This is possible because the garden makes its own ecosystem through the magic of the sun (photosynthesis) that is self-sufficient. “It’s 6ft from a window so gets a bit of sunlight. It grows towards the light so it gets turned round every so often so it grows evenly. Otherwise, it’s the definition of low-maintenance. I’ve never pruned it, it just seems to have grown to the limits of the bottle.”David reported to the Daily Mail. The sealed garden has been placed in the same exact spot for 27 years in the Latimer’s home. Located in Cranleigh, Surrey. First exposed to the world through Radio 4’s Gardeners Question Time on BBC by Chris Beardshaw. Chris is not only a television host, but also a garden designer. Saying that he felt David’s sealed garden was indeed the perfect cycle of life and a great example of plants recycling ability. Also adding that it is the same method that NASA is interested in bringing plants into space. Saying:
‘”Plants operate as very good scrubbers, taking out pollutants in the air, so that a space station can effectively become self-sustaining,’ he said. ‘This is a great example of just how pioneering plants are and how they will persist given the opportunity.”
Growing Bottle Gardens
As stated earlier a bottle garden works by creating a ecosystem that is self-sustaining. Through plant photosynthesis and recycling nutrients. Light is the only input needed externally. Providing energy for food and growth. The light shines on the leaves and is taken in by protein containing chlorophylls (green colored pigment). The plant stores a portion of the light as ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for energy. The remaining amount is used in the plant roots to get rid of electrons from water. The electrons then are free to release oxygen by converting carbon dioxide to carbohydrates through chemical reactions. To decay organic material like deal leaves the ecosystem employs cellular respiration. Which is done by bacteria that takes in waste oxygen and releases carbon dioxide that helps the plant grow. The plant will also use a similar process of cellular respiration to break down nutrients it has stored when there is no sunlight (nighttime).
Water is cycled by getting sucked up in plant roots, transpires into the air, then gets condensed into the potting mix. Beginning a new cycle that repeats over and over again.