Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Learning The Significance Of Botanical Gardens

By Neva Grant


The plants are considered the producers. They can produce their own nourishment and then become foods for both man and animal. Many plants also bear medicinal significance that has been used by man since time immemorial. Sadly, the plants are not spared from threats of extinction. It is for this reason that botanical gardens in Atlanta have been developed. Its purpose may have evolved over the years, but its significance remains the same.

The botanic gardens were initially used in studying and cultivating plants believed to have healing properties. The flora were cultivated in a plantation for reproduction and observation purposes. Through the years, its role changed a bit until it became a mere pleasure garden as a form of hobby at one point. Nowadays, the gardens play various roles from social cohesion and political empowerment to education and plant conservation to name a few.

The gardens also play vital roles in plant cultivation and horticulture. Without proper care, vegetation can be lost. Through the confinement of different species of plants threatened to be extinct, its preservation can be ensured. This can also help in the rehabilitation, reclamation and restoration of any degraded habitats.

Botanical gardens also help maintain the genetic biodiversity among plants. With its wide collections of different species, the group is composed of diverse classifications. The species are linked with one another, so the survival of one is essential for the conservation of the others. This also helps imitate the natural habitat of the plants as close as possible to increase its survival rate.

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.

In the field of education, the gardens are essential to the research and development projects. These are needed in plant taxonomy, genetics and phytochemistry among others. The plants have to be classified into various selections to help understand its compositions better. This is also crucial in determining the best means for its conservation 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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