Importance of the Ecological Garden in 2024

1. Supporting pollinators: These little flying beings are vital to the health of our food system and to the health of ecosystems. We need to cultivate environments where pollinators can thrive and do their job free from chemicals. Best ways to support pollinators in your home garden is to not use any chemicals that harm like insecticides. It can be tempting for gardeners and farmers to use toxic products to try to rid themselves of a specific insect or pest harming their plants, however, these chemicals cause more harm than good long-term and are part of the breakdown of ecosystems we see today. I am surprised its not already a requirement for farmers to be farming utilizing regenerative methods. This means that each year the farm would get healthier and more biodiverse instead of becoming depleted and/or unstable. You can support pollinators by not using chemicals and also by planting plants that pollinators love. This will be many types of flowers and edible plants. If you can get native plants as well even better. Some examples would be all types of salvias, lavender, echinacea (coneflower), herbs like oregano and thyme if you let it go to flower, yarrow, pentstemon, fruit and citrus trees when they flower, and many many more.

   
   

   

   
   

2. Creating a more resilient and stable environment: This is important when we recognize that natural disasters are occurring more frequently and intensely. I am not saying that our garden will save us in the wake of a huge disaster but I believe the culmination of many ecological gardens can make a very big difference and perhaps even slow these events from happening. When the soil is healthy you reduce the chance of flooding, when the garden is biodiverse it is more resilient to disease and environmental changes, when you plant a garden you are creating more green space which reduces carbon in the environment. There are also ways to create a more fire resilient environment by consciously choosing which plants and materials you have around your home.

   
   

   

   
   

3. Supports Mental and Emotional Wellness: When you plant an ecological garden in your own space it helps you to feel more connected to nature, reduce anxiety, and life mood. It can also help you stay healthier and live longer. Not only are you supporting wellness in yourself when you create these spaces, but you are also contributing to the wellness of your community (human and wildlife). Community members who walk by your garden will be uplifting through seeing green spaces, flowers, and pollinators like butterflies. If you are growing food you will also be supporting the nourishment of community members. It can be easily overlooked how important these spaces are but have no doubt they make a significant difference in the wellness of our communities.