29TH JUNE 2023
Orchard & Meadow: Restoring Health and Resilience
"The unique Mulberry'' | Horticulturist Reveals why
''How too much of one species can seriously affect the ecosystem and the break-in that set back years of growth."
Amidst a sea of orchards, there lies a unique mulberry orchard in the heart of the countryside. This orchard is unique not just for its fruits, but also for the resilience it has displayed over the years. Mulberry trees are often grown for their succulent fruits that are sweet and nutritious. The tree itself has unique characteristics that make it stand out from others.
The mulberry tree is native to temperate Asia and is known to have medicinal properties that make it popular among people seeking alternative treatments. Mulberry leaves, in particular, are believed to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels, improving heart health, and preventing cancer.
However, the state of mulberry trees in the orchard is bad.
The trees are in dire need of restoration, having been subjected to several environmental stresses, including drought, soil depletion, and insect infestations. The orchard also suffered a major setback last year when cows, sheep & a bull broke into the orchard, damaging the roots, the trunks, and the stems.
To restore the health and resilience of the mulberry trees in the orchard will require a combination of horticultural techniques, best practices, and consistent care. The first step will be to assess the damage caused by the break-in and to prune and treat the affected trees. We will need to carry out a soil test and add the necessary nutrients to the soil to ensure optimal tree growth. We will also need to ensure proper watering and weeding practices are followed to prevent competition for nutrients.
Sitting below the struggling canopy of Mulberry trees is a wildflower meadow similarly in much need of help
The restoration of a meadow can be a daunting task, but when done right, it can lead to a beautiful and engaging entrance to a property. This such meadow is undergoing restoration and currently has 95% oxeye daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare). While the daisies put on a spectacular display for two months, for the rest of the year, the field appears dead and overgrown.
To create a sustainable restoration plan, the daisy meadow is soon set to be cut. This will allow 6-8 months of weekly work before the next season begins. During this time, natives will be reintroduced to the meadow, invasive weeds will be reduced, and the overall appearance will be improved without disturbing the habitat drastically.
It's important to note
That while the daisies have been thriving,
having little variation in the meadow can cause issues.
This is why introducing native species is vital to creating a thriving ecosystem that will benefit not only the orchard but also the surrounding areas. Additionally, by removing invasive weeds and introducing diverse species, the overall look and feel of the meadow can be improved, making it a true asset to the property.
A wildflower meadow with little variation in plants may look picturesque at first glance. But if you delve deeper, you will discover that there are several issues that come along with having limited diversity in a meadow.
Firstly,
such a meadow can become susceptible to pest infestations. When there is an absence of a wide variety of plants, pests such as ants, aphids and caterpillars that feed on a particular plant species will thrive in large numbers. They will quickly move on to neighbouring plants once their food source is depleted, leading to widespread damage.
Secondly,
having a single species dominating the meadow makes it vulnerable to disease outbreaks. Plant pathogens such as fungi, viruses, and bacteria are less likely to affect a meadow with diverse plant species as they will have a difficult time adapting and spreading among the various plant types. But in a meadow with only one type of plant, a disease outbreak can quickly take hold, causing significant harm to the meadow's health and beauty.
Lastly,
limited variation in a wildflower meadow can reduce its ability to provide a habitat for different kinds of wildlife. For instance, bees, butterflies, and other insects may depend on certain wildflower species for nectar or as host plants for their offspring. But with limited plant diversity, such vital habitats are significantly reduced, leading to the decline of several pollinator species.
Therefore, it is essential to understand the impact of having little variation of plants in a wildflower meadow and strive to preserve biodiversity in such ecosystems. By doing so, we can create healthy, beautiful, and thriving habitats for both plants and wildlife.
As the restoration process continues,
clumps of the Leucanthemum vulgare will be used throughout the mid/back of herbaceous borders to further stabilise some of the dryer parts of the soil and increase the biodiversity of wildlife throughout the rest of the garden. By repurposing the daisies in this way, we can make use of their growth while ensuring the health and beauty of the surrounding area.
In conclusion, the restoration of a meadow and orchard is a process that takes time and patience, but it can lead to a beautiful and sustainable landscape that benefits the entire ecosystem. By introducing diverse native species, removing invasive weeds, and repurposing existing growth, we can create a thriving environment that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly.
Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this meadow restoration project and learn more about how you can create a sustainable landscape in your own back garden.