Plants

&
Seeds

Plants: The energy converters for the terrestrial, solar powered ecosystem.

Photosynthesis forms the basis of the food chain, converting solar energy into the energy that, stored as carbohydrates, feeds all of the other layers of the ecosystem. From hosting nitrogen fixing bacteria all the way up the food chain to carnivores, plants provide the carbohydrates that power the system. Plants manufacture soils, modify climates, store water and nutrients, cultivate and modify soil biology and form complex, interdependent relationships with fungi, bacteria, pollinators, grazers and a range of seed dispersers including insects and birds.

When we work with plants, the species we choose, where we source them, what we plant them with and how we care for them will affect the local and regional and global environment.

They are also beautiful, useful and fascinating to humans and incorporating them into our urban spaces helps to make happier, calmer and healthier and frames our experience of being outdoors.

Regenerative Planting Practices:

• Covering the site with plant material in three or more layers, including a ground cover layer that protects soil and soil life.
• Planting a diversity of species
• Selecting species and varieties adapted to the site conditions
• Including plants that provide food and habitat for native species
• Producing plants locally, from regionally adapted, genetically diverse seeds or source plants
• Planting primarily perennial species, which require fewer inputs while increasing soil carbon

Degenerative Planting Practices:

• Planting or distribution of species known to be prone to invasive behaviour in native ecosystems.
• Incautious introduction of species likely to become invasive.
• Planting in monocultures
• Extensive annual plantings which require regular soil disturbance
• Plant spacing that results in bare soil when not appropriate (such as in arid climates)
• Plant combinations that do not provide habitat or food for native species.