Applying an Ecological Approach; the Future of Urban Horticulture?

Horticulturists increasing operate in an urban world in which notions of "the ecological" are ever more important. Is a more ecological perspective a threat or a benefit to urban horticulture and horticulturists? Will we ultimately have any choice as to whether we adopt such a perspective? This paper considers these issues and looks at reasons why we should try to engage with more ecological approaches. Using examples drawn from research into ecologically based, but horticultural herbaceous plant communities, it explores how ecological understanding can be used to reduce resource input whilst at the same time delivering high quality visual and other experiences to urban greenspace users.