2019—Ongoing
Boynton Beach, FL

Syntropic Gardening

At the heart of Chip Bentley’s practice is localized soil creation through small-batch thermal composting and vermicomposting. Over the years Chip has cycled through various methods and obsessions. From traditional raised-bed vegetable plots, heirloom varieties of hot peppers, and casually recognizable fruit and vegetables, to his present focus; maximum calorie production per cubic-foot of space.

The yard boasts rare varieties of purple yam, a tuber that can grow up to 60lbs and climbs vigorously. There are over a dozen varieties of banana scattered around and some extremely rare, closely guarded gingers and turmerics. The collection has grown so large that his neighbor has donated space along the street, so long as no plants touch the fence.