I took a class called Sociohorticulture. Because I transferred to A&M in the spring, most classes had already been filled during open registration in late fall. However, my advisor deliberately held seats in select classes so transfers would be able to make a schedule. Described as "horticulture as it relates to humans through people-plant interactions", I didn't know much about sociohorticulture except we would occasionally be given free plants. However, it was in this class that I was first introduced to the term "biophilia", the innate love humans have for nature and other forms of life. Coined by biologist Edward O. Wilson, the philosophy of biophilia argues that our connection to the natural world is a fundamental, genetically ingrained part of human evolution capable of providing aesthetic, cognitive, and spiritual satisfaction.
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Every lecture in this class focused on a differing aspect of human-plant interaction, with biophilia being the thread connecting them all. This innate love for nature is so ingrained in us, it effects our mental wellbeing, physical health, and living patterns. Throughout time plants have played a siginificant role in our lives. Not only agriculturally, but spiritually, inspirationally, and historically. The hanging gardens of Babylon, The Roses of Heliogabalus, tea gardens, the burning bush, frankencise and myrrh, edelweiss, tulip mania, for every era of man there has been an array of culturally significant plants. But what bearing does this have on us now?
Case 1
Sociohorticulture
Freshman Year
We must challenge the notion that nature is only untouched wilderness. nature exists all around us, in urban meadows, alongside human activity, and in the "urban wild" where people and wildlife interact.
-William Cronon
Currently we are facing a problem unique from our ancestors. The industrialization of agricultural systems that keep us fed coupled with the increasing urbanization of our daily environment has led to an almost disconnect between man and nature.
In a study published by Miles Richardson at the University of Derby, the use of nature-related words has declined more than 60 percent between 1800 and 2019. Children no longer know what a meadow, bluebell or plant bud is. Even more concerning is the distance our food travels before it reaches our plate.
Unlike in the past where agriculture took place relatively close to one's home, and kitchen gardens supplemented what produce was available for purchase, our population, increasingly, has no clue how our food is produced. With the physical distance between home and heartland comes a cognitive gap. People aren’t thinking about plants, and because of that, access to nature is severely undervalued.
Not only does this lead to concrete jungles where the there is no respite from endless, it leads to food deserts. When produce has to be shipped from hundreds of miles away, its supply will be based on a combination of demand, money, and opportunistic capitalism. Hunger is an inelastic demand, and the desire to be close to nature is an innate drive. If we do not prioritize equity in our access to nature, then capitalism will ensure it becomes a commodity.
What health benefits does access to nature provide?
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Why is it important to involve the youth in community projects?
