Diversity and Gardening

Decades of research tell us that gardens are stronger with more diversity. This is true for gardening programs as well. The Benton County Master Gardener Association is committed to working towards greater racial justice and equity and in the coming weeks and months will be developing and discussing a plan of action for even greater diversity, equity, and inclusion within its program.


Diversity of garden cultures

Here are some resources that we are using to understand and celebrate the diversity of experiences and views that can shape and enhance our gardens:

Books:

• Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land by Leah Penniman

• The Color of Food: Stories of Race, Resilience, and Farming by Natasha Bowens.

• Rooted in the Earth: Reclaiming the African American Environmental Heritage by Dianne D. Glave.

• The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature by J. Drew Lanham

• My Garden by Jamaica Kincaid.

Web resources:

• TED TAlk by Ron Finley: A Guerilla Gardener in South Central LA

  Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzZzZ_qpZ4w&feature=youtu.be

• agrowingculture.org

Diversity of flora and fauna

Here are ways that you can welcome a diversity of life into your garden:

• Incorporate a water feature: Adding water to your garden makes it attractive to birds and wildlife and can provide habitat for a whole new palate of plants that attract a range of aquatic wildlife, such as frogs, dragonflies and fish.

• Add a log, rock pile, or snag: A pile of logs or rocks can provide a home for beneficial snakes and frogs. When not in danger of causing harm to buildings or humans, a dead tree (called a snag) can be retained as a home for woodpeckers and other creatures and provides a good perch for hawks and owls.

• Limit the use of pesticides: A biodiverse garden usually has fewer problems with pests as it is welcoming to beneficial birds and insects that keep pests under control. Don’t jeopardize their activity by using pesticides in ways that can harm these beneficial helpers.

From Benton County Master Gardeners -
Membership meetings: 3rd Monday Oct. to May 7:00pm - currently on Zoom