Saturday, May 17, 2008

Ptolemaic Cosmology: The Life of a Garden

Ptolemy, an Alexandrian Greek, of the 2nd Century AD, articulated a cosmological theory that explained the apparent movement of the Sun and the planets. Beginning from an unshakable assumption that the universe was geocentric, which we know is not true, and an equally strong belief that the planets' movement was defined by perfect circles, again not true, Ptolemy was faced with a problem. Because the solar system is heliocentric and the orbits are elliptical, it happens from time to time that the planets appear to move backward in their paths. Ptolemy was faced with explaining this retrograde motion. He devised, or adopted, a system of cycles and epicycles wherein the plants move in small circular orbits on top of a large circular orbit. Through the years, in an attempt to match the observed motions of planets more accurately to this concept, very complex configurations were devised. The complexities of time in the garden reflect and rival the intricacies of Ptolemaic cosmology. [This picture shows a construct of the 14th Century Muslim astronomer Ibn al-Shatir; epicycles are piled upon epicycles. (the image is in the common domain)]

The Diurnal cycles of days in our gardens ride epicyclically upon the circle of the seasons that is the year; the circles of the years in turn years roll along the linear path that is the passage of time. Actually it could be more complicated. While Judaeo-Christian metaphysics suggest that time is a straight-line, that is not true of all Religions and Philosophies. Maybe there are cycles upon cycles upon cycles. The whole thing is frightening and makes the idea of designing a garden seem like an insurmountable task. I am not sure whether it is arrogance or ignorance that allows me to continue; I expect it's a good bit of both.

The good thing is that Nature is forgiving and the worst choices we make in the garden tend to have aspects with some redeeming value. If we focus our attention on what is working and looks good and try to fix the really bad problems, we can usually stumble onto a workable scheme. Anyway, thats my system.

9 comments:

Via said...

A community garden is a single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people. Community gardens utilize either individual or shared plots on private or public land while producing fruit, vegetables, and/or plants grown for their attractive appearance.

Jackson said...

Community gardens are collaborative projects on shared open spaces where participants share in the maintenance and products of the garden, including healthful and affordable fresh fruits and vegetables.

Joy said...

Community gardens can help reduce negative environmental impacts by promoting sustainable agriculture; reducing food transportation costs and reducing water runoff. Humans, plants and animals can all benefit from urban agriculture since it creates habitats and improves the ecology of the area.

Cleo said...

Social ties are important to the wellbeing of people in a community since they can bring positive health effects and community involvement. Community gardens allow for the creation of social ties and build a greater feeling of community. These connections help reduce crime, empower residents and allow residents to feel safe in their neighborhoods.

JP said...

The easiest way to limit disease in your garden is to avoid introducing it in the first place. Getting a disease with a new plant is not the kind of bonus that any of us wants. One of the hardest things to learn is what a healthy plant should look like, making it difficult to know if the one you want is sick.

-JP
Tri-Cities Tree Service - Kingsport

Dino said...

Not all materials in a compost pile decompose at the same rate. Some materials may have degraded sufficiently to be put in the garden, while others have not. Thorough composting generates high temperatures for extended lengths of time, which actually kill any pathogens in the material. Infected plant debris that has not undergone this process will reintroduce potential diseases into your garden. If you are not sure of the conditions of your compost pile, you should avoid using yard waste as mulch under sensitive plants and avoid including possibly infected debris in your pile.

Anonymous said...

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Starr said...

Needed an expert diagnosis of the health of the trees. One is, sadly, dying. The tree isn't sad, I am! Call a tree company now.

Gio said...

Indoor plants increase the comfort levels in rooms and decrease the risk of getting sick. For example, a study from Washington State University found plants reduced dust in rooms by as much as 20 percent. The study confirms plants can successfully remove particulate matter from the air. The study also suggests plants may help add humidity to a room. As a result, people in a room with plants may experience less dry, dusty air than rooms without. Greenery helps reduce the risk of irritated airways, runny noses and itchy eyes.

- Gio