What is biophilia?

According to Merriam-webster biophilia is a hypothetical human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature: a desire or tendency to commune with nature.

The term was popularized by psychoanalyst Erich Fromm in the 1960s. In his work, he used the word (from bio-, meaning "life," and -philia, meaning "friendly feeling toward") to describe the biological drive toward self-preservation or “the passionate love of life and of all that is alive” according to Britannica.

In the late 1970s, American biologist Edward O. Wilson extended the word's meaning, seeing it as the perfect word for the rich, natural pleasure that comes from being surrounded by living organisms.

The shift away from unnatural garden design, dominated by exotic plant species and monoculture lawn is a deeply biophilic practice. Not only does it create a space to retreat and relax, but in the process brings us closer to nature and helps us connect with it. Just as naturalized gardens not only benefit wildlife—they also benefit us. Research shows that people with biodiverse yards report higher satisfaction, lower stress, and a stronger sense of place. In fact, the Backyard Biophilia Scale developed by researchers at Duke University, helps measure how much joy people derive from biodiversity in their own gardens. The article exploring the findings of this recent study is here: Backyard Biophilia: Measuring Our Attraction to Biodiversity at Home

In a time of ecological uncertainty, garden naturalization is a hopeful act. It’s a way to reclaim our relationship with nature, one yard at a time. Therefore, it shouldn't be viewed as a luxury, but as a necessity. It's not just gardening—it's healing the bond between humans and the Earth and investing in healthy human habitat.