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Biodiversity
Now there’s a word we don’t hear much in the gardening world. I wonder why? Most people probably never realize that, as gardeners, we create and maintain spaces that boast the most biodiversity and wildlife habitat second only to Mother Nature herself. Consider the diversity of plants in your garden when compared to your neighbors’ misshapen poodle bushes and steroid-infused lawns. Most if not all of us will need more than ten fingers to count the number of species in our collection – the same can’t be said for Mr. and Mrs. “My-Lawn-is-Medicated-Out-of-its-Mind” Jones next door. You may be asking yourself, (and if you’re not, then bare with me for another paragraph) why is biodiversity so important?
Biodiversity is important for one simple reason – it makes the world go round. Ok, perhaps not literally, but don’t let that undersell its importance! I mean, sure, astrophysics and geology play an important role in the past and present, but biodiversity is the key to the future! Biodiversity is essential to a healthy and productive ecosystem. A healthy ecosystem provides us with a huge, massive, almost-incapable-of-comprehension list of benefits.
A healthy ecosystem cleans our air, purifies our water and provides food, but consider that a healthy and diverse ecosystem might also hold the key to the next life-saving vaccine or medical breakthrough. As a gardener – one who works with the earth to improve its beauty and utility – we have the skills to play a vital role in encouraging and improving a healthy ecosystem in our own garden.
Now, you may be wondering why I’m talking about biodiversity on a gardening blog. Isn’t this where I’m supposed to talk about my favorite plants for spring and tips for making homemade potting soil? Fear not, such exciting and more predictable topics aren’t far off, so do stay tuned. Don’t think for a second, however, this blog is going to be nothing more than book reviews and plant care tips – I want to look beyond the backyard, and focus on the big picture.
I want to answer the question of what it means to be a gardener in the 21st century – not only in terms of utilizing the latest cultivar or sifting through the myriad of information available on the Internet – but in terms of our role in American and world culture as well. How will we, the next generation of gardeners both novice and professional, impact the development of environmental policy and ecological awareness? It’s time to make sustainability not only a duty and a privilege, but sexy.
Sustainability needs some sex appeal – and I’m not just talking about tanned beach bodies displaying reusable bags (though I’ve heard worse ideas…). Our generation is full of ideas, passion, and drive, and it’s time we channeled such qualities to good use. I look forward to sharing ideas with you, dear reader, and hearing your thoughts as well. Please share your ideas, opinions, criticisms, jokes, puns, insults, secrets, and above all else – your inspiration. Through this exchange we can be at the forefront of the next great gardening revolution. We’re already off to a fantastic start, so let’s keep up the momentum!