009 - From Weeds to Woods: The Patient Poetry of Ecological Succession
Nature's gradual transformation reveals the power of time and interconnectedness in creating resilient systems
In the quiet corners of neglected lots and the edges of manicured lawns, a slow but relentless drama unfolds. What we dismiss as weeds are often the vanguard of a grand ecological progression, each species playing its part in a story that spans decades, even centuries. This patient poetry of succession challenges our hurried notions of progress and productivity. As we witness nature's gradual self-organization, what insights might we gain about the value of slowness, the strength of diversity, and the wisdom of letting complex systems evolve at their own pace?
“The purpose of a system is what it does”. As I sit here in my garden writing this article, I get to ask both what is a system, what systems am I a part of, and what are their purposes.
Let's take my garden as an example. Like I described in my previous letter, my garden serves multiple purposes. It is a wildlife sanctuary, and I use biologically grown seeds and plants wherever I can to help insects and animals thrive. Research shows that cities in the Netherlands sometimes have higher biodiversity than the countryside [1].
My garden is also a place for me to come for rest. I set out to recreate a small piece of forest in my garden because I love the energy I get from walking and sitting in a forest. Humans have a very high sensitivity to a chemical compound called geosmin [2], produced by soil-dwelling bacteria and certain fungi that thrive in mature ecosystems. Geosmin is a component of petrichor [3], the pleasant, earthy smell that accompanies the first rain after a dry spell. In fact, our noses are even more sensitive to geosmin than a dog’s nose. As my garden matures, I wonder if I'll start noticing this distinctive smell.
I started my garden two years ago. However, in the end, it's an ecosystem that wants to "go somewhere." What is the direction or purpose of this system? So, how do we get there?
Climax communities represent the final, stable stage in ecological succession. They are the result of an ecosystem reaching equilibrium, where species composition remains relatively unchanged unless disrupted. Different environments progress toward different climax communities depending on their unique characteristics. For example, temperate forests might climax with oak and maple trees, while tropical rainforests might feature towering mahogany and kapok trees.
The shape of the environment, weather patterns, sunlight, altitude, and other factors all play a significant role in determining the type of climax community that will form. In areas with high altitudes and cool temperatures, you might find coniferous forests as the climax community, while coastal regions with abundant moisture and mild climates could develop into lush, temperate rainforests. Grasslands might emerge in regions with less rainfall and more frequent fires, maintaining an ecosystem dominated by hardy grasses and occasional shrubs. The unique interplay of these environmental factors creates diverse and distinct climax communities tailored to their specific conditions.
In my garden, I see small steps in the direction of its climax community. The soil is starting to come alive with earthworms, thanks to the leaf litter I left on top of it. Ground spiders and millipedes hunt other insects that live in the garden. Blackbirds eat slugs that prey on my plants. And I have even seen moles, shrews, and an actual snake!
What happens if you swim against the current and try to create a garden that doesn’t align with your region’s natural climax community? If your garden’s design contradicts the natural progression of the local ecosystem, you'll face constant maintenance challenges. The local ecology will continually push through its natural stages of succession toward its inherent climax community. For instance, if you want to maintain a field of grass in an area naturally inclined to develop into a forest, you'll continually battle encroaching weeds and pioneer species. This is a reminder that working with the natural tendencies and history of the land can lead to a more harmonious and sustainable garden.
The history of the land plays a crucial role in its ecological journey. The old pear tree in my garden, a testament to the land’s past, provides shade and a microhabitat for various species. A large river stone that was left by the previous inhabitant is a remnant of its history, influencing soil composition and water drainage patterns.
My garden is still a ways away from its climax community, but I see progress. For gardeners aiming to support ecological succession and encourage climax communities, here are some practical steps:
- Enhance plant diversity by using a variety of native plants.
- Improve soil health with organic matter such as compost and leaf litter.
- Encourage natural predators to maintain ecological balance.
- Water wisely to mimic natural precipitation patterns.
- Create habitats with features like logs, rocks, and water sources.
Reflecting on Stafford Beer's quote, "the purpose of a system is what it does," my garden’s evolution reveals its purpose as a thriving, balanced ecosystem. This concept extends beyond gardening into other aspects of life, encouraging us to observe and understand the systems we are part of and their underlying purposes.
As my garden matures, I am reminded that every small action contributes to a larger goal. By fostering biodiversity and supporting natural processes, I am not just cultivating a garden but participating in a greater ecological system. This realization prompts me to look at other systems in my life with the same lens of curiosity and intention.
In my next letter, I will explore other systems in my life and attempt to identify their climax communities. By understanding these natural progressions, we can better appreciate and influence the systems around us. So, let’s keep wondering: What systems am I a part of, and what do those systems do?
---
Sources:
1. "Urban biodiversity higher than rural areas in the Netherlands": https://www.sweco.nl/actueel/nieuws/sweco-rapport-steden-onderschatte-factor-in-herstel-biodiversiteit/
2. "Petrichor: The Smell of Rain": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrichor
3. "Human Sensitivity to Geosmin": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geosmin