Why does ecology focused landscaping matter?
“THE OLDEST TASK IN HUMAN HISTORY IS TO LIVE ON A PIECE OF LAND WITHOUT SPOILING IT”
-ALDO LEOPOLD
Ecology-focused landscaping is an approach that harmonizes human-designed spaces with the natural environment, fostering biodiversity and regenerative landscaping practices. It is important because, by prioritizing native plants and mindful design, we can support local wildlife, conserve resources, and create resilient ecosystems. In a world where many species are at risk both from toxins, the change in the climate and from invasive species, science is only beginning to unravel the depth of importance of the interdependence between plants, insects, birds, fungi and the thousands and thousands of other organisms that support life here on earth. The more mindful of a role we play in this great web of life the better the chances that our grandchildren’s grandchildren will get to enjoy the beauty that we have when experiencing the great outdoors.
The Vital Role Plants Play For Birds
Renowned entomologist Doug Tallamy emphasizes the critical role native plants play in supporting bird populations. His research has revealed that native oaks can support no less than a mind-boggling 550 species of butterflies and moths, providing essential food sources for birds. In contrast, non-native plants like the ginkgo tree supports just five, offering limited sustenance for avian life. In his book Bringing Nature Home, Tallamy shares that birds, especially during nesting season, rely heavily on caterpillars for food.
A single Carolina Chickadee needs over 6,000 caterpillars to raise just one brood.
Since caterpillars primarily feed on native plants, landscapes dominated by ornamental, non-native species fail to provide enough food. And it’s not just birds and caterpillars that are affected being affected by the over use of non-native plants in landscaping. Tallamy estimates that the worldwide population of arthropods, chiefly insects, has declined by 45 percent from preindustrial times. Without insects, it would be the case that lizards, frogs and toads, birds and mammals, from rodents up through bears, would lose all or a large part of their diets. “The little things that run the world are disappearing,” he says. “This is an ecological crisis that we’re just starting to talk about.”
Tallamy provides practical guidance on how to transition to an ecology-focused landscape:
Plant more native species, especially keystone plants like oaks, willows, and goldenrod.
Reduce lawn areas in favor of pollinator-friendly gardens and meadows.
Avoid pesticides, which harm insects that birds and other wildlife depend on.
Educate neighbors and communities to spread awareness of the importance of native plants.
To learn more check out these resources:
https://www.audubon.org/news/why-native-plants-are-better-birds-and-people
Aster and yarrow, both fantasic pollinator plants
Insights from Other Experts
Jennifer Jewell’s work—both on the Cultivating Place podcast and in her book Under Western Skies—beautifully complements the ethos of ecology-focused landscaping. Jewell explores how the diverse ecosystems of the western coast of North America, shapes our gardens, communities, and cultural identities. Her reflections on the importance of connecting with the land around us serve as a reminder that landscaping isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s really about fostering relationships with the environment. Jewell’s insights encourage us to rethink how we connect with nature, highlighting that true connection comes from cultivating a deeper understanding of the specific plants and ecosystems of our region. Her message is clear: our gardens should be spaces that reflect the uniqueness of our environment, promoting biodiversity and resilience rather than homogenizing nature.
In Under Western Skies, Jewell brings to light the rich interplay between the human experience and the landscape in the Western U.S., offering a poignant exploration of the region’s native plants and the importance of their preservation. She encourages us to honor the wild and intricate beauty of our local flora, recognizing that landscapes are living, evolving entities that require careful stewardship. Her work underscores the necessity of integrating native plants into our landscapes, which not only support local wildlife and ecosystems but also provide a sense of place and connection to the land. Just as Jewell urges us to cultivate a mindful, rooted relationship with nature, we, too, must approach our landscapes with the intention of nurturing and preserving the delicate balance of the environment. This ensures that our gardens serve as both a sanctuary for us and as an integral part of our planet’s complex ecosystems.
See one of Jewell’s incredible lectures:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6-sTZHHALA
“Building habitat for wildlife is not solely about making use of the pest-management functions but also about bolstering the health and vitality of biodiversity on a global scale. Right now, we are in the middle of what is called the “sixth great mass extinction.” Biological diversity on the planet is decreasing every single day. The more we create havens for life to live, grow, and thrive, the more resilient our environments and landscapes will be.”
An ecologist and landscape designer also hailing from Sebastopol where I now reside, Erik Ohlsen, highlights the broader ecological benefits of plants: "Plants mitigate erosion, build soil, clean toxic water, break up hard soil, manage the climate, and so on." These functions are integral to creating healthy habitats for all forms of life, including birds. Erik Ohlsen's The Regenerative Landscaper: Design and Build Landscapes That Repair the Environment is a comprehensive guide that integrates permaculture design, food resiliency, climate adaptation, community organizing, and indigenous wisdom. Crafted for both beginners and experienced practitioners, the book offers step-by-step instructions to transform landscaping ideas into thriving ecosystems.
Ohlsen emphasizes the importance of viewing landscapes as interconnected systems. By understanding the relationships between soil, water, plants, and wildlife, designers can create self-sustaining environments that benefit both humans and nature.
Oaks play a vital role in our ecosystem providing habitat for over 550 different species.
Why Ecology-Focused Landscaping Matters
Incorporating native plants into our landscapes is more than an aesthetic choice; it's a commitment to environmental stewardship. By doing so, we provide essential resources for birds and other wildlife, promote biodiversity, and contribute to the health of our ecosystems. As Tallamy, Jewell and Ohlsen assert—our landscaping choices can have profound impacts on the ecosystem without the need for extensive conservation efforts. Embracing ecology-focused landscaping allows us to play an active role in nurturing the natural world, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the rich tapestry of life that surrounds us.