Understanding Cultural Reasons for the Increase in Both Restoration Efforts and Gardening with Native Plants

Abstract

Gardening with native plants is becoming more popular as evidenced by the number of new Internet sites, books, publications, and native plant societies. Restoration efforts are also increasing. The increase in both native plant gardening and restoration can be tied to a real or perceived decrease in wild areas and the biological and cultural functions that nature provides. Historical literature suggests that both gardening and restoration efforts are increasing because of strongly held cultural beliefs. Many of these beliefs reflect strong European cultural history, which is embedded in garden history in North America. These cultural traditions remain strong in the US and lead to an increase in efforts to restore and cherish nature, especially to save disappearing wild places and species. Gardening with a restoration focus, such as for sustaining wildlife, will most likely continue as wilder areas continue to be converted to homes and managed landscapes.