Natural Synergy for the Gardener

Leek Flower, June 2010

syn·er·gy (snr-j)n. pl. syn·er·gies – the interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

No plant is an island. What an amazing thing! When nature combines plants and animals in a natural ecosystem suddenly overall productivity is increased.

Nature Knows Best

In nature you don’t find fields of annuals. Annuals indicate that nature has been disturbed. Neither will you find a solitary oak tree growing all by itself on a barren plain. It just wouldn’t be natural. Rather, an oak tree nourishes caterpillars which birds feed on. And under oak trees belong understory trees and shrubs and carpets of perennial flowering plants. Some of the plants bring up nutrients from deeper soil levels, some attract pollinating insects, and yet others fix nitrogen from the air. And the fallen oak leaves and branches are food and homes for organisms which break down natural waste and recycle them.

Synergy in the Food Garden

But natural synergy isn’t just about native plant gardening. There are ways to combine herbs, fruit trees, bushes, and vegetable growing which lead to higher yields in your garden. Take for example the corn, bean, and squash guild – something the Native Americans knew all about before Columbus arrived. Plant guilds are more complex, and altogether more powerful, than companion planting. For now all you need to know is that natural synergy exists; I’m going to wait to bring you tips another day.

Two Heads Are Better Than One

But synergy doesn’t stop in the garden. Isn’t it true that when we talk and learn about gardening here together on the web synergy happens also? I feel fortunate to be part of the community which the online world has brought me – I’d not be the enthusiastic gardener I am today without it. And it doesn’t even stop here on my blog. I’m part of the Twitter Gardening Community, and I’m an A-List Blogger, and I’m very proud to announce that my articles here at Loving Nature’s Garden are now in the home and garden section of the brand new Daily Brainstorm Blogazine.

Do go over and check out all the wonderful Daily Brainstorm contributions from writers as well known as Leo Babauta (Zen Habits) and Darren Rowse (Problogger), as well as a whole host of positively minded, up and coming writers. What a great place to ‘rock your mind’ and get you on a new, fresh, track to self-improvement. I can feel the natural synergy of being a part of this. I know I’ll be visiting often!

Related posts:

1. Natural Science Foundation
2. What Do You Want?
3. Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House