In Midwest cities, urban sprawl consumes a significant portion of surrounding natural or previously farmed land. Many people are searching for ways to reconnect with nature and get that farm town community feel, without abandoning the benefits of modern living. One new living solution that combines the best of both worlds is the agrihood — a residential community built around a working farm or agricultural space. 

Agrihoods offer residents the opportunity to embrace nature in their community while fostering a tight-knit neighborhood. A new feature of some agrihoods is the incorporation of Schwig’s floating garden boxes, which help to enhance the connection to the environment and promote sustainable living. Agrihoods are the perfect blend of nature and community, and floating garden boxes can help create vibrant, eco-friendly spaces.

The Rise of Agrihoods

The concept of agrihoods is not entirely new, but this type of neighborhood has become more popular in recent years. As cities expand, many Midwesterners are seeking ways to incorporate more green spaces and community gardens into their daily living. Residents in agrihoods can enjoy more natural landscaping, and participate in farming, gardening, and food production, creating a more sustainable community. Agrihoods are typically designed with organic farming practices, and offer a variety of ways to enjoy locally grown, healthy food. Plus, they provide residents a chance to unwind at the end of the day, and enjoy time in a quiet space outside without sacrificing modern amenities within their homes or in the surrounding city. 

A Connection to Nature

In traditional urban or suburban environments, natural landscaping is often relegated to small parks or patches of green space. However, in an agrihood, nature is at the heart of the community. Often, there are more natural features between the homes to make residents feel like they are surrounded by the natural environment. Community gardens are also central to the plan of the neighborhood. Residents might even have direct access to farmland or orchards where they can see the food they eat being grown and harvested. This connection to the land makes residents feel a strong sense of community, compared to neighborhoods where there isn’t an effort to grow food or interact together. 

It’s well-known that nature brings a sense of calm and wellbeing (and can even have positive health effects), and that’s a big reason why the presence of nature within an agrihood allows for a more mindful approach to daily living. People who live in agrihoods are more likely to spend time outdoors and participate in community farming activities. This connection to nature not only improves physical health by encouraging outdoor activities but also has a positive impact on mental well-being. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors can reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve overall quality of life. 

Floating Garden Boxes: A Key Element in Sustainable Living

One of the most innovative and exciting features in many agrihoods is the incorporation of Schwig’s floating garden boxes.They can be used to grow a wide variety of plants, from vegetables to herbs and flowers, and they are an efficient way to utilize water resources while growing food. Due to the compact nature of the floating planter, water is also able to recirculate and not drain into soil like traditional gardens, improving water conservation efforts. 

Since they can be placed almost anywhere, floating garden boxes are highly customizable, allowing residents to grow food in small spaces or in areas where traditional gardening methods may not be feasible. They can also help beautify the environment and add gardening areas to ponds or lakes that are a part of the serene landscape. Whether used to grow edible plants or decorative flowers, floating garden boxes are a great way to integrate nature into the daily lives of residents. They offer a unique way to grow food, without disturbing the natural environment. 

A Sustainable Future

Agrihoods represent a step toward a more sustainable future. They blend the beauty of nature with the needs of modern living, creating environments that prioritize health, community, and environmental responsibility. By integrating features like Schwig’s floating garden boxes, agrihoods can offer multiple solutions for growing food in ways that are both environmentally friendly and visually eye-catching. As the demand for more natural ways of living continues to rise, it’s clear that agrihoods are the ideal model for neighborhoods moving forward. 

For more about floating garden boxes, reach out to Schwig’s to see how we can help incorporate floating planters into your agrihood gardening plan.