Here's my difficulty with this principle: it objectifies. Integration and segregation are processes by an outside force. We can't integrate ourselves without the others allowing it and segregating ourselves is also hard, albeit easier, as in isolation, but dangerous because we need others. Plants tend to choose ideal conditions and create communities this way. Some (e.g. garlic mustard) even hinder others in order to dominate an area or take action to ensure the next generation is hindered (e.g. parsley). Where plants and animals tend to segregate is in reproduction. They stick to their species, less likely to naturally hybridize - with exceptions, of course. Here again, an outside force is often involved, like humans crossing brussel sprouts and kale to get klettern (and then patenting them). There's always an aftertaste of humans dominating nature for me when it comes to permaculture.
Thank you for sharing Tanja - brilliant examples and points. I agree about integrating or segregating being quite external forces, chosen by the designer/practitioner based on needs and observations, although that hadn’t quite settled into place in my mind until you shared it here. I wonder if humility can be brought in with it, to balance any integration or segregation with a level of leaving be what already beneficially works, or stepping back to allow processes to unfold naturally and reach an equilibrium after an initial interference 🤔
Here's my difficulty with this principle: it objectifies. Integration and segregation are processes by an outside force. We can't integrate ourselves without the others allowing it and segregating ourselves is also hard, albeit easier, as in isolation, but dangerous because we need others. Plants tend to choose ideal conditions and create communities this way. Some (e.g. garlic mustard) even hinder others in order to dominate an area or take action to ensure the next generation is hindered (e.g. parsley). Where plants and animals tend to segregate is in reproduction. They stick to their species, less likely to naturally hybridize - with exceptions, of course. Here again, an outside force is often involved, like humans crossing brussel sprouts and kale to get klettern (and then patenting them). There's always an aftertaste of humans dominating nature for me when it comes to permaculture.
Thank you for sharing Tanja - brilliant examples and points. I agree about integrating or segregating being quite external forces, chosen by the designer/practitioner based on needs and observations, although that hadn’t quite settled into place in my mind until you shared it here. I wonder if humility can be brought in with it, to balance any integration or segregation with a level of leaving be what already beneficially works, or stepping back to allow processes to unfold naturally and reach an equilibrium after an initial interference 🤔
Humility would definitely help.👍