MM and Ecolog: Yeah, I think I failed to make the distinction between external inputs by humans in order to keep their preferred assemblages going and the inputs from the sun, the site, and physical and biological changes--which I do not consider external to the system.
I share your assumption that ". . . they were interested in creating assemblages of plants that landowners would find attractive but that don't require much human intervention," but the key concept is in the word "much." How much is much, and where does a self-sufficient system end and a subsidized system begin? Also, the idea that it is a requirement that the plant assemblages be ones that "landowners would find attractive" also is key--the key to understanding the distinction between a system that cycles nutrients and one that is dependent upon action upon cultural preferences to maintain the assemblage under luxury consumption conditions. WT ----- Original Message ----- From: Martin Meiss To: Wayne Tyson Cc: [email protected] Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2011 10:31 PM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology and Sustainability Re: [ECOLOG-L] Sustainable Landscapes Seminar 10/27 at Morton Arboretum (Lisle, IL) Wayne, I'm not sure what you're getting at. Are we to assume that you mean ecosystems don't require inputs from humans? All ecosystems require inputs (sun, air, water, etc.), but the original post did not use the term "ecosystem." It spoke in terms of landscaping, and I expect from the topics of the discussions that they were interested in creating assemblages of plants that landowners would find attractive but that don't require much human intervention. Martin M. Meiss 2011/10/20 Wayne Tyson <[email protected]> Ecolog: While I make no judgment concerning the original message which stimulated my question, I will appreciate any comments regarding the meaning of sustainability with respect to ecosystems and "ornamentals" and "landscaping" (which often translates into replacing ecosystems with assemblages of non-indigenous species). It seems to me that ecosystems are inherently sustainable--that is, they require zero external inputs (e.g. irrigation, nutrients, "maintenance"). In fact, I consider assemblages (or individuals) of organisms which do require external inputs unsustainable by definition--it is self-evident or goes (or should go) without saying. WT ----- Original Message ----- From: "Megan Dunning" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2011 2:09 PM Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Sustainable Landscapes Seminar 10/27 at Morton Arboretum (Lisle, IL) The Ornamental Growers Association and The Morton Arboretum are convening a seminar on sustainable landscape practices for the green industry professional. Please join us on Oct 27 to discuss recommendations on what to plant to turn sustainability into landscape reality with local peers and experts. Sustainable Landscapes for a Greener Future Thursday, Oct 27, 1 - 5:30 pm. The Morton Arboretum Thornhill Education Center 4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL 60532 Registration: $49 (discounts available for students and members) For more information or to register, visit www.mortonarb.org/education/adults or call 630-719-2468 between 8 am - 4 pm, Mon - Fri. Program Plant Selection and Design to Achieve a Desired SITES Rating, Jacob Blue, Applied Ecological Services A Native Plant for Every Situation, Grace Koehler, Pizzo Native Plant Nursery Woody Plants for Sustainable Landscapes, Jeff Swano, Dig Right In Landscaping Panel discussion - Sustainable Landscapes in Practice Kathleen Bruch, Atrium Landscaping; Jim Semelka, Village of Oak Park; Ken Doty, Hinsdale Nurseries; Jill Enz, Applied Ecological Services; and Kris Bachtell, The Morton Arboretum A networking reception will follow the panel. Please feel free to circulate this message to others who might be interested. Sincerely, Megan Dunning Manager of Community Education & Outreach The Morton Arboretum [email protected] ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1411 / Virus Database: 1522/3963 - Release Date: 10/20/11 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1411 / Virus Database: 1522/3963 - Release Date: 10/20/11
