A whisper from the woods

Ask me (almost) anything, February 2022

Feb 18, 2022

Mark was recently asked to tell us more about seed dispersal.
“Are there any ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ when it comes to dispersing seeds?”

Mark’s experience and opinion:

About aimless seed dispersal, by humans, I believe it is not such a good idea. This is my view, but I am conservative when it comes to ecology.

Birds do this very well without our intervention. In the wet, tropical rainforest, this is essential for the health of the forest. Without the Cassowary (native Australian birds), we would not have a healthy forest, as they disperse the native tree seeds.

Generally, I do not support random, uncoordinated dispersal of any seeds of any sort, without a plan that accounts for the risks and problems that may arise.

Luckily, most fruit seeds will not germinate under our conditions (in Australia) with little or no water. But, others will explode!

We have to control our Italian Parsely and Rocket herbs in our vegetable garden, as they spread into the surrounding areas quickly. We have Blackberry thickets in many high rainfall areas that are out of control.

Very often, we cannot see the pitfalls until after they arise. On our country block, we plant only native seed or seedlings growing locally and collected for that purpose.

We do not introduce new species or seeds from different regions (especially from exotic locations). Foreign seeds can contain fungi, bacteria, viruses, and insects. They generate more seeds after flowering, which cause significant and sometimes devastating consequences for native ecosystems and farmers alike. In my work, as a landscape architect, I avoided planting any environmental weeds, including bamboo.

As for ‘Guerilla Gardening’, it can be disrespectful to the community’s interests – which are many and varied.

I think it is important to promote responsible practice in all areas of life.

Respecting local attitudes and conventions is very important. As is being mindful of unintended consequences.

Tamarind seeds saved for coordinated planting.

Please share this. Thank you!

1 Comment

  1. Anrich Bester

    Thank you for helping us, Mark!

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Other blog posts

Ask me (almost) anything, September 2023

What is an equinox, does it hold any value, and how has that value changed through time?
As this year’s Autumn equinox approaches (23 September 2023), we ask Mark about its importance and meaning.

Amazing Trees: Nature’s Astonishing Wonders

Trees stand tall as both a testimony to the resilience of life and a reminder of the awe-inspiring wonders that surround us.

Food for Thought, September 2023

This article will not only give you a start-to-finish idea of something you can prepare for your working week, but also help you crack the concept of meal-prepping, so that you can adapt it to other recipes, to your time, and your food preferences.

On Effect of Climate Change on Soil and Water in Nigeria

Climate change is having a significant impact on soil and water, which are essential components of our planet’s ecosystems.

Ask me (almost) anything, August 2023

Our community member bought a fig tree from a local nursery in Germany, and wanted to understand how they can create the ideal circumstances for the tree to carry fruit and flourish.

Tree planting & climate change

We are happy to announce that our Nigerian regional coordinator, Imam Maiyaki, is now one of our monthly Whispers of the Woods bloggers!
In his first article, Imam writes about the relationship between trees and climate change.

Food for Thought, August 2023

Finding plant-based alternatives to a beef hamburger, for example, is not so hard. Today we’ll experiment with black beans, beetroot, mushrooms, and more.

This Is Not a Tree

This poem was written by one of UBREM’s team members, Jennifer Nafziger, and it is called, This Is Not a Tree.

Ask me (almost) anything, July 2023

Mark was asked to please tell us more about their journey to Vietnam and the wildlife and nature they experienced on their journey.

Miss Bonnie in a Nutshell, July 2023

People may garden for various reasons or purposes. I’ve enjoyed gardening for as long as I can remember, but only recently have I undergone a major shift in my gardening attitude, due to my new squirrel friend.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our newsletter. Stay tuned to all our news. There is more to come.

You have Successfully Subscribed!