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Space-inspired garden takes top prize at UK's Chelsea Garden Show

31 May 2007

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This garden is a terrestrial space garden, situated within an assumed dome, on planet Mars. The garden belongs to an astronaut on a 600-day tour and explores the psychological importance of man’s relationship with his environment.

600 Days with Bradstone has been inspired by the Millennium and a new era in scientific and design idioms. The garden has been researched for eight years with input from the European Space Agency (ESA), which is researching the psychological effects of spending long periods in space, and the British Science Museum. All materials and construction processes are within the realms of scientific possibility.

Credits: Copyright © 2007 Aggregate Industries Ltd. www.600days.com

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Sarah has spent an intensive eight years researching this garden with the help of the European Space Agency and the British Science Museum.

Credits: Copyright © 2007 Aggregate Industries Ltd. www.600days.com

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ESA's Aurora Programme has the goal of preparing Europe to play a key role in the future human exploration of Mars together with internatinal partners

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The garden is sub-divided into two interlocking spaces with different functions. The front incorporates a spring where the water forms a fine mist as it emerges from the ground. The majority of this area is given over to growing luxury food items such as pistachios and olives, as well as plants with healing properties such as arnica, opium poppy and calendula.

The rear is an area of relaxation with a hanging chair and a rest pod where the astronaut can retire in order to maintain a natural 24-hour cycle. Both the seating and the rest area have been designed to suit the gravity on the planet, making the angle of the repose position somewhat different to here on Earth!

Credits: Copyright © 2007 Aggregate Industries Ltd. www.600days.com

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The garden has taken eight years to construct from concept through to design, based on research carried out by Sarah herself and assistance from the European Space Agency and British Science Museum.

All materials and construction processes used in the garden are within the realms of current scientific possibility. The garden is highly educational in itself and represents the cutting edge of scientific possibility as well as outlining the importance of understanding the psychological importance of a long term stay in space. It brings to the forefront the need for balance and biodiversity in a delicate world.

Credits: Copyright © 2007 Aggregate Industries Ltd. www.600days.com

More information

International Space Station (ISS)Research in Human Spaceflight Exploration Aurora ESA prepares for a human mission to Mars