Gender and the Garden
Clément’s drawing of symbiosis.(Clément, 2015)
As the climate changes, the world desperately needs translators between biological species. We have lost communication in the fight for control and order. These attitudes towards the planet could be described as ‘masculine energies’. Having masculine energy does not necessarily mean that these decisions are made only by men but in a masculine mindset. Also described as the more logical, pragmatic, structured way of thinking that results in controlled outcomes and predicted returns. (Salow, 2018)
Clinical social worker Gareth S. Hill describes four different patterns that underline human activity; static feminine, dynamic masculine, static masculine, and dynamic feminine. These patterns sit in opposition to one another within all human consciousness. When describing masculine patterns, Hill says, “The highest goal of the dynamic masculine is the mastery and harnessing of nature in the service of life-giving technology.” (Hill, 1992)
In the case of the garden, a masculine perspective could be very dangerous if not balanced. Hill goes on to say, “When unbridled in relation to the expression of the other three patterns, it is willful, determined, and goal-directed at the expense of what is life-giving and natural.” Hill points out that each of the four patterns has a negative approach if one dominates over another. The key here is the balance.
The “feminine energy” is described as more fluid, dynamic, and unpredictable. Rules tend to be bent in order to follow intuition rather than a step-by-step process. “The feminine energy also perceives time differently. She thinks in a circular motion rather than a linear one. Everything is interconnected and moves through its own cycles.” (Salow, 2018) This is precisely the type of thinking Clément speaks about - a garden revolves around cycles of time and is entirely non-linear. So why do we impose such a rigid programme on our natural spaces?
Opposite characteristics of positive masculine and feminine consciousness are defined by clinical social worker Gareth S. Hill in Masculine and Feminine: The Natural Flow of Opposites in the Psyche. (Hill, 1992)
These masculine and feminine themes are echoed in deep-rooted cultural stories in Western society. Carolyn Merchant’s book Reinventing Eden outlines that two main storylines define our incessant need to control nature: one based on the story of Adam and Eve and one based on scientific theory and discovery.
These plots put the masculine energy (Adam/science) as the hero and the feminine energy (Eve/nature) as the villain. If one side of the coin is searching for the Garden of Eden and the other aims to “unveil the secrets of nature” using science and technology, there seems to be room for a third act. This third act is the role of the planetary gardener. Merchant would describe it as a “parntership”, saying, “The tensions between the two plots create the need for a new story that entails a sustainable partnership with nature.” (Merchant, 2013) In any healthy partnership, there are compromises, respect for values, and a foundation of love to support and care for the other. Some might call this quality trust.
If a garden has a perceived consciousness, following Hill’s research, the approach should be one coming from a trusting relationship between masculine and feminine dynamics. The balance between masculine and feminine energies could lead to a better understanding of how to create solutions for the planet. If the logic and strategy of the masculine could collaborate with the empathetic, intuitive feminine energy, then maybe the world has a shot at mending its relationship with the garden.
