The Essential Premise
The Nu Urban Gardeners (NUGs) have developed several distinctive stands to their cannon to date. As you navigate through the site you will become familiar with this provision; the static (table top) and the mobile (hostess tea trolleys) plots and allotments projects. The essential premise is the NUGs invite and welcome members of the public to create with the NUGs temporary miniature allotments, gardens, habitats & landscapes.
NUG projects could take place either indoors or outdoors and the future projects could grow upon new pastures and new territories. The NUG initiatives are interactive, playful, participatory, idiosyncratic and entrepreneurial. The NUGs (following this introduction to the project) would welcome the opportunity to discuss and to cultivate projects further with interested organizations, groups and individuals. Together you and the NUGs can develop a specific activity that reflects and takes into account the clients own interests. The fundamental principles of the proposals remain flexible and the NUGs are happy to host a project reminiscent of the ones undertaken in 2009/10.
The static sites are created in soil beds upon table tops and the land is divided into individual plots. Participants are offered a plot of land to work on. The NUGs provide a wealth of materials for participants to draw inspiration from found objects, living plants and paper cut outs(1). NUG create ‘making spaces’ where participants can design, craft and assemble items before returning to their plots to realize their ideas.
The tea trolley service offers the NUGs mobility. Each of the two tea trolleys can support the maximum cultivation of two plots of land(2). The mobile service offers the NUGs an opportunity to take the garden experience into more intimate locations. An element of surprise and participatory experiences for the member are almost limitless. The NUGs could for example initiate a mobile service that functions in and around an office environment…the service comes to you! …The NUG mobile could be temporarily based in a lift! Wherever and whatever your environment NUGs projects can be adapted to accommodate.
NUGs are keen to reward participants (if the reward of seeing a successful plot cultivated is not enough). Upon completion of a plot the NUGs present to all participants a specially designed certificate(3). Additionally for the Watch this Space Festival the NUGs created the coveted, Golden Spade Award (4).
You will notice that the NUGs like to dress up for the occasion…NUG attire is amended and adapted to each occasion (5).
1) The construction of both paper garden sheds and acetate greenhouses is available (See examples plans section).
2a) NUG negotiation strategy – Section 2 (Tea Trolley Management) The rule book states: A single plot is permitted to occupy the whole plot. This loss of sub-division can be practically applied in several ways, 1) before the commencement of sub-division (where it is deemed appropriate not to sub-divide the plot) 2) Where sub-division has taken place NUG can permit solo individuals/groups to enter a process of negotiation where the sub-divided plots can become one.*
2b) at times of high demand and in order to maintain ease of access, there will be a ‘Land Management System’ (LMS)* introduced…this will prevent garden plot congestion at and around the trolleys/static plots.
3) Signed by Head Gardeners CL-J & SW Awards & certificates Section: 2009/2010 ‘the Golden Spade Award’ (Watch this Space Festival participant only)
4) New awards approach will be developed and created.
5) For Hampstead Heath and the South Bank events, Wellington boots and cloth caps, and for the City of London New Street Square Festival, bankers’ bowlers, shirts and old school ties. Specific field costume adaptations for events can be incorporated.
* From: ‘The Efficient Gardener’ Thompson Bancroft (Reprint-1959)
‘Rules and engagement for the miniature horticulturalist’ Home Grown Publications (2010)
Guidance notes for table top arrangement. - Materials
(see plans - NUG Handbook)
Tables and the materials for the construction of the trays have traditionally been provided by the host organisers’ (including on occasions the construction of the trays affixed to the table top)*.
For the standard 2 table version (see table top configuration), sufficient 2x1” soft timber lengths to frame each table top, sufficient PVC dust sheets to cover tables, sufficient green*** garden tape to secure timber and PVC** to table tops, sufficient top soil to cover table tops to a depth of about 2cm (or just shy of the height of the tray). The soil is poured into the trays (plastic sheeting having been securedto the table first). The soil is first levelled and then divided into plots of land...the tables are then positioned in the area dedicated to the event/activity.
For two standard sized trestle tables we require to fill the trays approximately 5 (25ltr) bags of soil/compost. The choice of a surface material such as a mulch or soil can affect the how well materials stand up in the base. The tacky qualities to be found in slightly moist soil for example have proven to be preferable for erecting and keeping aloft, fences and tall structures.
* NUGs have also undertaken table top construction on site. Organisers have provided the Nugs with: an appropriate space close to the performance site to construct the trays and to assemble the constituent parts. The organisers have provided the NUGs with the required tools. The organisers have provided the materials.
** Decorators dust sheets would suffice…x 4
*** Subject to availability.
Top Soil – The NUGs recommend as in 2009/10 that the soil can be utilised by the local authority or place of work. On previous occasions the soil was deposited in the flowerbeds near the site after the event.
Wood dimensions - 1 pk 6 x 12 x 33mm (half inch by one and a quarter inches) Planed timber 2.4m lengths (7ft 10") Price per pack estimated £15-£25.00* (We think this should be enough for the 2 garden tables) From the garden section - 4 x rolls of Green / Black Garden tape (waterproof and strong) £4.50p a roll*
* 2013 prices
Human resources
Help creating the table-top environments
At least two helpers on hand throughout the day
For the table top projects the NUGs request an additional 2/3 trestle tables. These are required for hosting the materials and as making/assembling spaces. If some chairs can be provided that would be great.
The Nu Urban Gardeners (NUGs) have developed several distinctive stands to their cannon to date. As you navigate through the site you will become familiar with this provision; the static (table top) and the mobile (hostess tea trolleys) plots and allotments projects. The essential premise is the NUGs invite and welcome members of the public to create with the NUGs temporary miniature allotments, gardens, habitats & landscapes.
NUG projects could take place either indoors or outdoors and the future projects could grow upon new pastures and new territories. The NUG initiatives are interactive, playful, participatory, idiosyncratic and entrepreneurial. The NUGs (following this introduction to the project) would welcome the opportunity to discuss and to cultivate projects further with interested organizations, groups and individuals. Together you and the NUGs can develop a specific activity that reflects and takes into account the clients own interests. The fundamental principles of the proposals remain flexible and the NUGs are happy to host a project reminiscent of the ones undertaken in 2009/10.
The static sites are created in soil beds upon table tops and the land is divided into individual plots. Participants are offered a plot of land to work on. The NUGs provide a wealth of materials for participants to draw inspiration from found objects, living plants and paper cut outs(1). NUG create ‘making spaces’ where participants can design, craft and assemble items before returning to their plots to realize their ideas.
The tea trolley service offers the NUGs mobility. Each of the two tea trolleys can support the maximum cultivation of two plots of land(2). The mobile service offers the NUGs an opportunity to take the garden experience into more intimate locations. An element of surprise and participatory experiences for the member are almost limitless. The NUGs could for example initiate a mobile service that functions in and around an office environment…the service comes to you! …The NUG mobile could be temporarily based in a lift! Wherever and whatever your environment NUGs projects can be adapted to accommodate.
NUGs are keen to reward participants (if the reward of seeing a successful plot cultivated is not enough). Upon completion of a plot the NUGs present to all participants a specially designed certificate(3). Additionally for the Watch this Space Festival the NUGs created the coveted, Golden Spade Award (4).
You will notice that the NUGs like to dress up for the occasion…NUG attire is amended and adapted to each occasion (5).
1) The construction of both paper garden sheds and acetate greenhouses is available (See examples plans section).
2a) NUG negotiation strategy – Section 2 (Tea Trolley Management) The rule book states: A single plot is permitted to occupy the whole plot. This loss of sub-division can be practically applied in several ways, 1) before the commencement of sub-division (where it is deemed appropriate not to sub-divide the plot) 2) Where sub-division has taken place NUG can permit solo individuals/groups to enter a process of negotiation where the sub-divided plots can become one.*
2b) at times of high demand and in order to maintain ease of access, there will be a ‘Land Management System’ (LMS)* introduced…this will prevent garden plot congestion at and around the trolleys/static plots.
3) Signed by Head Gardeners CL-J & SW Awards & certificates Section: 2009/2010 ‘the Golden Spade Award’ (Watch this Space Festival participant only)
4) New awards approach will be developed and created.
5) For Hampstead Heath and the South Bank events, Wellington boots and cloth caps, and for the City of London New Street Square Festival, bankers’ bowlers, shirts and old school ties. Specific field costume adaptations for events can be incorporated.
* From: ‘The Efficient Gardener’ Thompson Bancroft (Reprint-1959)
‘Rules and engagement for the miniature horticulturalist’ Home Grown Publications (2010)
Guidance notes for table top arrangement. - Materials
(see plans - NUG Handbook)
Tables and the materials for the construction of the trays have traditionally been provided by the host organisers’ (including on occasions the construction of the trays affixed to the table top)*.
For the standard 2 table version (see table top configuration), sufficient 2x1” soft timber lengths to frame each table top, sufficient PVC dust sheets to cover tables, sufficient green*** garden tape to secure timber and PVC** to table tops, sufficient top soil to cover table tops to a depth of about 2cm (or just shy of the height of the tray). The soil is poured into the trays (plastic sheeting having been securedto the table first). The soil is first levelled and then divided into plots of land...the tables are then positioned in the area dedicated to the event/activity.
For two standard sized trestle tables we require to fill the trays approximately 5 (25ltr) bags of soil/compost. The choice of a surface material such as a mulch or soil can affect the how well materials stand up in the base. The tacky qualities to be found in slightly moist soil for example have proven to be preferable for erecting and keeping aloft, fences and tall structures.
* NUGs have also undertaken table top construction on site. Organisers have provided the Nugs with: an appropriate space close to the performance site to construct the trays and to assemble the constituent parts. The organisers have provided the NUGs with the required tools. The organisers have provided the materials.
** Decorators dust sheets would suffice…x 4
*** Subject to availability.
Top Soil – The NUGs recommend as in 2009/10 that the soil can be utilised by the local authority or place of work. On previous occasions the soil was deposited in the flowerbeds near the site after the event.
Wood dimensions - 1 pk 6 x 12 x 33mm (half inch by one and a quarter inches) Planed timber 2.4m lengths (7ft 10") Price per pack estimated £15-£25.00* (We think this should be enough for the 2 garden tables) From the garden section - 4 x rolls of Green / Black Garden tape (waterproof and strong) £4.50p a roll*
* 2013 prices
Human resources
Help creating the table-top environments
At least two helpers on hand throughout the day
For the table top projects the NUGs request an additional 2/3 trestle tables. These are required for hosting the materials and as making/assembling spaces. If some chairs can be provided that would be great.
