R A C H E L H A M R I C K
E N V I R O N M E N T A L D E S I G N
M U G S H O T S G R I L L & B A R
A U B U R N , A L A B A M A
This project was prompted by a wilting peppermint plant and a lousy mojito. My position as both a consumer as well as plant and system enthusiast makes this an important issue for me. The situation was quite ironic, seeing as how the patio—full of sunlight the plant needed—was just around the corner. I realized that the company used a certain form of evidence to persuade their funding sources of the value of their purchases and endeavors.
To them, the concept of building an herb garden on the patio would be a complete waste of time and resources. For this, the determining factor was whether this could be something bought or sold—in other words, whether this herb garden was ‘marketable’.
Every project is different, but generally we work with groups who want nothing but to change for the better. This was the first time I had ever experienced an entity entirely unwilling to participate unless they could benefit financially. In fact, I believe this to be one of the most important projects I’ve done. Surely, in today’s American culture, I will need to be able to show the financial benefit to any healthy investment.
This project was prompted by a mojito and wilting peppermint plant. Mugshots Grill & Bar was having difficulty keeping their peppermint plant fresh and crisp while it was being used behind the bar. Since there are no windows close enough to promote healthy growth for herbs needed for drinks and dishes, the manager and I decided it would be advantageous to install an herb garden on site.
The proposal calls for a series of window boxes to be installed on the brick walls of the patio outside. Having herbs growing on site is not only cost-effective but also generates higher customer satisfaction and community ecological awareness. Now, instead of purchasing a new peppermint plant or boxes of dried out parsley, Mugshots can go outside and hand-pick their own, "homegrown," healthier alternatives.
