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Putting In a Good Word or Two for Sustainable Gardening

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Permaculture is an approach to gardening that aims to generate or reuse materials on-site and in general describes ways of living that, cumulatively, will protect the environment.
Permaculture is an approach to gardening that aims to generate or reuse materials on-site and in general describes ways of living that, cumulatively, will protect the environment. (Photos By Sandra Leavitt Lerner For The Washington Post)
Natural refers to a garden grown with less preening: cutting back perennials annually, pruning as needed and mulching.
Natural refers to a garden grown with less preening: cutting back perennials annually, pruning as needed and mulching.
Wildflower meadows are created from grasses, annuals and perennials (usually native) in open fields.
Wildflower meadows are created from grasses, annuals and perennials (usually native) in open fields.
Biodiversity is the ecological coexistence of a wide variety of plants and animals and can be disrupted by the proliferation of invasive species such as this purple loosestrife.
Biodiversity is the ecological coexistence of a wide variety of plants and animals and can be disrupted by the proliferation of invasive species such as this purple loosestrife.

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Saturday, February 16, 2008; Page F03

The green movement has grown dramatically in recent years, creating its own vocabulary to describe a variety of products and practices that purportedly are healthier for people and the environment. If you want to go green in your garden, here is a glossary of common terms you will encounter:

Biodegradability

The ability of organic material to be broken down by bacteria, worms, fungi, insects and other means. The end product is compost.

Biodiversity

The coexistence of a wide variety of plants and animals. Invasive species can disrupt this balance.

Bioremediation

Similar in concept to biodegradability, except that this process can apply to a broader range of substances, including oil, tires, plastic and pressure-treated lumber.

Chemical

The antithesis of green, though the term "chemical" can be confusing because all matter is made up of chemicals -- organic or inorganic. Compost, for example, has a chemical formula. Through common gardening usage, "chemical" has come to refer primarily to man-made fertilizer and pesticides that, when used to excess, are bad for the environment.

Chlorophyll

A pigment that makes leaves green and, when combined with sunshine, is responsible for plant life.

Ecology


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