Backyard Landscape Design

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Mycelia are the hidden heroes of the natural world. They are the root-like structures of fungi that form vast networks of branching, thread-like hyphae. They grow in and on soil and many other substrates, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients. They also help create new and fertile soils, improve soil structure, and prevent erosion. Mycelia are essential for the health and diversity of ecosystems, as they support the growth of plants, animals, and other fungi. Some mycelia even form symbiotic relationships with plants, exchanging nutrients and water for sugars. These are called mycorrhizae, and they enhance the plant’s resistance to stress, disease, and pests. Mycelia also have amazing uses and benefits for humans. They can produce mushrooms that are nutritious, delicious, and medicinal. They can also produce compounds that have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Some mycelia can even remove toxins from the landscape, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and oil spills. This is called mycoremediation, and it is a promising way to restore polluted habitats. Mycelia are truly remarkable organisms that have a lot to offer to the world. They are not only the foundation of fungal life, but also the allies of life on Earth which can easily grow in any backyard landscape design! Here in the mountains the soil is filled with these microorganisms which ensure the health and survival of the forest, even in the soil beneath stone landscape design here in Issaquah survive and thrive many different beneficial microbes.