The history of flowers
MANY plants considered as decorative flowers originated as weeds which were attractive enough that farmers tolerated them. This led to an artificial selection process by the farmers which resulted in producing prettier flowers.
Gardening with Winnie Rukidi
MANY plants considered as decorative flowers originated as weeds which were attractive enough that farmers tolerated them. This led to an artificial selection process by the farmers which resulted in producing prettier flowers.
It is believed to have occurred for the entire history of agriculture perhaps even slightly earlier where people tended to favour naturally occurring food gathering spots.
This explains why many flowers function as companion plants to many agricultural plants. Flowers evolved a symbiotic relationship with food plants before either was domesticated.
While companion planting has a long history, the benefits of it have not always been understood. However, recent tests are proving scientifically that it works. For example, it is true that legumes such as beans when planted together with other plants such as roses will feed nitrogen into the soil and so it will not be necessary to apply artificial fertilisers.
So is Syngonium, which if planted as a ground cover in a bed, evidently makes the plants healthier.
The African Marigolds, along with other plants are well known for companion planting since they exude chemicals from their roots or aerial parts that suppress or repel pests and protect neighbouring plants.
Another type of companion planting is called Nurse cropping, where tall or dense – canopied plants are used to protect more vulnerable plants through shading or by providing a windbreak.
Once domesticated, many flowers were grown separately for a particular function.
In the west, the idea of gardens dedicated to flowers did not become common until the 19th century.
winnieruk@hotmail.com
MANY plants considered as decorative flowers originated as weeds which were attractive enough that farmers tolerated them. This led to an artificial selection process by the farmers which resulted in producing prettier flowers.
It is believed to have occurred for the entire history of agriculture perhaps even slightly earlier where people tended to favour naturally occurring food gathering spots.
This explains why many flowers function as companion plants to many agricultural plants. Flowers evolved a symbiotic relationship with food plants before either was domesticated.
While companion planting has a long history, the benefits of it have not always been understood. However, recent tests are proving scientifically that it works. For example, it is true that legumes such as beans when planted together with other plants such as roses will feed nitrogen into the soil and so it will not be necessary to apply artificial fertilisers.
So is Syngonium, which if planted as a ground cover in a bed, evidently makes the plants healthier.
The African Marigolds, along with other plants are well known for companion planting since they exude chemicals from their roots or aerial parts that suppress or repel pests and protect neighbouring plants.
Another type of companion planting is called Nurse cropping, where tall or dense – canopied plants are used to protect more vulnerable plants through shading or by providing a windbreak.
Once domesticated, many flowers were grown separately for a particular function.
In the west, the idea of gardens dedicated to flowers did not become common until the 19th century.
winnieruk@hotmail.com