Gardening with Everyone
We’ve talked about the types of activities you do as a Master Gardener Volunteer. We also talked about our themes we address in our various projects. Let’s not forget about the most important aspect of the program—other people!
Master Gardeners most frequently interact with other adult, avid gardeners. Many of our projects also work with youth or older populations. Projects may engage people in health care or correctional facilities.
It is important to remember that not everyone may have the same passion for gardening that you do. They may be at a point in their life where plants and gardening are not a priority or even relevant. They may find no value for plants in their lives given their work schedules, family needs, or previous exposure to gardening. Remembering our values of “meeting people where they are at” and “build with, not for”; ultimately means that it may not be best to display our vast knowledge of scientific names and complex plant processes, such as photosynthesis. Many audiences may benefit from an approach that inspires them to interact with plants and introduces them to the many benefits of gardening. Once a person determines how plants and gardening fit into their life, we can help move them along the gardening path as they further develop the interest and skills.
Overcoming Plant Blindness
Humans have interacted with plants through our entire existence. Our food, medicine, and shelter is derived from plants. Many of our traditions and much in our culture involves plants.
E.O. Wilson, University Research Professor Emeritus at Harvard, developed the biophilia hypothesis, stating humans are innately drawn to the natural world. Many people suffer from overlooking the trees, flowers, and other plants that make up their environment. Or, worse, they suffer from biophobia, a fear of the natural world and avoid engaging in it.
Much of what we do in the Master Gardener Program connects people with plants. For the avid gardeners, this is easy. They often are ready to take the plunge with an educational program and learn the latest and greatest information there is about plants and gardening. For other people, they may not realize why and how plants can be, and should be, important to them. This concept of not recognizing the value of plants in your environment is referred to as Plant Blindness.
Ben Futa, Director of Allen Centennial Garden, addresses plant blindness and shares his approach of engaging UW-Madison students with plants and the garden.
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