“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”
Diversity reduces vulnerability to a variety of threats and takes advantage of the unique nature of the environment in which it resides.
The remarkable adaptation of the spinebill and hummingbird to hover and sip nectar from long, narrow flowers with their spine-like beak symbolises the specialisation of form and function in nature. The proverb “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” reminds us that diversity offers insurance against the variations of our environment.
Tropical harvest from a botanical wonderland
In the wettest part of the driest continent, the Botanic Ark, in far north Queensland, has transformed degraded cattle grazing country into botanical gardens that preserve tropical plants valued by indigenous people from around the world. This almost unbelievable harvest of tropical fruits is just one of the products of their diverse system. The gardens also host an array of tropical plants used for their spices, medicines, cosmetics, fibres, oils, dyes and building materials.
‘Tropical harvest from a botanical wonderland’ photo contributed by Robin Clayfield, featured in the 2013 Permaculture Calendar.
Principle 10: Use & value diversity
A lettuce seed takes off
This seed taking off on the breeze reminds me of the free and independent spirit of permaculture. We grow our vegetables and save our own seeds for plant quality, our health, to reduce food miles, and as part of our strategy for food security and self-reliance. This little seed might land and germinate in another part of our garden.
Photo and caption contributed by Annemarie Brookman
Anasazi sweet corn
As an experiment I’ve been growing this Anasazi sweet corn, an open pollinated heritage variety. Every cob is vividly coloured, the flavour is sweet, and so much heartier than the luminous yellow sweet corn I’m used to. This is the third cob I’ve picked – the first was deep red – and I’m looking forward to seeing if there will be any that are purely purple or blue.
Photo and text contributed by Joel Catchlove
Diversity alive in Afghanistan
Afghanistan remains the home of hundreds of village-bred varieties of fragrant cantaloupe rock-melons. Skilful farmers produce crops in areas that have very low rainfall, frequent sandstorms and both scorching and icy winds. Villagers save the seeds of the tastiest melons, and eat the rest as nutritious anthelmintic snacks. Seeds are part of dowries, as in many peasant cultures.
Photo taken at the Herat market 2003, contributed by Michel Fanton, caption by Jude and Michel Fanton
