![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gardendesignersguild.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-13_090829177-683x1024.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Introduction<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChapter One: Garden Health, Soil Life and Biodiversity.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nA healthy garden is not simply a garden that looks tidy, it is a fully functioning ecosystem. What does this mean? It contains interactions between a multitude of different aspects. These include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gardendesignersguild.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-13_085702484-1024x894.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe gardener<\/em> is therefore part of this system. Every action we<\/em> take can affect something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGardening affects flowering plants. Flowering plants affect insects. Insects affect birds. Birds affect pest populations. Organic matter affects microorganisms. Microorganisms affect nutrient availability. Roots interact with fungi and bacteria. When we inhale the smell of a healthy soil, that is affecting our gut microbiome (in a good way!) \u2013 which makes us want to garden more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The important principle is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A garden is a system of relationships rather than a collection of individual plants.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gardendesignersguild.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-13_085815829-973x1024.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Carbon Cycle<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nPlants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. Carbon is incorporated into plant tissues. When plants: die, shed leaves, release root exudates, are eaten they all form part of the carbon cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carbon also enters other parts of the ecosystem via other means: Some carbon returns to the atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some remains in the soil as organic matter, in roots and in woody material. Therefore garden management affects carbon cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>Garden Biodiversity<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nBiodiversity<\/em><\/strong> means the variety of life. In a garden, biodiversity can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Plant diversity – Trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, grasses, wildflowers, climbers.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Animal diversity – Insects, spiders, birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles. <\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSoil biodiversity – Bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, earthworms, mites, springtails.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thus a biodiverse garden contains many interactions.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gardendesignersguild.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-13_085913658-1024x684.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Why Does Biodiversity Matter?<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nBiodiversity can contribute to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- pollination<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- pest regulation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- decomposition<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- nutrient cycling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- soil formation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- resilience<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- habitat provision<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A diverse ecosystem can sometimes be more capable of responding to environmental change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However: Biodiversity is not a magic solution to every gardening problem.<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>Structural Diversity<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nBiodiversity is not simply about counting plant species. A gardener should also consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vertical Structure<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nCanopy \/ Shrub layer \/<\/strong> Herbaceous layer \/ Ground layer<\/strong> \/ Soil \/<\/strong> Underground habitat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nRemember: A garden containing several layers can provide habitat for more organisms than a garden with only a short lawn.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gardendesignersguild.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-13_085937784-1024x684.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>Habitat Diversity<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nDifferent habitats support different organisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A garden might contain a pond, a hedge, meadow, lawn, woodland edge, flower border, compost heap, dead wood, bare soil, rockery, tree canopy<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even a small garden can contain several habitats.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gardendesignersguild.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-13_090003671-999x1024.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Dead Wood Is Not Dead to Everything<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nBearing in mind that we are talking biodiversity<\/strong>, remember everything in the garden has purpose. Dead does not mean \u2018dead to the world\u2019. Remember dead wood can support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- fungi<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- beetles<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- larvae<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- bacteria<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- mosses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- lichens<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Standing dead wood can provide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- nesting sites<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- feeding sites<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- shelter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Therefore: Tidying everything away can reduce biodiversity.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nNb: Safety must always come first, particularly where dead trees or branches present a hazard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSoil Trophisms<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nA trophic level<\/strong> describes a position within a feeding relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn a garden, organisms can be broadly grouped as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Decomposers<\/em> (these recycle)<\/h3>\n\n\n\nOrganisms that break down dead organic material. They can be beneficial as well as destructive, but they are a natural part of any garden lifecycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fun Fact: The largest living single organism is a fungus that exists in North America. It stretches 2385 acres or 3.7 square miles!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nImportant decomposers include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- bacteria<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- fungi<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Producers<\/em><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPlants and other photosynthetic organisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They capture energy from sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Primary consumers<\/em><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOrganisms that feed directly on plants or plant material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- aphids<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- caterpillars<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- slugs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- some nematodes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Secondary consumers<\/h3>\n\n\n\nPredators that feed on other animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- ladybirds<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- spiders<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- predatory beetles<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- birds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>These relationships are not always simple. (Many organisms occupy more than one ecological role.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gardendesignersguild.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-13_090041460-1024x609.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>*The Soil Food Web Is Not a Simple Food Chain*<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nA food chain suggests:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A<\/strong> \u2192<\/strong> B<\/strong> \u2192<\/strong> C<\/strong> \u2192<\/strong> D<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nReal soil systems are much more complicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are better represented as a \u2018Web\u2019<\/em> because organisms may have several food sources and several predators.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plant roots<\/strong> can interact with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- fungi *<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- bacteria<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- herbivores<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
*Fungi can interact with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- plant roots<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- bacteria<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- soil animals and other microorganisms*<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Predatory nematodes can feed on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- other nematodes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- *microorganisms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This creates a complex network.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>Microorganisms<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nMicroscopic organisms are fundamental to soil health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Important groups include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- bacteria<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- fungi<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- archaea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- protozoa<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
They contribute to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- decomposition<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- nutrient cycling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- organic matter breakdown<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- soil aggregation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- carbon cycling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- plant interactions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A teaspoon of healthy soil may contain an enormous number of microorganisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most are not visible to the gardener.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fun Fact: Many soil microorganisms are beneficial to humans. Some are antibiotics, some are anti-depressants, some are needed in our gut, some are needed on a our skin. Interacting with a healthy soil actually produces happy chemicals in our brain!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>Bacteria<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nBacteria are extremely important in soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They participate in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- decomposition<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- nutrient cycling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- nitrogen transformations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- organic matter breakdown<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Some bacteria live close to plant roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The area immediately surrounding roots is called the: Rhizosphere<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe rhizosphere can contain a particularly active microbial community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>The Rhizosphere<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nThe rhizosphere is the zone of soil directly influenced by plant roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roots release substances known as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
root exudates<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThese can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- sugars<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- amino acids<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- organic acids<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- other compounds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
These substances influence microbial communities around the root.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In return, microorganisms can influence:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- nutrient availability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- root growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- plant health<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- soil structure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The root is therefore not simply sitting in the soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is interacting with the soil ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gardendesignersguild.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-13_090153079-1024x566.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>Fungi<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nFungi are major components of healthy soils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- decompose organic matter<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- break down difficult-to-decompose materials<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- contribute to soil structure<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- interact with plant roots<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- form important ecological relationships<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The visible mushroom is only part of the organism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most of the fungal body may be hidden within the soil or organic material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>The Mycelial Complex<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nThe network of fungal threads is called:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
mycelium<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIndividual fungal threads are called:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
hyphae<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTogether they can form an extensive underground network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Think of it as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
a living underground network rather than a collection of mushrooms.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMushrooms are reproductive structures produced by some fungi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The mycelium may remain in the soil long after the mushroom disappears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>Mycorrhizal Fungi<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nSome fungi form close relationships with plant roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are called:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
mycorrhizae<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe relationship can benefit both partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fungus may help the plant access:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- water<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- phosphorus<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- other nutrients<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The plant supplies the fungus with carbon compounds produced through photosynthesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is an example of: Symbiosis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>Not All Fungi Are Beneficial<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nThis is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFungi are good for the garden\u201d is too simplistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fungi can be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- decomposers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- mutualists<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- pathogens<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Some fungal species cause plant diseases. Therefore, the aim is not: \u201cRemove all fungi.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIt is: Maintain a diverse and functioning fungal community.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>Mycorrhizae and Garden Management<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nSome gardening practices can influence fungal communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- excessive cultivation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- soil disturbance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- fungicide use<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- fertiliser application<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- compaction<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- loss of organic matter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
However, claims about commercial \u201cmycorrhizal products\u201d should be treated critically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not every plant needs a commercially supplied mycorrhizal inoculant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The existing soil may already contain suitable fungi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gardendesignersguild.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-13_090224966-868x1024.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>Earthworms<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nEarthworms are important soil organisms, helping open the soil pores as well as breaking down dead material into nutrients for other organisms to feed on and in turn release for plants to consume. They are also becoming rarer! (Some are endangered) .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- create channels<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- improve soil aeration<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- redistribute organic material<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- contribute to nutrient cycling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- produce casts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Earthworm activity can help create a more porous soil structure. However: More worms does not automatically mean better soil.<\/strong> Different earthworm species occupy different parts of the soil profile and have different ecological roles. In dry weather they dive deeper to stay moist, in wet weather they may come to the surface to avoid drowning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>Decomposition<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nWhen leaves, stems and roots die, they do not simply disappear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They enter a decomposition process. A simplified sequence is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dead organic material<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fungi and bacteria<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smaller organic particles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soil organisms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nutrients released<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plant uptake:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThis interaction is part of nutrient cycling<\/strong> and ultimately helps your soil to have not only biodiversity but also balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRemember: Nature wants balance and a garden as much as we describe it as \u2018balanced\u2019 is (to nature) an abomination. Gardens are a falsehood \u2013 a creation and a mechanism of control. If we look at gardens as an invention aside<\/em> from nature, then it is easier to understand why it feels like we are constantly fighting it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gardendesignersguild.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image_2026-09-13_090242595-1024x798.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/a>The Role of Weeds in a garden<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nThis is a very contentious, perhaps even a controversial subject and leads to much argument. Conservationists describe gardeners with derision. Gardeners in turn describe conservationists as messy and uncoordinated. Both statements are true and both statements are false in equal measure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The word Weed<\/strong> describes a plant growing where it is not wanted.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt does not necessarily mean: An ecologically worthless plant.<\/em><\/strong> Some plants commonly regarded as weeds provide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- nectar<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- pollen<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- seeds<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- shelter<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- food for caterpillars<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- soil cover<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It is therefore good to remember the following tenet: \u201cThe correct management question is: Does this plant need controlling<\/em> here?<\/strong> rather than: Is this plant good or bad<\/u>?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nLeading from this one must ask another question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is Garden Health Is More Than Appearance?<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nA garden can look perfectand still have poor ecological health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- a closely mown lawn may contain very little plant diversity<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- a heavily sprayed border may contain few insects<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- bare soil may provide little habitat<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- imported ornamental plants may provide limited food for native insects<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- excessive tidying can remove overwintering habitat<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- artificial fertilisers can disrupt nutrient relationships<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- excessive irrigation can alter soil biology<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Conversely, a garden with fallen leaves; dead stems; amounts of moss; insects; fungi; rough grassed areas; may actually have considerable ecological value. It is up to the gardener to see this ecological value and to assess it for it\u2019s aesthetic benefit. Perhaps a stand of nettles appear ugly (or even threatening), but it is a vital source of food for certain insects such as butterflies. The hollow stems are also important over-wintering opportunities for predators like the lace-wing. You decide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>The Soil Food Web<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nSoil is not simply a mixture of minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It contains a complex food web.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plants capture energy through photosynthesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That energy enters the soil ecosystem through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- roots<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- root exudates<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- dead leaves<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- dead roots<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- organic matter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This supports microorganisms and other organisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A simplified sequence is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A healthy garden is not simply a garden that looks tidy, it is a fully functioning ecosystem. What does this mean? It contains interactions between a multitude of different aspects. These include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The gardener<\/em> is therefore part of this system. Every action we<\/em> take can affect something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gardening affects flowering plants. Flowering plants affect insects. Insects affect birds. Birds affect pest populations. Organic matter affects microorganisms. Microorganisms affect nutrient availability. Roots interact with fungi and bacteria. When we inhale the smell of a healthy soil, that is affecting our gut microbiome (in a good way!) \u2013 which makes us want to garden more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The important principle is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A garden is a system of relationships rather than a collection of individual plants.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. Carbon is incorporated into plant tissues. When plants: die, shed leaves, release root exudates, are eaten they all form part of the carbon cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carbon also enters other parts of the ecosystem via other means: Some carbon returns to the atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some remains in the soil as organic matter, in roots and in woody material. Therefore garden management affects carbon cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Biodiversity<\/em><\/strong> means the variety of life. In a garden, biodiversity can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus a biodiverse garden contains many interactions.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Biodiversity can contribute to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A diverse ecosystem can sometimes be more capable of responding to environmental change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However: Biodiversity is not a magic solution to every gardening problem.<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Biodiversity is not simply about counting plant species. A gardener should also consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vertical Structure<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Canopy \/ Shrub layer \/<\/strong> Herbaceous layer \/ Ground layer<\/strong> \/ Soil \/<\/strong> Underground habitat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember: A garden containing several layers can provide habitat for more organisms than a garden with only a short lawn.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Different habitats support different organisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A garden might contain a pond, a hedge, meadow, lawn, woodland edge, flower border, compost heap, dead wood, bare soil, rockery, tree canopy<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even a small garden can contain several habitats.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bearing in mind that we are talking biodiversity<\/strong>, remember everything in the garden has purpose. Dead does not mean \u2018dead to the world\u2019. Remember dead wood can support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Standing dead wood can provide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore: Tidying everything away can reduce biodiversity.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nb: Safety must always come first, particularly where dead trees or branches present a hazard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A trophic level<\/strong> describes a position within a feeding relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a garden, organisms can be broadly grouped as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Organisms that break down dead organic material. They can be beneficial as well as destructive, but they are a natural part of any garden lifecycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fun Fact: The largest living single organism is a fungus that exists in North America. It stretches 2385 acres or 3.7 square miles!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Important decomposers include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plants and other photosynthetic organisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They capture energy from sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Organisms that feed directly on plants or plant material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Predators that feed on other animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a>These relationships are not always simple. (Many organisms occupy more than one ecological role.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n A food chain suggests:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A<\/strong> \u2192<\/strong> B<\/strong> \u2192<\/strong> C<\/strong> \u2192<\/strong> D<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Real soil systems are much more complicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are better represented as a \u2018Web\u2019<\/em> because organisms may have several food sources and several predators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plant roots<\/strong> can interact with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n *Fungi can interact with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Predatory nematodes can feed on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This creates a complex network.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Microscopic organisms are fundamental to soil health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important groups include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n They contribute to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A teaspoon of healthy soil may contain an enormous number of microorganisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most are not visible to the gardener.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fun Fact: Many soil microorganisms are beneficial to humans. Some are antibiotics, some are anti-depressants, some are needed in our gut, some are needed on a our skin. Interacting with a healthy soil actually produces happy chemicals in our brain!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bacteria are extremely important in soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They participate in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some bacteria live close to plant roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The area immediately surrounding roots is called the: Rhizosphere<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The rhizosphere can contain a particularly active microbial community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rhizosphere is the zone of soil directly influenced by plant roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Roots release substances known as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n root exudates<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n These can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These substances influence microbial communities around the root.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In return, microorganisms can influence:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The root is therefore not simply sitting in the soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is interacting with the soil ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fungi are major components of healthy soils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visible mushroom is only part of the organism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of the fungal body may be hidden within the soil or organic material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The network of fungal threads is called:<\/p>\n\n\n\n mycelium<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Individual fungal threads are called:<\/p>\n\n\n\n hyphae<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Together they can form an extensive underground network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think of it as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n a living underground network rather than a collection of mushrooms.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mushrooms are reproductive structures produced by some fungi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The mycelium may remain in the soil long after the mushroom disappears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some fungi form close relationships with plant roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are called:<\/p>\n\n\n\n mycorrhizae<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The relationship can benefit both partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fungus may help the plant access:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plant supplies the fungus with carbon compounds produced through photosynthesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is an example of: Symbiosis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFungi are good for the garden\u201d is too simplistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fungi can be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some fungal species cause plant diseases. Therefore, the aim is not: \u201cRemove all fungi.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It is: Maintain a diverse and functioning fungal community.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some gardening practices can influence fungal communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, claims about commercial \u201cmycorrhizal products\u201d should be treated critically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not every plant needs a commercially supplied mycorrhizal inoculant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The existing soil may already contain suitable fungi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earthworms are important soil organisms, helping open the soil pores as well as breaking down dead material into nutrients for other organisms to feed on and in turn release for plants to consume. They are also becoming rarer! (Some are endangered) .<\/p>\n\n\n\n They can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earthworm activity can help create a more porous soil structure. However: More worms does not automatically mean better soil.<\/strong> Different earthworm species occupy different parts of the soil profile and have different ecological roles. In dry weather they dive deeper to stay moist, in wet weather they may come to the surface to avoid drowning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When leaves, stems and roots die, they do not simply disappear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They enter a decomposition process. A simplified sequence is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dead organic material<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fungi and bacteria<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n Smaller organic particles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n Soil organisms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nutrients released<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plant uptake:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This interaction is part of nutrient cycling<\/strong> and ultimately helps your soil to have not only biodiversity but also balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember: Nature wants balance and a garden as much as we describe it as \u2018balanced\u2019 is (to nature) an abomination. Gardens are a falsehood \u2013 a creation and a mechanism of control. If we look at gardens as an invention aside<\/em> from nature, then it is easier to understand why it feels like we are constantly fighting it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a very contentious, perhaps even a controversial subject and leads to much argument. Conservationists describe gardeners with derision. Gardeners in turn describe conservationists as messy and uncoordinated. Both statements are true and both statements are false in equal measure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The word Weed<\/strong> describes a plant growing where it is not wanted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It does not necessarily mean: An ecologically worthless plant.<\/em><\/strong> Some plants commonly regarded as weeds provide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is therefore good to remember the following tenet: \u201cThe correct management question is: Does this plant need controlling<\/em> here?<\/strong> rather than: Is this plant good or bad<\/u>?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Leading from this one must ask another question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A garden can look perfectand still have poor ecological health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conversely, a garden with fallen leaves; dead stems; amounts of moss; insects; fungi; rough grassed areas; may actually have considerable ecological value. It is up to the gardener to see this ecological value and to assess it for it\u2019s aesthetic benefit. Perhaps a stand of nettles appear ugly (or even threatening), but it is a vital source of food for certain insects such as butterflies. The hollow stems are also important over-wintering opportunities for predators like the lace-wing. You decide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Soil is not simply a mixture of minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It contains a complex food web.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plants capture energy through photosynthesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That energy enters the soil ecosystem through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This supports microorganisms and other organisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A simplified sequence is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Carbon Cycle<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n<\/a>Garden Biodiversity<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Plant diversity – Trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, grasses, wildflowers, climbers.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Animal diversity – Insects, spiders, birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles. <\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Soil biodiversity – Bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, earthworms, mites, springtails.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Why Does Biodiversity Matter?<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n<\/a>Structural Diversity<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>Habitat Diversity<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Dead Wood Is Not Dead to Everything<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nSoil Trophisms<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Decomposers<\/em> (these recycle)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>Producers<\/em><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Primary consumers<\/em><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>Secondary consumers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>*The Soil Food Web Is Not a Simple Food Chain*<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n<\/a>Microorganisms<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n<\/a>Bacteria<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n<\/a>The Rhizosphere<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>Fungi<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n<\/a>The Mycelial Complex<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>Mycorrhizal Fungi<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n<\/a>Not All Fungi Are Beneficial<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n<\/a>Mycorrhizae and Garden Management<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a>Earthworms<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n<\/a>Decomposition<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/a>The Role of Weeds in a garden<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Is Garden Health Is More Than Appearance?<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n<\/a>The Soil Food Web<\/u><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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