Roll out the Garden Polka

Gardening for Gumbies - the Roll-Out Veg Mat :

Photos: Chris Chapman website

Chris Chapman is an early twenties British designer, who baulked at the idea of studying design to make 'pretty things for wealthy, privileged consumers.' So he changed tack and learnt design-for-sustainability instead. He now has a quiver of cool green projects ready to fling at prospective clients or employers.

The one that most captured our attention was his Roll-Out Veg Mat. Each season householders buy a new roll of corrugated cardboard impregnated with vegetable seeds. Simply roll out the cardboard and cover with soil. Presto! Near instant veggie garden. It's simplicity could even push the No-Dig Garden for uncomplicated elegance.

But wait. Half the fun of a garden is to dig, weed, plant, thin...I'm sticking to Johnny's.