Water Resources Management in Arid Climates through the Edible Garden Approach Inspired by the Persian Garden (Case Study: Tohid Park, Birjand)

From ancient times to the present, edible gardens have been developed in many countries as a strategy to mitigate urban heat islands, manage water resources, combat drought, preserve biodiversity, and enhance food security. An edible garden is essentially a combination of edible plants within an ornamental landscape, which not only provides aesthetic value and recreational opportunities but also yields beneficial agricultural products. This type of landscaping can simultaneously contribute to physical and mental health, improve urban environmental quality, and strengthen the local economy. In the current context of escalating water crises and environmental, economic, social, and cultural challenges, attention to such approaches has become an undeniable necessity. The present study aims to propose appropriate strategies for designing edible gardens in arid climates by examining the principles of sustainable water resource management and xeriscaping, while drawing inspiration from the Persian garden style to offer a sustainable and restorative model for cities with limited water resources. Given the high population density in urban areas, edible gardens can serve as therapeutic spaces and small-scale urban agriculture, playing a role in ensuring food security and reducing pressure on water resources. The findings indicate that designing edible gardens with a xeriscaping approach and water resource management not only reduces water consumption and enhances users' physical and mental health but also strengthens cultural identity, increases social interactions, and raises environmental awareness, thereby paving the way toward urban sustainability.

کلیدواژه ها:

Edible garden ، Water resource management ، Urban agriculture ، Persian garden ، Healing landscape ، Xeriscaping