Resilience - Find Your Tribe.

When plants connect with other plants and organisms, they are more resilient.

Plants perform better when planted in close groups.

Plant Science Concept:

Plants function as part of a complex system of connected living organisms interacting with the environment. This is an ecosystem. Each member of the ecosystem contributes something to the whole, so that the more diverse and the larger the groupings, the greater potential for all needs to be met. Further, while individual plants grown in ideal conditions (a “microclimate”) will generate greater benefit to the community, groups of plants can modify the climate, creating a microclimate that better fits the individuals! Generally, the larger, more diverse/complex groups are more likely to experience resilience in the face of change.

Horticultural Applications:

The practice of “xeriscaping” prioritizes the selection of drought tolerant plants in dry climates. The goals of this design practice focuses on reducing landscape water use. However, it is often misunderstood as a recommendation to disperse plants across a landscape. As it turns out, plants grown in groups create a microclimate that helps each individual. For example, the shade cast on the ground from a large group of trees or shrubs keeps the soil cooler. This allows the trees to stay at optimum temperatures longer, reduces evaporation of water from the soil, and thus reduces stress. Trees growing in groups, often have interconnected root systems, can sometimes communicate through their root connections (or via root associated microrganisms), and may even feed the struggling members of the group. 

Related Student Views, Cultural Associations and Folklore:

"In popular Chinese folklore, the bamboo forest is a symbol of resilience and community. The bamboo stalks are said to grow close together, creating a dense and interconnected forest that provides shelter and support for those within it. The bamboo forest encourages people to find their tribe, to come together and support one another in difficult times. All of the plants in our rain garden can relate to this, and they will all function as one “tribe.” ~Jack Stanis, B.S. Wildlife Conservation, Class of 2024.