Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Understanding The Importance Of Botanical Gardens

By Neva Grant


With the plant's ability to create its own food, it is aptly called the producers. Not to mention the fact that it can also become nourishment for man and animals alike. Some plants also have medicinal value because of its healing property as observed since a long time ago. Unfortunately, even the plants face threats of extinction if not properly taken care of. For this reason, the development o botanical gardens in Atlanta have been pushed. While its purpose and function changed over time, its significance remains to be the same.

Initially, the botanical gardens were used to study and cultivate plants with healing properties. The flora that has medicinal values were cultivated in plantations for observation and reproduction purposes. Over the years, the initial purpose slowly shifted until it even became a form of hobby as a pleasure garden. At present, a botanic garden plays diverse roles including plant conservation, education, political empowerment and social cohesion among others.

It also plays roles in plant production and horticulture. External factors can cause vegetation to get lost in nature without proper care. Through containing them in a single area, the threats are reduced so there is better chances of preserving its kind. This is basal in the reclamation, restoration and rehabilitation of a degraded habitat.

Botanic gardens are also designed to emulate an environment closest to the plants' natural habitat. Collecting different species of plants that belong to varied groupings is essential to maintain its genetic biodiversity. Every specie is linked to one another. Hence, the survival of one specie is of prime importance to the preservation of the others. The survival rate of the plants also increases in a more diversified habitat.

Seed banks also ensure that the species of plants can still live on down the line. The gardens are used to safeguard the collections of plants and secure the future generations. The vegetation has to be carefully collected and stored so as to retain its genetic diversity. This requires a good deal of research and sample taking. In situ botanic gardens are the key to the success of this strategy.

The field of education also benefits from this. The gardens help in project research and development. These are critical in phytochemistry, plant taxonomy and genetics. To get a better hold of the plant's compositions, it has to be classified into a particular selection. This datum is also needed in its cultivation and preservation.

It can also help a regular people understand why it is important to conserve as many plant species as possible. Not everyone has the chance to encounter multiple species of plant face to face. This is why many do not understand the roles of flora in the ecosystem. By giving the general public access to a wider assemblage of plants, the drive can reach wider and more diverse audience.

Not surprisingly, plants are linked to the well-being of the people. In the face of the increasing threats of global warming, sustainability is one important aspect to consider for the years to come. Urban greening project can help improve the quality of life in a given area. Green landscaping can be beneficial far beyond mere aesthetics. It can also improve an individual's physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Conclusively, the importance of botanical gardens in Atlanta is beyond question. The task of maintaining the natural biodiversity befalls on everyone's shoulder. It must not be left to the government alone or some concerned organizations. Everyone must act on it for the coming generations. With a botanic garden, this is now easier than ever.




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