Chapter 4: Flow

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash. The quote is from Water Teachings, based on an article written by Dr. Deborah McGregor.

Introduction

In this chapter, we aim to explore the interconnectedness of life, land, and water. This module provides an opportunity to reflect on your relationship with water, the impacts of horticultural activities on water, and the responsibility to care. By adopting greener landscape practices and working towards decolonizing water, we can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.

Learning Intentions

By the end of this chapter, you may be able to …

• Identify the water sources in your watershed and reflect on your relationship with water. Understanding the flow of water and how to care for it is crucial to developing responsible landscape practices.
• Evaluate current construction practices and practice skills to create landscapes that mimic nature, such as rain gardens and permeable paving (also known as green infrastructure). Green infrastructure is becoming increasingly important in mitigating the impact of urbanization and climate change on water resources.
• Influence landscape horticulturalist students and industry to adopt low-impact landscape construction and maintenance practices, considering the broader impact on water. By taking a holistic approach to landscape horticulture, we can work towards mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting water resources.