Water plays an essential role in gardening, and the ability to efficiently circulate it in a vertical garden is crucial. At ReLeaf, we’ve embraced the use of portable water "towers" in our upcycled vertical gardens to embody the principles of the circular economy. This way, we not only repurpose materials but also water – a precious resource.

A portable water tower in the context of a vertical garden is simply a container that can store water at a higher elevation. It doesn't have to be big or cumbersome; it could be as simple as an upcycled plastic jug, an old watering can, or even a repurposed bucket. Its portability offers flexibility, making it easy to position it for optimal watering or to be relocated based on the needs of the garden.

One of the key principles behind these portable water towers is gravity-fed irrigation. When the tower is filled with water and positioned above the plants, gravity pulls the water downwards, allowing it to trickle or drip down to the plants below. This not only provides a gentle, consistent supply of water for the plants but also saves energy, as it doesn't require any pumping to deliver the water.

However, once the water reaches the bottom of the garden, it needs to be lifted to replenish the water tower. Here, we have two options: mechanical pumping or manual labor. An upcycled pump, perhaps repurposed from an old fountain or aquarium, can be used to pump the water from the basin back up into the tower, thus maintaining a continuous cycle of water. Alternatively, for gardens without access to power or in the spirit of human-powered solutions, the basin can be manually emptied and used to refill the tower. 

This system of recirculating water resonates with the principles of the circular economy that ReLeaf embodies. In a circular economy, resources are kept in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value from them while in use, and then recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of their life. In the case of our water towers, water is continually cycled through the system, reducing waste and maximizing usage. 

In this way, ReLeaf's approach to urban gardening not only creates a greener environment but also exemplifies resourcefulness and sustainability, with the goal of contributing to a more resilient and eco-friendly community.