Traditional landscaping practices concern aspects such as beautification, fertilizers, and pesticides to control “invasive” weeds and “unwanted” pests. Urban landscapes emphasize green lawns, sprinkler systems, and groomed shrubs. Although these landscapes may look beautiful, not much consideration goes into creating a true ecosystem. Landscaping concentrates on changing the design of residential and commercial areas. Flowerbeds and surrounding plants are replaced biannually and seasonally.
Working alongside Cindee Klement, I was able to obtain this knowledge. Her garden, Symbiosis, asks the question: “how do we holistically restore an ecological balance in Houston?” The living sculpture creates a safe haven and ecosystem in the lively city of Houston.
Symbiosis focuses on regenerative agriculture, which is a practice that has beneficial environmental sustainability outcomes. Regenerative agriculture prioritizes soil health which reduces carbon and ultimately increases biodiversity and the ecological community.
Land restoration should be made a priority, it is our duty to repair and restore the land and the security of the environment for all the inhabitants. We should start by recognizing the unceded territories that we occupy and the history of the land. We must research traditional and modern Indigenous land practices in order to understand the proper preservation of the Earth’s biodiversity. Climate change has also impacted numerous ecosystems through deforestation, desertification, and pollution. We must respect the land that we are on, firstly by correcting our climate crisis and recognizing that we are temporary inhabitants of the land, and one day we will be one with the land.
When you lose something, you hope it will be found. When something is stolen, you want it returned. We’ve had our land stolen and we’re losing it again Unless we all take action for the climate to change.
