power source and concerts the power to the correct amount for each module. Cables will be run on the bottom of each module and through the legs to transfer the power without the cables getting in the way. See the installation instruction for a visual explanation of how these cables will be run. It also houses a transmitter to send the data of the garden to the app, and it has storage space to store tools, seeds, and other items.
The base module is made of four main components: the legs, garden pot, drain bottom, and the sensor cap.
The legs are available in different lengths so the garden can be made ergonomic for standing and seated use. Apart from holding up the garden, the legs have two more main functions: they help run the cables, and can be used to funnel excess water away. These two functions are kept separate for safety reasons.
The garden pot is the main component of the module. It contains the soil, the plants, and is where the gardening happens. The bottom of it has a slight triangle wave pattern. At the bottom of these waves, small holes are located which will allow excess water to be drained. If the gardens are installed inside, these holes can be plugged up. At the top of the waves, moisture sensors are located. These will measure the moisture level of the soil and send that information to an indicator on the side of the module, which will give the information to the user. These indicators do not give off a lot of light and primarily act as a passive indicator. If the moisture level is too low (under 20%), the indicator will start to blink slowly. The wiring for this is run alongside the power cables.
The drain bottom is an extra layer beneath the garden pot that will catch the water that drains through the garden pot and makes it flow to the corners. The draining system is necessary if the garden is placed outdoors, as rainwater would otherwise quickly drown the plants. By directing it to the corners, it is very unlikely that the water will drip onto a user. The drain bottom does not cover the middle of the garden pot. This is done to allow easy access to the moisture sensors for maintenance. There are no water drain holes in this section of the garden pot. The sensor cap covers the gap in the drain bottom.
