As Thanksgiving approaches, our minds often turn to the Pilgrims & Native Americans. We remember the Pilgrims’ perseverance and the critical help they received from Native Americans, particularly in cultivating crops and ensuring survival in a harsh new environment. Today, as we plan our own gardens and landscapes, we have much to learn from these early settlers and their Native American predecessors. Their knowledge of native plants, sustainable farming practices, and strategic landscaping can help us create not only beautiful gardens but also resilient, functional outdoor spaces that can withstand the elements.
Native American Wisdom: Working with Nature
The Native Americans had been cultivating the land for thousands of years before the Pilgrims arrived, carefully shaping the environment to thrive in harmony with nature.Native American gardening practices were deeply intertwined with the land. They understood the value of a diverse and balanced ecosystem—a principle we can apply to our gardens today by focusing on native plants that require less water, fewer pesticides, and provide important habitats for wildlife, including bees and other pollinators.
The Pilgrims’ Landscape: Sheltering from the Elements
When the Pilgrims first arrived in Plymouth, they were faced with a harsh environment, full of unfamiliar challenges. One of their first priorities was to protect their homes and settlements from the cold, unforgiving winds. They quickly learned that planting trees and shrubs around their homes could serve as natural windbreaks, insulating their homes from the cold and making the land more hospitable.
This instinct to create shelter from the landscape is something we can all take into account when planning our own outdoor spaces. Just as the Pilgrims used trees and shrubs to protect their homes, we can plant strategically to create wind barriers, reduce soil erosion, and protect our outdoor living areas from the elements. Choosing evergreen trees and dense shrubs can provide year-round protection, even during the coldest months.
Deer-Resistant Plants: A Modern Day Challenge
One of the ongoing struggles for gardeners today is managing wildlife, particularly deer, which seem to find their way into every garden. Native Americans and early settlers were no strangers to this challenge as well. While they didn’t have modern fences or repellents, they would plant certain species that deer found less appealing. Today, we can incorporate deer-resistant plants into our gardens to protect our hard work from hungry visitors.
Plants like lavender, yarrow, and marigolds are just a few examples of deer-resistant options that can add beauty and color to your garden while keeping the wildlife at bay. By carefully selecting the right plants, we can create a landscape that is both functional and visually appealing, just like the gardens of the past.
Creating a Beautiful, Resilient Landscape
As we reflect on the lessons of the Pilgrims and Native Americans this Thanksgiving, we can apply their wisdom to our own gardens. Whether it’s through planting native species, creating windbreaks, or designing a space that is both beautiful and practical, we can cultivate landscapes that honor the natural world and create lasting beauty for years to come.
The connection between history, nature, and our own outdoor spaces is a powerful reminder of how much we can learn from the past. Just as the Pilgrims and Native Americans thrived in their environment, we too can build sustainable, resilient gardens that support our homes and the planet—while celebrating the natural beauty around us.
