A New Garden Ethic
In a time of massive climate disruption, how and for whom we garden matters more than ever. Our built landscapes reflect the dominant beliefs of our society—they are too often made to meet the needs and desires of humans without considering other species. What would happen if our society not only developed empathy for wildlife but recognized and advocated for their inherent worth in urban and suburban areas? What role do native plants have in opening us to the perspective of these others? In this powerful and challenging lecture covering ecology, psychology, and philosophy, we’ll explore why our gardens are ideal settings to cultivate defiant compassion, and how those gardens can help us grow into our fullest potential that empowers larger social and cultural change from the prairie grass roots.