Thinking About a Holistic Approach in Garden Design
28.06.2023 - 11:47
/ treehugger.com
In permaculture garden design, we often talk about the importance of taking a holistic approach. But if you are unfamiliar with this phrase, then you may question what exactly it means.
Even if you are well aware of the definition, you may still question how to implement this idea in your garden design and not really see clearly the reasons why taking this sort of approach is the best idea.
So I thought it might be helpful to delve into the topic and talk about the various elements of a holistic approach.
When we talk about taking a holistic approach, we are talking primarily about «complete system thinking.» About thinking in a joined-up manner about the ways in which we design our gardens or other spaces and bring people, ideas, and the plants that we grow together rather than keeping them apart.
By looking at complete system thinking, joined-up thinking, and integrating, not segregating, we can begin to build up a picture of why a holistic approach is such an important part of successful garden design.
Looking at the whole wood is important—a concept you may recognize from the famous adage of not seeing the wood for the trees. When we do not look at the big picture first, then we cannot hope to get things right when it comes to the details.
In gardens, and other natural systems, or ecosystems, thinking about whole systems rather than zoning in too prematurely on the details can be especially important.
It is almost a cliché to talk about how everything is connected, but it is important to recognize not only individual plants and animals but also the connections between them. If we fail to do so, then we miss a huge part of the picture and will quite simply not be as successful in our growing efforts.
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