Plants seem to be just about everywhere – from the towering evergreens of the world’s forests to the deciduous canopies dotting many corners of the globe and even the diminutive grasses and mosses of the Arctic tundra. Ubiquitous and seemingly universal as they are, plants are not without their challenges, and one of them comes down to their very health.
As human populations grow, urban sprawl and development metastasizes into new pockets of the world, and climates irrevocably change, plants of the world struggle to survive, let alone thrive. But, take heart, for all isn’t necessarily lost on the horticultural front. The world’s flora can carry on if we give it some time and help.
Why is this important? Consider the following: plants make up 80% of the food we humans consume and 98% of oxygen we breathe. Counter that with the fact that plant diseases and pests are culpable for destroying some 40% of food crops around the world, not to mention the damage done to plants by pests, development, climate change, and other factors that negatively affect plants supporting countless beneficial species.
It’s enough to give pause to even the most numismatically focused of coin hobbyists. What can we do to help the world’s plants survive so that we can continue doing what we love – and that’s collecting coins? Well, that’s where the International Day of Plant Health comes into the picture. This annual holiday was designated by the United Nations and is held each May 12. The mission of International Day of Plant Health is to increase awareness about the importance of plant health and how a robust, diverse network of plants worldwide supports the world’s ecosystem, can end hunger, reduce poverty, and bolster economies.
Numismatists can certainly engage by contributing time, talent, and treasure to the cause, either by making monetary donations to organizations that protect horticultural welfare or volunteering time and labor to support plant health. You could plant native trees, commit to no longer using synthetic pesticides and herbicides in your own garden or landscape, or even take gardening classes at your local extension center. Another way to honor the cause? Add some numismatic flora to your cabinet.
There are a multitude of beautiful plant-themed coins that could fit the bill. But the 1997 United States Botanic Garden Silver Dollar might just be one of the most apropos. What better coin for U.S. collectors to embrace on May 12 than a commemorative coin that honors one of the nation's foremost and most respected horticultural institutions? Surely the Washington, D.C., landmark is worth a visit, just as International Day of Plant Health is a cause worth everyone’s time.