There is No 'Away'
Something new! a guest post to prompt some deep thoughts and act as a catalyst for discussions around the future of horticulture and the environment.
If I were to argue here, that landfills and wilderness are analogous, would you think I’m crazy?
You know when they say, when you throw something away, there is no ‘away’?
Well, I’ve been thinking, wilderness is another ‘away’ we throw things into. Instead of our trash, we throw all our best wishes and hopes for the planet -and for humanity- into it. We put them over ‘there’ in the same sort of manner that we throw our garbage away -it absolves us of the responsibility of coping with them at home.
Of course, I am not saying we shouldn’t protect and honor those big ecosystems and ‘unspoiled’ nature that still exist. They are obviously crucial to the wellbeing of the planet, to countless living beings, and to our own mental wellbeing.
I am just saying, really, there is no ‘away’. There can’t be. Not anymore. To have all our best hopes and dreams for the earth living out ‘there’ somewhere is too heavy a weight for those ecosystems to bear. I am thinking -tell me if I’m wrong- that it’s time we start to help carry our own load. I am saying, hopefully, that our best hopes and dreams have to come back to live right around us.
This is the premise, yes, of Doug Tallamy’s #homegrownnationalpark!
It’s a lot to imagine. But if you thought about having your best hopes and dreams for the world living right outside your door -what would it look like to you?
Liza Kiesler, at Viburnum Gardens
Viburnum Gardens offers design, sourcing and planting for sustainable gardens and landscapes. Located in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom (plus paintings @highlanderstudio_vt_)
Please do share your thoughts in the comments, we would love to hear what your feelings are on this idea. What would Your, Home Grown National park look like?
Also, if you're interested in more eco-based horticulture and/or offsetting your carbon footprint, consider donating to help us build a willow farm. Checkout our crowdfunder on chuffed.org, the Hedgecraft Willow site or social media for more information. It's a great cause and a great way to make a positive and tangible difference in the world.
Sara-Jane at Virens Studio & now Hedgecraft Willow
