The Growing Home Promotes Sustainable Living in Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar resident Pearl Kumar began growing fruits and vegetables in her home garden 22 years ago to provide healthy food for her sons Rishi and Ro. 

During the brothers' time away at college, Rishi and Ro began taking a keen interest in farming, sustainability, and nutrition.

When they returned to Diamond Bar, Rishi had an idea that blossomed into the Growing Home, a model of green living and urban farming in the suburbs.

Since 2008, the family has made bold measures towards becoming more sustainable and self-sufficient. 

With nearly 80 percent of the plants grown in the garden edible, there is no lawn or grass and the majority of irrigation is used to grow food. To nourish the plants, the soil is mulched regularly with free compost from local horse stables.   

The garden infrastructure was constructed out of recycled materials, with the only major expenditure for a drip irrigation system installed throughout the garden that provides automatic operation and efficient water use, resulting in monthly water bills much lower than before.  

The yard's incredibly fertile soil has been transformed over the last few years and is burgeoning with 40 different fruit trees, including many tropical varieties. Seasonal vegetables, herbs, and spices round out the garden to provide a beautiful tapestry of color and greenery. 

The family is currently eating vegetables only grown in their garden from 90 percent heirloom vegetable seed varieties that they have saved to grow again, further increasing their self-sufficiency. The only groceries which are purchased to supplement their diet include bread, milk, and cheese. 

What began as a hobby has transformed the family garden into a showplace demonstrating the technique of Permaculture, or sustainable land use design based on ecological and biological principles, to maximize results while minimizing wasted energy.

Within a Permaculture system, work is minimized; "wastes" become resources, productivity and yields increase, and environments are restored.

The ecological processes of plants, animals, their nutrient cycles, climatic factors and weather cycles are all part of the picture. Inhabitants’ needs are provided for using proven technologies for food, energy, shelter and infrastructure. 

The Kumar family is showcasing their creation to the public with a Grand Opening Party on Friday, June 24th from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. All are welcome to the home at 24218 Doeskin Place, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. Further details about the home, project, and a series of fee-based classes to be held in the family garden beginning July 2nd can be found on their website.

Connect with the Growing Home on Facebook and Twitter, and stay tuned for a video tour through the Growing Home Wednesday on Diamond Bar Patch.