One speaker spoke passionately about trees, reminding us that trees quite literally hold the earth together with their roots. These organisms are so beautifully evolved, so adaptable, yet we persist in taking them for granted. And we may well be pushing them to the edge of their ability to adapt.
Another speaker explored the ecology of watersheds. In a natural setting, 50 percent of rainwater infiltrates into the ground. Ten percent flows away as run off and 40 percent returns into the water cycle through evaporation. But in the typical urban setting -- where pavement, rooftops and other impermeable surfaces dominate the landscape -- the proportions are very different. Only ten percent of rainwater infiltrates the ground. Fifty percent becomes run off, rushing into storm sewers, swelling streams and rivers, even eroding the health of the watershed - quite literally.
These are all facts I did not know. They speak to how we are impacting the earth in powerful ways. These could be sad facts too, were it not for the encouraging suggestions each speaker made for how we, as gardeners, can make a difference.
For this growing season, why not try making one or two small changes in your garden practice? Think about trees, the watershed, and your community. What can you do to make a difference?
Seven Suggestions for Making a Difference
- Plant a tree to add diversity in your neighbourhood's tree canopy. Learn about local efforts to enhance and protect the urban forest.
- Install a rain barrel and start recycling the rain.
- Build a rain garden to reduce the impact of run-off.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants to reduce your garden's watering needs.
- Let your lawn grow a little longer -- mow less and water less. Better yet, replace your turf with a low-mow alternative like Wildflower Farm's Eco-Lawn.
- Plant an extra row of vegetables and share with a neighbour, the local food bank or food action group.
- Find and support a local group that is working to enhance the urban landscape.
Challenge yourself, just as I'm doing, to grow in new directions by learning what you can about environmentally supportive garden practices. Whether you garden in a cold or warm region of the country, you can make a difference.
Jacaranda seedling. Cole Shatto, 2007 via Wikimedia Commons
What are you already doing to make a difference? Share a comment.