A B B A Figures 14.32-A and 14.32-B An example of water retention and storage for later use to irrigate urban gardens. Item A is for water retention, and B is a flower and vegetable garden. Amersfoort, the Netherlands.
The extensive urban garden shown in photographs in Figures 14.32-A and 14.32-B serves a second and important purpose as a water retention strategy. The gardens are primarily planted with seasonal flowers, herbs, and vegetables. The canal in the same picture adds interest as only a water feature can in a dense urban setting. The area, which is essentially a large basin or vessel, has been designed with a capacity for detaining water during heavy storms. Eventually the water is absorbed in the soil or evaporates. Some of the water stored in the concrete canal is used to supplement irrigation of adjacent planting. Item A in figure 14.32-B is the same canal as in Figure 14.32-A. The area marked B shows the variety of plants including perennials and herbs to add visual interest at the same time can detain water overflow from the canal during heavy rains. A dry stream was created in the dense urban commercial area shown in Figure 14.33. When not containing water, the dry streambed can serve a variety of creative functions such as a skateboarding park or a site for programmed uses and Figure 14.33 A dry stream channel in Almere, the events hosted by the city or merchants. Netherlands 252
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