Photo: Asparagus between seasons in Texas.

The perennial blessing

Perennials become more established over time and build on their growth each year. even though most of our food comes from annuals vegetables, they are often heavy feeders that require the addition of compost or fertilizer to grow and produce both food and seed.

In terms of sustainability and food security, the seasonal vegetable garden should only be considered supplemental to what is possible through perennial cultivation. Not only do perennials keep coming back year after year, they also often put down deeper tap roots to bring up water and nutrients from the depths of the soil that annuals cannot reach because of their shallow seasonal roots.

Diversity leads to stability

The word perennial literally means “through the years.” So naturally, a perennial plant is one that survives all seasons in the geographical region where it grows. Perennials are the cornerstone of permaculture (permanent agriculture) cultivation because they are ever growing, producing, and giving back to the land. They are continuously intertwining with other features of an ecosystem and building interdependence among all species of inhabitants.

Perennials help build diversity, resilience, and stability in a garden space. They are a long term investment in the land and often increase in size, durability, and productivity year after year. Choosing the right perennials for your garden is a good way to cut down on seasonal maintenance and build long term, vibrant biodiversity. Apart from fruiting trees, some edible perennials you might be familiar with include asparagus, rhubarb, artichokes, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries.

Consider the community

Before ordering your perennials from the local nursery, consider the needs of your community in terms of food, fodder, fuel, medicine and supporting and encouraging wildlife. Think about where your long term additions should go with regard to accessibility.

What kind of soil do you have? How much sun does that area get during the day? What kind of perennials are recommended for your plant hardiness zone? A little research on plant hardiness will go a long way toward protecting your investment.

Perennial planting is one of the best ways to build food security, nourish the land, and  upgrade your property to a multigenerational heirloom.

Trees are the ultimate perennial! Check out the tree planting activity in Daniel’s book to “grow” your adventure!

Celebrate World Oceans Day!

The United Nations recognizes June 8th as International World Oceans Day; a day to celebrate the life-giving beauty and complexity of the world’s ocean, and to draw attention to the challenges that threaten this vital ecosystem.

Earth Day Cleanup – April 22 and Every Day!

Earth Day 2023 is fast approaching, but you still have time to make plans for how you will celebrate and chip in on April 22!

Rewilding Can Help Stop Climate Change

Rewilding, or reintroducing endangered species into their natural environments may be able to help mitigate climate change and improve global ecological resilience. A keystone species is an animal that helps define its ecosystem. When a keystone species from any natural habitat disappears, the entire ecosystem may be markedly different.

Re-Greening the Deserts

Yacouba Sawadogo has been leading the efforts in Burkina Faso to reclaim the encroaching desert as a productive, biodiverse region by using methods such as tree intercropping.

Hi! I'm Daniel

I am busy everyday learning about the world around me and how I can protect the environment.

I can’t do this alone. I need you and your friends to help!

The Mystical Magical Abracadabracal Daniel McDougal McDouglas McFly

A great addition to your child’s bookshelf, a classroom and we offer bulk discounts.

I would love to get to know you. Like our Facebook page and keep an eye out for events, book signings, great activities and more!

 

Hi! I'm Daniel

I am busy everyday learning about the world around me and how I can protect the environment.

I can’t do this alone. I need you and your friends to help!

The Mystical Magical Abracadabracal Daniel McDougal McDouglas McFly

A great addition to your child’s bookshelf, a classroom and we offer bulk discounts.

I would love to get to know you. Like our Facebook page and keep an eye out for events, book signings, great activities and more!

Pierce Press
PO Box 206
Arlington, MA 02476

Pierce Press
PO Box 206
Arlington, MA 02476

Follow Daniel's Adventures!

Join our mailing list and learn about Daniel's events, book signings, readings and more. We will also occasionally share with you activities & ideas for the Environmental Superhero in your life.

Join Today!

You have Successfully Subscribed!