Tour - The Garden Cube
Summary
A unique garden created by a team led by the Chief Science Officer Alyssa Maren. This garden serves purposes for the Science Department as well as a recreational location on the ship.
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Additional Information
| Location | Deck 10 | |
| Description | To allow the science department to experiment with plant hybrids that could be used on smaller ships to augment food supplies and to help provide cleaner air, the Pioneer converted one of its cargo bays to a vertical garden. This "garden" acts as a botany lab, a green space for crew to enjoy, and a small source of fresh fruits and vegetables. It also provides cuttings and potting material for members of the crew to have a small plant in their quarters. A framework of transparent aluminum has been constructed around the walls and ceiling of the cargo bay to contain the soil blocks and irrigation system, making the most of the space available. Vines of varying types, including berries and grapes, are carefully woven through the trellis on the ceiling in blocks separated by frames of colored aluminum to section off the various plants, creating a checkerboard effect. The same checkerboard pattern is repeated on the walls, separating smaller flowers and colorful plants from blocks of grasses, leafy plants, herbs, and berry bushes. On the deck, walkways separate the squares containing small trees, hedges, and bushes, creating a maze-like pattern. In the center of the maze, surrounded by tall fern and hanging vines, a circle of benches surrounds a small waterfall, creating a secluded spot for people to sit. There are several other benches positioned around the garden near flowering bushes or small family plots. Several blocks in the front corners have been set aside for kids and crew to learn to grow their own plants. The back corners have been set aside for fruit trees. Everything in the garden has been carefully laid out so there are no incompatibilities between the various vegetables, flours, and vines. Almost everything in the garden is edible or has medicinal value. Nothing is toxic. Those that may cause allergic reactions are clearly labeled and higher up the walls. The main computer has information on every plant in the vertical garden, accessible by PADD. This information can act as a guide through the garden, or to teach children about plants. Classes on plants can be taught to children by making an appointment with one of the botanists. There is a workroom next to the garden cube for staff to work on new hybrids, pot small plants for crew, and dry herbs for teas and poultices. In the center of the room is a large table. Dried herbs are stored in a cabinet along one wall. Each is in a clear container with labels, tongs, and containers for those who wish to use the herbs. Another wall has pots and potting supplies. The back wall has a row of computers. |