LES SOURCIERS - HYDROPONIC EXOTICS
Les Sourciers is a hydroponic greenhouse in the south of France that grows several varieties of exotic plants. It is held by Marion and Nicolas, who boldly quit their corporate jobs in Argentina and erected it as demonstrator for the region, in an effort to exhibit a sustainable and efficent way of growing food.
Hydroponics is a soil-less way of growing plants that has been around for centuries.From the hanging gardens of Babylon to ancient Aztec agriculture, there are many different ways to grow food without soil. and some are less ecological than others. The system in Les Sourciers is amongst the more sustainable and operates the following way: when seedlings are mature, they are transplanted into pots filled with clay beads (the growing medium) and moved into holes in the hydroponic pipes. Through these pipes flows oxygen-rich water (since it is constantly flowing) to which has been added the appropriate nutrients. This water is cycled and recycled continuously so that very little is lost - indeed, it is no longer leaching into the soil or evaporating from the sun. And because there is no soil and it is a controlled environment, there are also fewer pests, which means they can be dealt with without using pesticides. Les Sourciers uses high quality nutrients to feed the plants, which causes them to be vitamin-rich and distinctively delicious (as compared to traditional agriculture). They do not use pesticides, so that biodiversity abounds in their planthouse- from frolicking bees to camouflaging grasshoppers.
This type of system can also be used vertically, so that it is viable in urban environments. In fact, it offers a solution to many comtemporary challenges: depleting soil nutrients and water supplies can be adressed and high produce carbon footprints can be reduced by spreading this method. Growing hydroponically in the city can also be a way for the urban dweller to reconnect with food growing and eat the freshest of food.
While working there in the summer, I had the opportunity to experience what growing hydroponically involves. It is wonderful. Wandering all day amidst so many plants feels great. Also, more importantly, working with my body felt right- as opposed to sitting at a computer most of the day, I was moving in a vast and luminous space amongst beautiful plants and delightful smells. What humans are meant to be.
Here are Marion and Nicolas in a video about their Hydroponic World Tour.