Technical Assistance for the Design of a Family Medicinal Plant Garden (Taman TOGA) at Graha Mandiri Residence, Patemon, Semarang City

Abstract

The decline in medicinal plant availability is not only due to growth and harvesting processes, but also to limited land availability. On the other hand, land limitation remains a major factor in planning the provision of medicinal plants. Likewise, the existence of vacant land does not automatically guarantee its optimal utilization for developing a family medicinal plant garden (Taman TOGA) within a residential environment. Graha Mandiri Residence is a housing area with several vacant plots in certain locations. The establishment of a Taman TOGA is expected to provide environmental, health, and social benefits; however, design-related issues are among the main constraints. This community service activity aims to provide technical assistance in designing a Taman TOGA, thereby creating opportunities for residents of Graha Mandiri Residence to manage unused land and transform it into a productive and beneficial space. The design applies the Therapeutic Garden concept in the development of the “Maju” Taman TOGA. This concept is expected to enhance functional and aesthetic values while accommodating residents’ needs in accordance with architectural principles and landscape design approaches.