While college dorms do not permit pets, plants get the OK. Jamie Byron took advantage of this allowance during his senior year at MIT. Although his roommate, Gabe Blanchet, was skeptical, Byron pieced together an indoor garden. Later that winter, Blanchet decided it was not such a bad idea as they sat in their dorm eating fresh grown salad. That is when the two decided to team up and make this type of indoor garden available to everyone.
The product is called the Grove, and it is a bookshelf style indoor garden, capable of hosting anything from herbs to tomato plants. Mail subscriptions are available for seed and plant renewals, and their website offers how-to videos for those who have not yet acquired their green thumb. They also offer an app that assists you in growing and caring for your garden.
Quite possibly the most interesting part of this invention is the integration of a fish tank. The addition of the aquarium takes this product from a garden to what is called an aquaponic system. The waste from the fish is cycled through the plants, and in turn, the filtered water from the plants goes back into the tank.
Byron and Blanchet’s goal through this business is to provide a garden system to those who would not normally have access to one. They have a passion for promoting healthy eating and that is apparent at the core of this product.
What I appreciate and Byron and Blanchet’s venture is the sheer cleverness of it all. The aquaponic nature of the invention is incredible. It is also great to see inventions of new ways to have access healthy food. The app and website integration is well done and is an attractive part of their business model. I admire Byron and Blanchet’s creativity and passion for their product and its cause.
I really like the design of the product. At my high school, there was an aquaponics system made by one of the teachers, but this one sets itself apart by the beautiful design. It’s really well thought out.
The addition of the fish tank makes this product different than other products. This company really knows how to set itself apart and create a unique product. Grove is definitely a niche product, but it will probably achieve much success.
Wow that looks beautiful! This is a great example of design. Normally I do not care for plants, but this set up looks amazing! I’m sure it is expensive, but I definitely know people who would be interested. Thanks for the great post!
This is such an interesting and unique project. Not only does the product function well, but the design is extraordinary as well. Healthy eating is definitely something that some people are conscious of, and I think this product is motivating in that aspect. The fish tank is such a distinctive feature of the product. I love how two college students came up with the idea!