In many ways, the broad term of technology has changed the work of the horticulturist/gardener immensely. The obvious are tools like mowers and hedge trimmers that make job completion so much quicker for those tasks.

I am also including scientific learning in this technology bracket as science improves technology which can then go on to improve science further. This knowledge can also be used in the field in more knowledge on plant physiology, growth habits and the way plants react to each other and their environment-including things like pollution and warmer temperatures. This knowledge is also available more freely through the internet and books (believe it or not, they are a form of technology!).

I say that technology is also leading to more ignorance, as for many people, the mowing and hedge trimming is all that I do as a horticulturist. Never mind that I know a lot about plants, or that I could grow your food and pretty flowers and help you breath clean air with my use of plants-that doesn’t exist in the minds of many people who think these things are waved into existence by a magic wand! There is also the belief by some that technology would solve all problems we cause, not realising that by not meddling in nature, she will sort it out herself!