Great article – good analogy. I totally agree about the need to reform our ways with the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Their use is badly damaging our environment and very important eco-systems. The big problem, I think, is convincing the average person to make the necessary changes in lifestyle/ideals.

I think it’s critical to really address the issues that cause reluctance in people and take away the barriers for change. There are a few good people, like you, that are devoted to doing what is right for the environment… then there’s everyone else in the world caught up in their busy lives and liking things just the way they are now and those people are often VERY reluctant to change (especially if you tell them they need to!).

You mention the angry mob and I can understand the anger on both sides – the eco aware people, understandably tear their hair out at the ‘stupidity’ of the things we do to our environment. The average, garden proud person, doesn’t want to hear that their prize specimens and garden, that they’ve spent time and money perfecting, could possibly, be in any way ‘wrong’ and causing damage. And add to that no one likes being told what they should do – regardless of how important it is that they take heed and listen!

As much as doing the right thing is involved – to a lot of people that isn’t a priority – their main concern is that they have the best looking garden on the block. I don’t think it enters most people’s heads to think about the costs to the environment! I think a good approach would be to educate the garden and landscape professionals, get them on side, so that they can advise their clients of more environmentally friendly gardening solutions. Homeowners also need to be educated but in a way that makes them want to change.

If we can successfully show people attractive alternatives to the usual garden and do it in a way that makes them say ‘I want that’. Then I think we are more likely to be able to change how people do their gardens. I’ve noticed that there is a real shift towards eco and natural gardens emerging (my time on Twitter isn’t totally wasted!) you’ve probably already come across the get rid of lawns people http://www.lawnreform.org and what they are doing is a really good start.

If people catch on to the eco-friendly way of gardening as ‘good’ garden design, something that looks good and fits with their lifestyle – then I think we are more likely to bring about change. Also accepting that people do like exotic plants but show them how to incorporate natives plants into their existing gardens to help balance things out.

If people can be shown a way of incorporating beneficial plants that look attractive in their garden, they will want it – may not be the best eco reason but it’s the change that is the most important part. To get the masses to change – it has to be appealing to them!

Rachel