The Superpowers of Lupin

Lupins are soil engineers with superpowers. They can covert infertile earth into something usable for other plants by "fixing" nitrogen from the air. Nitrogen is a critical component in the formation of the DNA, of all living things. As an inert gas, it can only be used if the molecules are broken up by lightning or plants with nodules containing the necessary bacteria.

The Nitrogen Cycle utilizes the processes of fixation, nitrification, assimilation, ammonification and denitrification to keep a healthy balance of nitrogen circulating in the environment. Other plants in the pea and bean family, like clover, do this as well. Lupins however, have the additional ability to pull potassium from rocks, sand and minerals. Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are all needed for plant growth. However, the human use of fertilizers to supplement these elements, has caused an unhealthy imbalance of nitrogen, resulting in algal blooms and excess greenhouse gasses.

Lupins are not just a pretty weed. They perform important work. They keep all living things alive because of their critical role in the Nitrogen Cycle. They make nitrogen bioavailable for other plants, which are eaten by animals, then returned to the earth through manure and decay. Then nitrogen is released back into the air by other bacteria. We cannot live without nitrogen in a usable form. Nitrogen that is not available in a balanced natural way, is harmful to the environment. Therefore Lupins are natural regulators.

I have a wild garden where Lupins hold a place of honour. Over the years my Lupins and clovers, have converted a rocky patch of ground, next to my garage, into a lush environment that has been a welcoming ecosystem for many other plants. As a result, I now have a natural evolution of species that includes honeysuckle, violets, eyebright, yarrow, daisy, coltsfoot, pearly everlasting, hawkweed and berries like blueberry and strawberry.

This is a "Pollinator Friendly Garden" that welcomes natural diversity. It may look unkept, wild or unsightly to some. However for those of us who know, it is a wonderful and beautiful thing to behold. Besides, the fertilizer is free, the hummingbirds, bees and other creatures are happy and I am supporting what is good for our planet.