The Book Corner: We are the ARK

In Henry David Thoreau's essay, “Walking”, he observed, “In Wildness is the preservation of the world.”  I have always viewed Thoreau's vision as a statement of forward-thinking hope.  Likewise, the subtitle of Mary Reynold's enlightened book reiterates that thought in a bold and new way when she exhorts: “Returning Our Gardens to Their True Nature Through Acts of Restorative Kindness—ARK”.  Reynold's book shines light on one of the most important issues of our time—returning, at least in part, to the natural state of things.  The subject may seem counterintuitive for a Master Gardener blog, but none more so than this book written by the renowned landscape architect Mary Reynolds.

After years of designing gardens all over the world, Reynold now argues for a shift in how and why we garden. Together with Ruth Evan's brilliantly whimsical illustrations, she makes the case for at least turning a small portion of our garden—even an edge—over to “where the wild things are!” Even if we garden in pots on a deck or balcony, the strategy is still the same.

A glance at the book's provocative table of contents tells much of the story.  The first chapter relates ideas such as, “Birth of We are ARK; The Garden Industry and the Great Forgetting; Guardians, Not Gardeners.  She goes on to talk about the Science of ARK; First steps to Creating an ARK Designed Landscape within our shared planet; Development of a Diverse ARK Ecosystem; Extra Layers for “Creature Support”; Minding the

Tiny and Diverse Kingdoms; Growing Own Food; and Reimagining Living in Harmony with the Planet.

In her realistic approach, she understands that one person can't save the world.  But, if millions of people work together to save our own little patch of earth, “then we really have a shot.”  She presents a most convincing case for a restored, native ecosystem.  And, while she acknowledges that gardening is a wonderfully creative and important endeavor, she encourages her readers to pursue that creativity while remembering to nurture, not neglect all creatures of the earth.

Reynolds describes an ARK as “a thriving patch of native plants and creatures that have been allowed to be supported and exist in order to re-establish in the earth's intelligent, successional process of natural restoration.” Thus, these “ARKS” will become the “seeding grounds for our planets next story.”  Through this innovative approach, Reynolds demonstrates that the ARK-building actions by just one person, multiplied by the many, can effect enormous change in the world.  And she shows how even the tiniest patch of land matters.  In Reynold's words, we can all help to “create an ARK for the earth.”

we are the ark

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