Fuzzy edges between green & blue

The fuzzy edge between blue and green is defined as the edge between water and land, and proper valuation of the fuzzy edge can result in improvements in the way landscapes are planned, designed, and managed. The 'Aquatic Initiative', which was undertaken at the Chicago Botanic Garden (CBG) to control active bank corrosion in the lake system of the garden, is a prime example of proper management of the fuzzy edge. The goal of the CBG was to create a preeminent water garden, with the lagoons and shorelines serving as healthy ecosystems. The major initiatives of the shoreline restoration initiatives were to arrest any future shoreline erosion, enhance the aesthetic appeal of the lakes, and improve the water quality and habitat. The project involved efforts from multidisciplinary teams and the extensive use of underwater sheet piles and geotextiles in order to enhance aquatic plant survival as well as to protect the shoreline. The success of the project thus highlighted the importance of proper management of fuzzy edges.