The Wonder of Fibonacci in our Gardens

Oct 10, 2023

The Wonder of Fibonacci in our Gardens

Oct 10, 2023

Enjoyment of the world around us and in our gardens is a deep-rooted and multifaceted aspect of the human experience. The serenity of a well-maintained and organized green space that includes vibrant colors of blooming flowers, branching of trees, the arrangement of seeds in many plants, and the arrangement of leaves on a stem are some of the many reasons why people derive such pleasure from gardens. The human brain has evolved to recognize patterns in the environment, and the Fibonacci sequence and golden ratio can be seen as pleasing patterns that are both simple and complex.

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Current scientific research finds evidence that Fibonacci numbers and Golden Ratio mathematical principles appear in many patterns and structures in nature. The Fibonacci sequence is a mathematical pattern where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers (e.g., 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, etc.). The golden ratio is a mathematical ratio of approximately 1.618:1 and is often represented by the Greek letter phi. The attraction to the Fibonacci sequence and golden ratio in gardens is likely a combination of their natural occurrence in the environment and their ability to create pleasing patterns and proportions that evoke a sense of balance and harmony. In addition, the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio are associated with growth and abundance, making them symbolic of prosperity and success.

The beauty of flowers, carefully arranged and nurtured, often follows the Fibonacci sequence in the arrangement of their petals and seeds. Pattern arrangement adds an extra layer of fascination to the world of flora. Many flowers exhibit a petal count that corresponds to Fibonacci numbers. For example, lilies often have three petals, buttercups have five, Shasta daisies have 21, and dandelions have 34. Other examples include the White Calla Lily (1 petal); Euphorbia (2 petals); Iris (3 petals); Larkspur, Hibiscus, and wild Rose (5 petals), Black-eyed Susan and Delphiniums (8 petals); Pyrethrum Daisy (34 petals); and Michaelmas Daisies (89 petals). One of the most noticeable manifestations of the Fibonacci sequence in flowers is seen in the spirals of Sunflower seed heads. The seeds of these flowers form spirals that radiate from the center. The numbers of these spirals, when counted in opposite directions, are often consecutive Fibonacci numbers. The most common arrangements are 21 and 34 spirals, or 34 and 55 spirals. This mathematical harmony is not only visually appealing but also serves a practical purpose. The optimal packing of seeds ensures efficient use of space, maximizing the plant's reproductive success.

Many gardeners enjoy succulent plants that form geometrical spirals like sunflowers. Some spirals are more perfectly arranged than others. Aeonium ‘Emerald Ice' has concentric rosettes that form spirals; Aeonium ‘Zwartkop' leaves are purple-black and form spiral rosettes at the edge of the stem; Agave ‘Blue Glow' leaves are lance-shaped, and the rosettes are less compact than succulents with smaller leaves; the leaves of Agave victoriae reginae are geometrical and form rosettes from the bottom without a stem; and Echeveria imbricata often has near-perfect rosettes in which the leaves are saucer shaped. Aloe polyphylla (Spiral Aloe) is one of the best-know spiral succulents. The rosettes form a perfect Fibonacci clockwise or counter clockwise spiral.

One of the most interesting applications of the Fibonacci sequence is in the design of gardens. Many gardeners and landscape architects have used the Fibonacci sequence to create beautiful and attractive garden designs that follow the natural patterns found in nature. One of the most common applications of the Fibonacci sequence in gardens is in the placement of plants. The Fibonacci sequence provides a mathematical framework for determining the ideal spacing between plants, which can help to create a more visually appealing and functional garden. One example is plant arrangement in a spiral pattern that follows the Fibonacci sequence, with each successive plant placed at a distance equal to the sum of the distances between the two previous plants. This creates a natural and aesthetically pleasing arrangement that mimics the spiral patterns found in nature, like the spiral pattern of a snail shell.
 
Gardens offer a respite from the demands of modern life, providing a sanctuary for relaxation, reflection, and inspiration. When selecting plants and designing a garden, an awareness of Fibonacci-related growth and design patterns can add an element of artistic and creative beauty. Observing the mathematical beauty of plants and garden design can spark conversations about the intersection of mathematics and nature.
 
Source:
 
Cynthia Nations is a UC Master Gardener who enjoys the Fibonacci sequence in her succulent garden. This article was edited by UC Master Gardener Maggie Mah. Photos courtesy of Cynthia Nations.
 
UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo-San Francisco County are volunteers who are trained under the auspices of the University of California to provide science-based information on plants, horticulture, soil and pest management at no charge to the public. For more information and to find out about classes and events in your area, visit our website where you can also sign up for our newsletter and contact our Helpline:

By Cynthia Nations
Author
By Maggie Mah
Editor

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