eco-chic

Are you and your product or service a steward for the land? “Sustainability – the ultimate green,” says Green Industry colleague Ed Snodgrass “means we don't take more out of the Earth than we are able to put back.” Recognized nationally by media as the ‘2007 Green Roof Man of the Year’, Snodgrass, a committed conservationist, has supplied plants for over one million square feet of green roofs in 20 states and the District of Columbia. And, if you look behind his commercial commitment, you also see that it extends far beyond a business focus. He has applied his philosophy, ‘don’t take more out of the Earth than we are able to put back’, to all facets of his lifestyle; for additional details, link to web site www.greenroofplants.com.

Similar to the concept of individual accountability, ‘growing green’ a product or service starts with measuring eco-foot prints, www.conservation.org/ecofootprint to determine how both you and/or your employees presently fall short related to ‘green’ choices. Then, the concept expands to measure overall impact of a product or service as it relates to creating carbon footprints, www.carbonfootprint.com .

While it may appear difficult to identify ‘greening strategies’, in most cases it is simply applying core business strategies such as efficiency of scale: create maximum output from minimum input. So, related to the distribution of your product or service, think outside of the box.

For example, through reviewing delivery routes, United Parcel Service (UPS) saved millions of dollars in fuel cost, reduced employee overtime and improved their customer service. How did this event occur? By developing delivery routes that took advantage of ‘free right turn during red lights’, with little or no start up cost, the new routing system immediately reap reward.

In my book - The ABCs of Green Industry Communications: assess, brand & communicate, http://www.lulu.com/content/6083320, - I share the ‘who, what, when, where, why, how and benefits of ‘growing green (profit/planet)’ market share’. I as well as other Industry professionals provide tips related to identifying a niche market, developing sustainable business strategies and implementing communication activities that enable market share - not simply the mechanics but examples of activities proven to create market presence.

Let me share a few ‘greening’ tips -
• Become a steward of the land because ‘green matters’.
• Be aware research reveals 8 of 10 consumers prefer a green product, service or information; regardless of age, green matters; so, consumers are willing to pay more (usually 5 to 10%); and, prefer to deal with a company that has an established ‘greening’ reputation.
• Understand the P’s – product, publicity, promotion, people, planet & profit – as each influence ‘greening’ market share; and then, develop vision/mission statements and green initiatives which enable media formats that support brand recognition.
• Provide ‘green’ products or services defined as ‘made/provided with little environmental harm’: goods or services produced in environmentally and ecologically friendly ways, e.g. by using renewable resources.
• Strive to create ultimate ‘green’ products or services that meet present-day consumer demand without impacting future generation resources.
• Use mechanics involved in creating branded images and identify communication formats that create a differentiated message, an industry appropriate image sustained by viable ‘green’ products or services.
• inject the market place with a unique, consistent, desirable ‘green’ persona position that reigns over a consumer’s mind and is so highly valued you and/or your product are not simply seen as “a” product but “the” product.
• Become the recognized niche product or service eco-brand, create a brand name - you!

So, considering the relationship of planet and profit, are you ‘growing green’ your business? Are you contributing to sustainability, ultimate green? As my colleague Ed Snodgrass says, “Don’t take more out of the Earth than we are able to put back.”

Author’s Note - In anticipation of the 2010 DC Green Festival, I’ve implemented a 5-step sustainable landscape program. All steps are posted on www.TheWrightScoop.com blog, twitter ID WrightScoop and facebook group The Wright Scoop. A final step invites all to the DC Green Festival Saturday, October 23, from 12:30 to 1:15pm held at the Organic Gardening and Urban Farming Pavilion located in the DC Convention Center to hear my speech Gardening Green: the sustainable landscape. A signing/sale of my book From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green is host by Washington Gardener magazine and held at their exhibit booth. For details, see Green Festivals http://www.greenfestivals.org/index.php?option=com_mtree2&task=viewlink&... .

Eco-chic, traditionally defined as ‘providing for the present without sacrificing the future’, is more than life-style choices. It includes acquiring a healthy respect for the eco-consequence of these choices.

A few years ago, USA Today newspaper printed an insert titled ‘Is there a safe place to live?’ Nation-wide escalating forms of climate change were depicted. Yet, although daily reminded of these eco-consequences, are you presently aware of the severity of increased weather cycles?

A margarine advertisement once announced Mother Nature’s displeasure for being fooled into thinking a product was real butter. In anger, she said, “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.” Waving her arms black clouds swirled, thunder bellowed and lightning slithered through the sky. I was reminded of this advertisement when I watched a more than 100-year old oak glow as if lighted and shake from its leaf tips to roots. Struck by lightening, bark peeled in strips, hung rope-like through out the tree and pieces were scattered for 50 or more feet.

Through this experience, I most certainly gained perspective of the effect of severe storms; but, if you heard thunder or saw lightening, what would you do? Would you run outside to retrieve trivial items; or, seek shelter?

If you are aware of a pending storm and inside, safety measures are to unplug appliances, avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliance; and, because water is a conductor, don’t take a bath or shower, or run water for any other purpose. If you are outside boating or swimming, immediately get to land and find shelter. Limit exposure by seeking out a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles or metal objects. At the same time, make sure the place is not subject to flooding. The goal is to make your self as small a target as possible; so, squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Do not lie flat on the ground because laying flat can make you a larger target.

According to meteorological experts at The National Weather Channel http://www.nws.noaa.gov/, the best ally for dealing with severe weather situations is to be informed, aware of evacuation plans, the location of shelters and keep a copy of area guidelines in an easily accessible place such as a phone book. It is also wise to be aware that lightning can occur when it’s not raining and the straight-line winds of a thunderstorm can exceed 100 mph which are more damaging than the winds of most tornados.

As urban/suburban communities, we need to acquire a healthy respect for the eco-consequence of our life-style choices. Become aware that while weather cycles such as thunder-storms do provide optimal natural rain fall, these storms should be greeted with caution. If you hear distant thunder and think it harmless to run outside and retrieve trivial items, be warned it could be the last activity of your life. For it’s not only not nice to fool Mother Nature, it’s not wise to fool-around with her either.

When gardens burst forth with bloom, nostalgia unexpectedly creeps into my experience. It is triggered by the sweet-scent of blooming flowers, a garden activity or the sight of prospering plants shared by another gardener. For, I am reminded when I see plants in bloom that were transplanted from the gardens of my mother, grandmother or elderly aunts.

I enjoy sitting outside in a garden space, smelling the sweet-scent of blooming flowers, listening to the hum of visiting bees, and reminiscing of a gardening era presently labeled heritage. Still, while ‘living green’ texture, color and fragrance should be enjoyed, it is more important that each of us understand its life-supporting role.

The month of May is designated both national flower and clean air month, a time to celebrate the beauty and health of ‘living green’; but were you aware of this connection? Research conducted by Virginia’s land grant university Virginia Tech identifies each 50 by 50 square foot space whether planted with turf or other plant material or a mid to large size tree to annually provide the air quality for a family of four.

My colleague Alex X. Niemiera, Extension Horticulturist for the department of Horticulture at Virginia Tech, has further identified landscaping to significantly influence perceived property value. In fact, the value of landscaping appears to range dependent upon location: 5.5 percent (Louisiana) to 11.4 percent (South Carolina). In other words, a home valued at $150,000 with no landscape (lawn only) could be worth $8,250 to $19,050 more with a sophisticated landscape that includes color and large plants.

So, whether your motivation is to recapture an era of yesterday or contribute to air quality or insure the value of your real-estate, invest in eco-landscaping. In my newly published book, From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green (http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/from-eco-weak-to-eco-chic-lan...), I emphasize eco-landscape concepts. In honor of national Flower Month, I want to spotlight a flowering shrub, 'Limelight' Hardy Hydrangea, http://www.provenwinners.com/plants/detail.cfm?photoID=7687. Not only have I found this shrub to work-well but provide ongoing seasonal interest. It jump-starts spring with unique bright chartreuse blooms. From mid-summer to fall, the blooms hold a refreshing color; and before frost, become tinged with pink. Then, during winter, the blooms extend the gardening season as dry fluffy puffs.

Although ‘Limelight’ hydrangea is not in the category of plants that make me reminisce, when seasonal cool, gray skies and shorten-days of winter begin, I look out my home-office window and am reminded by its dried blooms of the promise of spring. And, perhaps, some day because of its seasonal beauty, this shrub will trigger nostalgia for my grandchildren. So, my question to you is “Are you participating in activities that celebrate the beauty and health of ‘living green’?” For, landscapes should not simply be aesthetically pleasing but offset the carbon atmosphere that plagues urban environments.

To acquire a ‘free’ garden design that features 'Limelight' Hardy Hydrangea or to share comments, ideas or strategies on this or similar topics, contact me. Together, let’s identify column topics that enable awareness of ‘living green’, create a legacy of eco-healthy spaces.

Green Education Foundation (GEF) is mobilizing two million children to participate in environmental educational programs during National Green Week 2010 (Feb. 1-5, 2010). The objective is to empower students to become environmental stewards within the context of their own lives.What are you doing to promote 2010 Green Week Feb 1-5? The Wright Scoop is promoting gardening green -

Whether experienced landscape professionals or novice homeowners, all are challenged to create landscapes from a sustainable point of view, seeking to reduce their carbon footprint as well as feed their families pesticide free produce. For any style garden should not simply illustrate traditional design but be the result of the right plant, installed in the right place at the right (optimal) planting season - creating a legacy of green, healthier urban/suburban communities.

As the recipient of the 2008 ‘Turn America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic’ award sponsored by Project Evergreen and Hines Horticulture – I encourage consumers to garden green, create sustainable urban/suburban landscapes.

The 2010 Difference –
Historically, earth-friendly strategies are defined in terms of reduce, reuse and recycle but eco-chic takes this definition a step further. “Eco-chic spaces are not just the result of lifestyle choices but a reflection of how we feel about the environment. While keeping it simple (as in simple living) is the name of the game, there is a more important underlying factor – a commitment to ultimate greening: providing for the present without sacrificing the future.”

A hands-on landscape gardener, I participate in nation-wide regional plant testing. As a result, I've gained familiarity with programs such as the ‘Southern Living Plant Collection’, ‘Proven Winners’, ‘Plants that Work’ and many more. During 2009, I advocated the idea that consumers take the concept of sustainability a step further, not simply a use of plants that works-well in their region but those that contribute to regional economic sustainability: developed, grown and distributed within their community.

To me, as a Central Virginia gardener, my advocacy means the support and use of a newly released plant introduction program, Beautiful Gardens®, www.beautifulgardens.org .

From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green
Nationally recognized as a contributing writer and communications specialist, I launched a book, From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green. Combining workshop style assignments with research and ‘hands-on’ experience, I share strategies that respect existing vistas, preserving and enhancing environmental health. Readers describe my book as

“Sylvia’s eco-chic advocacy embodies every aspect of the consumer education campaign we hoped to inspire,” said Den Gardner, executive director of Project EverGreen, www.projectevergreen.com. “The judges were impressed with her ongoing effort to teach eco-green. For, our vision is to be a global organization that empowers people within communities to change society through the responsible creation and preservation of sustainable green spaces, such that the ever-increasing impacts of global warming in the world are measurably reduced; because Green Matters!”

“Wright’s writing is thrilling, to tell the truth. She really nails it. I’ve laughed and loved her articles and columns. Her words remind me why I love to work in the earth in the first place.” -- Gigi Amateau, author of the acclaimed young adult novel Claiming Georgia Tate

“Sneed’s commitment to organics, the community and the environment,” says designer Jenny Jenkins-Rash of Sneed’s Nursery & Garden Center located in Richmond Virginia “are echoed in Wright’s book: the challenge for the present-day homeowner is to create a garden from an eco-chic point of view, a ‘waste not, and want not’ ecological commitment: be a caretaker for the environmental community. We support Wright’s advocacy through hosting book signings and having her book on site for sale.”

To review or acquire a copy, link to www.TheWrightScoop.com Sylvia's Store. Or, acquire a copy by visiting Sneed’s Nursery & Garden Center, www.sneedsnursery.com, located in Richmond VA on 8756 Huguenot Road.

Career History –
Somewhat jokingly, I refer to the history of my present-day title, eco-chic landscape gardener. Initially, media referred to my strategies as the by-product of a naturalist. Then, when I contributed to state-wide Virginia media publications, I became known as eco-wise. After speaking and publishing in the DC area, my work was referred to as eco- savvy. It was through participating in the annual Green Festival held in DC that I picked up the label, eco-chic. Nevertheless, regardless of the eco-title as long as people hear my message – strive to achieve ‘ultimate green’, I’m happy.

Details of my activities are available on web site www.TheWrightScoop.com. Join me in an effort to inspire 'garden green'!

This week, nation-wide, there is an ongoing effort to inspire ‘go green’. Why?

Research conduct by the Martin Agency located in Richmond Virginia reveals ‘green matters’
• 8 of 10 consumers prefer a green product, service or information
• regardless of age, green matters
• consumers are willing to pay more (usually 5 to 10%); and,
• prefer to deal with a company that has an established ‘greening’ reputation.

So, individually, what can you do to ensure ‘go green’? Begin by measuring your environmental impact - eco-footprint, www.conservation.org/ecofootprint, shift to ‘green’ life style choices; and then, I want to encourage you to think eco-chic - landscape green.

Today, as I worked outside mulching leaves and clearing fall debris, I was reminded October/November/December is the optimal time of year to evaluate landscape, create a site plan and install eco-shelter – trees and shrubs.

In previously published blogs, I explained the financial value of landscaping, http://www.buildinggreentv.com/keywords/curb-appeal/9675 as well as eco-efficiency, http://www.buildinggreentv.com/keywords/cooling/9740 .

Presently, I want to encourage you to take your commitment to another level, eco-chic – a landscape that illustrates a waste not, want not naturalist commitment, http://housetrends.com/articles.php/Richmond/VA/14/landscape/4/From-Eco-... .

Join me in an effort to inspire eco-gardens - http://www.buildinggreentv.com/node/6801 . Together, let’s green life’s garden one scoop at a time.

Am weeding, seeding, feeding and evaluating results of fall 2008 through fall 2009 seasonal plantings.

The 2008 spring planting season followed a 2007-8 winter water deficiency and then, experienced late season snow. When it was time to plant warmer season annuals/veggie garden, skies remained overcast, temperature cool and too much rain occurred. Next, we moved into periods of drought and 100 degree VA dog-days followed by a late August/early Sept 3-week 100 degree spell compounded by drought. Needless to say, 2008 was less than optimal growing conditions.

Reacting to the persistent drought, I opt to winter-over my perennial areas, forego watering the lawn and focus on supporting the survival of trees/shrubs. Although we next experienced a winter of severe cold nights vs. unusually warm days, my garden experienced little or no plant loss.

During the spring of 2009, spring rains caught up the water level deficiency, temperatures gradually warm and because of somewhat ideal planting conditions, Japanese Maple tree, hellebores and peony seedlings occurred. Instead of incurring ‘tennis elbow’, due to the enticement to plant, I acquired what I refer to as ‘hoe elbow’.

To continue my saga of an ongoing central VA weather struggle, after a cool wet spring, we experienced a variety of hot vs. cool wet which resulted in healthy green plants but little fruit/flowers. For example, tomatoes in my area finally ripen in late July and were not abundant. On the other hand, it was a good year for grapes/melons and we presently have a 'killer crop' of sweet potatoes to harvest.

After the install 2008 fall 'test shrubs/perennials/bulbs' acclimate and prosper through the winter, spring and summer, I had two of the Encore Azaleas not survive the August Arizona-like heat; otherwise, the plants required little supplemental irrigation to thrive.

My sincere THANKS to each vendor who supply 2008-9 ‘test plant/seeds’. Not only do I enjoy experimenting with plants, participating in testing helps me gather valuable data related to personal gardening as well as share with others. As a result, I recently published a book - From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green. To review or order, link to web site http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/from-eco-weak-to-eco-chic-lan...

Because most of my blog-followers are hands-on gardeners, see below for a list of vendor suppliers whose products I've discovered to work-well in my area.

Happy Gardening, Sylvia – www.TheWrightScoop.com

Brent & Becky Bulbs, www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com – Bulbs from this vendor are always a treat – durable plants that bear well. For the fall of 2008, in addition to gladiolus and iris, alliums were supplied and are presently in bloom.

David Austin Roses, www.davidaustinroses.com – hearty plants, abundant blooms through out season and limited susceptibility to traditional VA black spot and fungus.

Hound Dog, www.hound-dog.com – thank you for my garden cultivator (weasel). It’s a great tool for breaking up compacted soil.

PDSI, www.encoreazalea.com - During prior seasons, I received shipment of Encore Azalea and experimented with exposure placement. I’ve found for Central VA that either a NW or NE exposure works best. Plants installed in the spring of 2007 worked-well until the winter of 2008-9. Due to the alternating 40 degree day vs. 20 degree night – Loropetaium experienced significant freeze/frost damage but did recover and are presently healthy.

On the other hand plants shipped the fall or 2008 (Southern Living Line/Encore Azaleas - Oakland Holly Ilex hybrid 'Magland' PP#14417, Robin Holly Ilex hybrid Conin PP#9486, Spring Sonata Indian Hawthorne Raphiolepis indica 'Wilcor' PP# 17972, Autumn Angel™ (Rhododendron Hybrid) Azalea x 'Robleg' PP#15227, Autumn Belle™ (New) Azalea x 'Robleo' PPAF, Autumn Moonlight™ (New) Azalea x 'Robler' PPAF, Autumn Sundance™ (Rhododendron Hybrid) Azalea x 'Roblef' PPAF) survived without damage and appear to adjust to the warming temperatures of late spring. Except when we experienced the August Arizona like heat, I lost one Autumn Sundance™ and one Autumn Belle™.

Proven Winners, www.provenwinners.com – perennials, hydrangea and roses ** not only did the supplied 2008 begonia perform well in the heat and bloom all summer it survived the winter and is presently blooming in the fall of 2009. A favorite plant is the extremely hardy ever-blooming hedge rose. These plants are presently in a colorful bloom display.

Renee Seeds, www.reneesgarden.com – regardless of cool or warm season – veggie, flower or herb, I encounter almost 100% seed germination regardless of flux in temperature and bountiful results. Normally, I use a traditional full-sun spot for my garden but after visiting Mt. Vernon, I decided to plant my fall 2009 greens garden next to my house. My idea is to reflect the morning sun into the space and perhaps, creating a longer season.

Skagit Gardens, www.skagitgardens.com – perennials – 2008 shipment faired well through the winter and 2009 shipment recently arrived, installed and again faired well through out the growing season.

Weeks Roses, www.weeksroses.com – While I’ve purchased Week’s line of ‘knock out’ roses as container plants and they work-well I’ve experienced problems with testing ‘bare-root’ plants. Basically, I’ve found plants shipped prior to the Christmas holidays do not survive and those shipped mid January, survive. Most likely the issue is early shipment. As a result of the ongoing success of these plants, not only do I have my 'test rose garden' but have extended these plants into existing planting areas.

For the 2009 DC Green Festival, I've partnered with garden writer Barbara Barker, www.gourmetgardener.com, located in Live Oak, Florida to promote Gardening Green, the sustainable landscape. Held at the DC Convention Center, on October 10 at 1pm in Room 204-A, details are available at www.greenfestivals.org, select Washington Festival 2009 or call 1-800-58-GREEN.
Immediately following our shared-stage event, we are hosting a book signing at the Festival’s book store, Better World Books. For details of my newly issue book, link to From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green, http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/from-eco-weak-to-eco-chic-lan....

Gardening Green, the sustainable landscape
Whether experienced or novice, homeowners are challenged to create landscapes from a sustainable point of view, seeking to reduce their carbon footprint as well as feed their families pesticide free produce. For any style garden should not simply illustrate traditional design but be the result of the right plant, installed in the right place at the right (optimal) planting season - creating a legacy of green, healthier urban/suburban communities.

The Dirty Dozen
Master Gardener and owner of The Gourmet Gardener, www.gourmetgardener.com Barbara is the author of Container Gardening for Health: The 12 Most Important Fruits and Vegetables for Your Organic Garden, which she describes as the ‘dirty dozen’.

Festival Details –
A Green Festival celebrates what is working in communities, for people, businesses and the environment. Here, green means safe, healthy communities and strong, local economies. Green is the symbol of hope, social and economic justice, as well as creating ecological balance. Barbara and I are two of many visionary speakers and more than 350 green businesses that join forces to provide how-to workshops, green films, yoga and movement classes, green careers sessions, organic beer and wine, delicious organic cuisine and live music.
Together, we challenge Festival attendees to green their landscapes eco-chic style - the right plant, installed in the right place at the right (optimal) planting season - creating a legacy of green and a healthier community.

Are you contributing to your community’s green or decline? Should you be concerned? You bet!

Realtors estimate 95% of consumers will not get out of their car if a residential site lacks ‘curb appeal’? In fact, Industry research published by Alex X. Niemiera, Extension Horticulturist for the department of Horticulture at Virginia Tech identifies landscaping to significantly influence perceived property value.

“Landscaping,” says Doug Haver Principal Broker for Home Choice Realty, www.myrichmondhomesearch.com “to me as a Realtor, is a pretty good indicator of the condition of the home. There are many buyers that simply will not go into property if it does not have appeal. If the yard is overgrown or weedy, it’s a turnoff. In a way, landscaping not only is an ongoing investment that upgrades property value, it opens the door for a potential buyer.”

“As the housing market turns softer, Americans are realizing that one of the best ways to increase a home’s resale value is to revamp their landscape,” was the lead-in for an issue of The Wall Street Journal Magazine of Personal Business SMART MONEY, which featured a special report “Fertile Ground – Add 15% to Your Home’s Value”. Still, Niemiera’s research identified further interesting phenomena.

The value of landscaping appears to range dependent upon location: 5.5 percent (Louisiana) to 11.4 percent (South Carolina). In other words, a home valued at $150,000 with no landscape (lawn only) could be worth $8,250 to $19,050 more with a sophisticated landscape that includes color and large plants. Niemiera’s multi-state study also identifies minimal landscapes (simple design with small plants) to detract from a site’s overall value.

“In this market,” says Haver, “it is more important than ever for home sellers to offer a top-notch product. There is an abundance of homes on the market and the sellers who are successful are the ones who prepare their homes — inside and out — before they put them on the market. In some sense it is a subliminal feeling. If a home has a well appointed and maintained interior but the outside does not match, it feels as though something is missing. And, that feeling will doom the sale of a home. Simply put, homes that are pristine are the ones that sell quicker and receive top dollar.”

During the forth Virginia GoGreen Garden Festival (and more …) held (rain or shine) September 12, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Garner Pavilion (located behind the Science Museum of VA, 2500 West Broad Street, in Richmond Virginia), I'm hostess for the speaker events. As part of this event, I've scheduled at 10 a.m. a book sighing for my newly released book - From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green! During the Festival, to further support Green Industry education, I'm donating a portion of book sales to the VA Nursery and Landscape Association student scholarship fund. Plan to stop in and explore an admission free event that will challenge you to gogreen. Festival details are available at web site www.virginiagardening.com .

Newly published book - From Eco-weak to Eco-chic, landscape green!
Whether experienced or a novice, I believe the challenge for the present-day homeowner and/or Industry professional is to create a landscape/garden from an eco-chic point of view, a “waste not, and want not” ecological commitment: be a caretaker for the environmental community.
Through combining workshop style assignments with research and ‘hands-on’ experience, in my book, I share eco-strategies that respect an existing vista, preserving and enhancing its health. For, any style landscape, plants should not simply be a result of traditional design but be the right plant, installed in the right place at the right (optimal) planting season - creating landscape green, sustainable urban/suburban communities that enhance green space for today and future generations.

Eco-chic Label History –
Sometimes, I joke related to how I acquired my present-day label - eco-chic. Initially, media referred to my strategies as the by-product of a naturalist. Then, when I contributed to state-wide Virginia media publications, I became known as eco-wise. After speaking and publishing in the DC area, my work was referred to as eco-savvy. And, through participating in the annual Green Festival held in DC, I picked up the label, eco-chic. Nevertheless, regardless of the title – itself - as long as people hear my message – strive to achieve ‘ultimate green’, I’m happy. So, in 2008, I partnered with Doug Hensel of the Great Big Greenhouse located in Midlothian Virginia. Basically, we combined my strategies with his inventory to challenge Greater Richmond Area residents to green their landscapes eco-chic style - the right plant, installed in the right place at the right (optimal) planting season - creating a legacy of green for their community. Recognized for our effort, Hensel and I are the recipients of the 2008 ‘Turn America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic’ award sponsored by Project Evergreen and Hines Horticulture.

The 2009 Difference –
Historically, earth-friendly strategies are defined in terms of reduce, reuse and recycle but eco-chic takes this definition a step further. For, eco-chic spaces are not just the result of a lifestyle choice but a reflection of how we feel about the environment. While keeping it simple (as in simple living) is the name of the game, there is a more important underlying factor – a commitment to ultimate greening: providing for the present without sacrificing the future.
For example, as a hands-on landscape gardener, I've participated in nation-wide plant testing. I've gained familiarity with programs such as the ‘Southern Living Plant Collection’, ‘Proven Winners’, ‘Plants that Work’ and many more. Still, for 2009, I'm advocating consumers take the concept of sustainability a step further, not simply use plants that work-well in their region but those that contribute to regional economic sustainability: developed, grown and distributed within their community.
Specific to myself, as a Central Virginia gardener, it means the support and use of a newly released line of plants, Beautiful Gardens®, www.beautifulgardens.org.

Words of Praise for Wright's Work –
“Sylvia’s eco-chic advocacy embodies every aspect of the consumer education campaign we hoped to inspire,” said Den Gardner, executive director of Project EverGreen, www.projectevergreen.com. “The judges were impressed with her ongoing effort to teach eco-green. For, our vision is to be a global organization that empowers people within communities to change society through the responsible creation and preservation of sustainable green spaces, such that the ever-increasing impacts of global warming in the world are measurably reduced; because Green Matters!”

Publication Details -
Those who can not acquire a copy of my book during the Festival, details are available through web site www.TheWrightScoop.com or see
Sylvia Wright's Storefront - Lulu.com
Wright shares ...
stores.lulu.com/syhwright - 11k - Cached - Similar pages

As the recipient of the 2008 Turn America from Eco-weak to Eco-Chic Award, I challenge all to move landscape efforts from eco-weak to eco-chic, create landscape green!