A lot has changed in our world since I began my internship in January. The social landscape of our lives has been impacted and will forever be different. We've seen runs on toilet paper, canned goods, board games and puzzles. We've seen medical workers step up and bravely face this novel virus. We've witnessed communities band together in creative ways to celebrate weddings and birthdays. Among all the chaos, good and bad, there has been a surge in gardening! Initially I wouldn't have guessed that gardening would see a surge in popularity but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. People are isolated and worried about food availability, so why not get some plant friends! Plants give people something to care for and nurture, and make us feel less alone. Many people probably wouldn't acknowledge this, but people and plants are meant to coexist. There's an entire class offered here at Texas A&M where students learn about the relationship between people and plants. We're all in uncharted territory these days and trying to find comfort in isolation. People are adopting more dogs and buying more plants and trying to adapt to the new normal; plants can help with that. Gardening is such a popular hobby because it is both relaxing and rewarding: two things we all need right now.
In addition, the ability to grow some produce or herbs for yourself is a valuable asset in today's climate of panic regarding the food supply chain. There is a movement nicknamed "scrap gardening" by the public in which people grow new produce from the ends of their old produce; i.e., cutting the end off of cabbage and letting it sit in water until a new cabbage plant starts to grow. Who knew you can grow food-- from your food! (most horticulturists already knew this, but we're excited for it to be mainstream). I for one, am excited for people to discover how easy it is to grow your own potatoes.
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Allie MartinHowdy! My name is Allie and I am a senior Horticulture major from Austin (keep it weird, y'all). Welcome to the home of pollinator garden paradise. Here you will find my journey through growing pollinator and host plant species, and hopefully, see the life cycle of native butterflies unfold! Archives
April 2020
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The Howdy Farm at Texas A&M University | Allie's Blog​ |