Wowzer!

I can hardly believe my eyes!? : ) I had confidence that the system would work, but I didn't know it would work SO well! In less than 1 week the basil in the Vertical Hydroponic Wall Garden has grown an inch!

The top row has yet to be installed and as of now I think I will install something other than basil, like the variety of baby heirloom greens pictured above (growing in my studio as I write this). The benefit to this is I can experiment to see what grows best.

In the second run (once basil has been harvested 6-12 times it becomes woody and less fragrant and sweet), and if Silvio is up for it, I want to install ALL ARUGULA. Arugula is a rustic Italian heirloom green known for its unique flavor, and its one of my personal favorites. It has a pleasantly bitter and almost grassy quality (in the best sort of way) with peppery overtones. I love it. I would start the second run in June or July (depending on the basil growth and use).

It was nice to feel and hear the buzz about this new work... the employees at Comet Coffee were talking about how awesome it was, and dreaming urban potentials for hydroponic wall gardens within their own spaces (they didn't know I was the artist and I kept quiet). And whenever I am at Silivo's, tending or photographing, I am approached by people who are interested in the system... how it works, why I built it, what's growing and how it will be used. Many people are already asking me: "What's Next?" I have more tricks up my sleeve, but for now I am going to leave you guessing.
This buttercup is looking up! ; )

Silvio's is located at 715 North University, and if you haven't been there for the food yet (or to see the work in person) I highly recommend you go take visit! Its easy going, yet arguably some of the most authentic Italian food in town. Mind you Silvio uses ALL organic ingredients, buys from local farms and uses earth friendly take out packages. He even composts left over pizza. Beyond all, the food is made with love. The most divine browned butter and fresh sage gnocchi you can imagine, white truffle and shiittake pizza, fresh baked breads and pastries, arugula salads, need I go on? Go! You will love it.

Ciao for now beloved readers. XO, A.