Recently I read a book on the evolution of the human condition. Between facts about human uses of fire and the evolution of strong forearms, the author mentioned that the development of agriculture/horticulture was what set humans apart from every other species.
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I found this very interesting so researched a little deeper. Around 20,000 years ago, primitive humans utilised the same fundamental principles of production horticulture that are used today. Food production meant that humans had enough to eat and didn't need to spend vast amounts of time searching for food.
With all the time they now had, humans were able to devote more time to other interests.
It was the Egyptians that are believed to have first used horticultural practices in the way that we understand them. The priests and temple men tended plants that grew in pots and planter boxes throughout the temples.
Of course, humans didn’t evolve in isolation and it is thought that the cultures in the Middle East utilised similar practices. The Egyptians grew a wide variety of food, herbs and spices, as well as 200 varieties of aromatic flowers some of which were used in the embalming process.
Horticulture and agriculture evolved together through a process of trial and error. Over time, weeds were identified, as were pests and diseases, religious sacrifices were made to ward off disease and noxious insects were hand picked from the plants.
All of the work was done by hand or with the aid of animal power. Various cultures worked to the climate and land resources they had available. In Mexico, the Aztecs developed floating gardens that were mobile. They grew avocado, guava, marigolds and a wide variety of other food products on these islands.
Horticultural practices such as these were not limited to one area. Early writings from China mention floating gardens tethered to river banks. These sites were used to grow rice.
The evolution of agriculture and horticulture was the making of the Homo sapiens as a species. Without this important knowledge, we could never have advanced as far or as quickly as we have.
Diary: Kitchen Gardening short course at Wodonga TAFE. Four half-day sessions in October. Topics include companion planting, composting, recycling and pest management. Cost $250. For more information call 1300 MY TAFE (1300 698 233).
The Growing Friends of Albury Botanic Gardens are open from 9.30am to noon, Tuesday and Thursday, for plant sales at their nursery behind the curator’s cottage.
