garden

As the recipient of the Turning America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic Award sponsored by Hines Horticulture, Project Evergreen and Today’s Garden Center magazine, I want to invite you to the DC Green Festival to hear my speech on the topic of ‘sustainable landscapes’. To peak attendee interest, I implemented a 5-step sustainable landscape program. Starting the week of September 20th each week I posted eco tips/strategies on my www.TheWrightScoop.com blog, twitter ID WrightScoop and facebook group The Wright Scoop. Step-1 challenged all to accept personal accountability, http://blog.thewrightscoop.com/2010/09/19/step1--sustainable-landscapes-... . Step-2 provided tips/strategies for ‘growing green market share’, http://blog.thewrightscoop.com/2010/09/26/sustainable-landscapes-step2-g... . Step-3 challenged communities to create eco-cities, http://blog.thewrightscoop.com/2010/10/03/sustainable-landscapes-step3-e... Step-4 discussed a definition for the term ‘sustainability’, http://blog.thewrightscoop.com/2010/10/11/sustainable-landscapes-step4-s... . And, my 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 of my book From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green is host by Washington Gardener magazine and held at their exhibit booth. Join me in an effort to urge all to move from eco-weak to eco-chic, green America’s landscape. For details, see Green Festivals http://www.greenfestivals.org/index.php?option=com_mtree2&task=viewlink&... . Gardening Green: the sustainable landscape Whether experienced or novice, homeowner or renter all are challenged to create landscapes from a sustainable point of view, seeking to reduce their carbon footprint as well as create pesticide free edible landscapes. 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.” Still, I advise consumers to 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. Turning America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic – Historically, as I advocate in my book From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green, http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/from-eco-weak-to-eco-chic-lan... - earth-friendly is defined in terms of reduce, reuse and recycle. Eco-chic takes earth-friendly a step further. It is a reflection of how we feel about the environment, not just as a lifestyle choice but a decorating style as well. During my speech – Gardening Green, the sustainable landscape, I share strategies that respect an existing vista, preserving and enhancing its health. For plants should not simply be selected to provide contrast of structure, texture or color, but make environmental contributions, too. 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. I am only one of many visionary speakers and more than 300 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. Event details are available at web site www.greenfestivals.org , select Washington Festival 2010 or call 1-800-58-GREEN. As a participant, I 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. Link to web site www.TheWrightScoop.com for details of my eco activities or contact Sylvia@TheWrightScoop.com .

Gardens continue to burst forth with blooms illustrating why as a nation we not only designate the month of May but June too as national Flower Month.

I am in awe of the splendor of year 2010 blooms. I’ve observed an unusual quantity, size, health and aesthetic beauty. Whether a fragile rose or hardy hydrangea, all peak in blossom. Still, typically, there are plants that over time acquire distinction.

As an advocate for sustainability, not simply a use of plants that work-well in a region but those that contribute to regional economic sustainability: developed, grown and distributed within their community, I want to make you aware of a Virginia implemented plant introduction program Beautiful Gardens®, www.BeautifulGardens.org.

Beautiful Gardens® focus is ‘Plants of Distinction’, plants tested across varied climactic zones through out the state of Virginia. To initiate the program, eleven underutilized plants which performed well in USDA hardiness/AHS heat zones 6a/2 to 8a/7, the range of state of Virginia plant zones, were identified and promoted. In 2010, the program added eight plants. Additional detail is available by linking to web site www.beautifulgardens.org option ‘Plants of Distinction10’.

Gardening colleague Linda Pinkham, who has been involved in the development of this program since 2002, first opened her garden as a test site and recently as an activity for the 2010 Virginia Garden Week. Through experience, Linda found the foliage of Cercis canadensis ‘Hearts of Gold’ Eastern Redbud to hold up throughout the summer. She identified Buxus sempervirens ‘Dee Runk’ American Boxwood to provide vertical accents and work-well in sunny or shady situations. Corylopsis pauciflora ‘Goldleaf Buttercup’ Winterhazel was identified as a great plant that announced spring with its soft yellow "bells" blooms and Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’ Autumn Fern to work in almost any shaded area. Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ Pineapple Lily Eucomis in Linda’s Tidewater region emerges in late spring and provides foliage during the hottest summer months. Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’, she found, was more versatile than expected providing linear lines that create design focal points. But it was Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ Little Bluestem Grass, a native grass, which proved excellent for her region’s dry spots and Rudbeckia subtomentosa ‘Henry Eilers’ Coneflower that performed differently than any other form of Rudbeckias in her garden.

While I don’t have Linda’s varied experience with these plants, I can vouch for Virginia native plants - redbud and Rudbeckias, ‘black-eye Susans’. I’ve found these ‘plants of distinction’ to not only work-well but trigger memories of my grandparent’s farm, a site surrounded by colorful redbud woodland and golden bloom Rudbeckias meadows. As program spokesperson Neal Beasley says, “The Beautiful Gardens® program provides Virginians with a wide-range of choice supported by demonstrated sustainable use, an opportunity to identify – connect – with ‘living green’.”

Both in my book, From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green (http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/from-eco-weak-to-eco-chic-lan...) and during ongoing eco-landscape activities, I advocate the installation and maintenance of sustainable landscapes. For, as urban/suburban Communities, we need to be aware of the eco-consequences of individual choices and insure Beautiful Gardens grow with confidence®.

From suburban home lot to the country seat, women have designed, cultivated and reshaped the American scene, moving from the "harbinger of a gentle heart" to women of power and influence.

So, present-day industries tend to forget that at the turn of the century, it was considered almost social suicide and distinctly matrimonial suicide, for a woman to enter a profession. Still, it did not deter the notable efforts of women such as Virginia Estelle Randolph, a pioneer educator and humanitarian who lived from 1874 to 1958. She opened the old Mountain Road School in 1892 and conducted the first Arbor Day program in Virginia.

Still, Susan Kappel of Creatrix Landscape Design has observed “the nursery, maintenance and installation sides of the Green Industry remain male dominated.” On the other hand, Jeff Miller, Executive Director for the VA Nursery and Landscape Association, has noticed “over the last 10 years plus that there are a lot more women owned and operated business in all phases of production, retail and landscaping.” Similarly, Leonard Morrow, Ph.D. former Program Head and Professor of Horticulture for J.S. Reynolds C.C. noticed a shift in the student population and in August 1992, sponsored the first informal meeting for professional women in the Green Industry.

In my book A Path Worn Smooth, I share stories of the influence of women who pride their selves in both ownership of and ‘hands-on’ working land in the form of agri as well as ornamental gardens, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge and heritage plants.

As we progress into this new century, let’s not forget to celebrate – honor – women who opened doors of opportunity. To listen to my story, link to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thereneebobbshow/2010/02/24/meet-the-award-... or attend a scheduled event, see www.TheWrightScoop.com calendar.

The month of March is ‘celebrate women in history’ month. Related to your self, who do you celebrate?

I like to dig in the dirt. As the descendent of a long line of gardeners, I recall childhood experiences of helping my parents and grandparents with their kitchen gardens. For, in my family, it is acceptable for a child to have soiled clothes and dirty hands.

Later, after I married and started to garden at my new home, believe it or not, many plants were transferred from my childhood garden. Then, as the space expanded, I solicited roots, clippings and newly separated perennials from friends, family and acquaintances. Still, while my garden definitely illustrated a gardener’s gene, I had no formal training. So, after identifying educational opportunities, I first attended the Virginia Master Garden program, and began a journey into formal training.

Adding to my skill set, I attended landscape design courses taught by hands-on professionals at a local Botanical Garden. Then, to further expand my knowledge, I researched and attended numerous industry workshops and seminars.

Recently, a friend observed, “You’ve turned an avocation into a vocation!”

For a few seconds, I questioned her observation and then, agreed. No longer, is my effort to ‘dig in the dirt’ simply the result of a part-time effort. It has moved into the vocational world. Parallel to my journey into formal training, I've shared landscape/garden knowledge with others.

I've written feature articles and provided columns for garden magazines. Recognized as an “asks the expert” columnist, I taught adult educational seminars on the topic of creating eco-friendly landscapes; and presently, participate in all of these activities plus design landscapes that consider energy efficient and earth-friendly features. Nevertheless, the further I venture into the world of gardening, the more I questioned its impact on the surrounding environment. For, gardening and eco-friendly gardening are not necessarily the same activities.

Recent survey statistics released by the National Garden Bureau identified of the 12 eco-friendly items surveyed only 3 are viewed as somewhat successfully observed by homeowner/backyard gardeners. It appears that as a Nation, we have participated in a “Green Revolution” for more than 50 years but as a whole, continue to fail. So, obviously, it takes more than simply a “love of all things green” to make it work.

On one hand, avocations are a passionate interest but developing it occurs through the encouragement of others. Instead of stumbling through your effort as a passionate participant, let knowledge become your mentor. Educate yourself and then, incorporate what you learn into daily experiences. Remain open to new and different ideas and share them.

The future holds a unique opportunity: the opportunity to not just be the caretaker of a garden space but be a person who cares! A person who sets the Climate, nor merely adjusts to a preexisting one; creates an encouraging Attitude, not practices ambivalence; is Receptive to people without losing sight of personal needs; and demonstrates Empathy for others while keeping problems in perspective.

Become known as an eco-expert. Influence environmental safe practices and be one of the people who have positive impact on a survey that measures safe garden practices. Write articles for a civic newsletter or volunteer to speak during a community meeting.

More importantly, influence the next generation of gardeners. Create a space in which it is alright for a child to experience dirty hands and soiled clothes. As a parent or grandparent, plant the seeds that enable another generation of people who turn their avocation into a vocation.

Fall is a great time to dig in the dirt. What are you doing to ensure gardening – digging in the dirt – is eco-friendly?

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.

The ThinkDwell Blog's Pro Advice Q&A Session has had some great response from readers, with the following questions shedding light on some common issues that puzzle home owners trying to go green:

Q: Wood Frame vs. Straw Bale Home Construction: Which is More Sustainable?
Q: How Can I Go Green in My Garden? Sustainable/Green Landscaping
Q: What is LEED Exactly?
Q: Re: Chemical-Free Mold Remediation, Why is Bleach Safe to Use?
Q: How Much Does a Green Home Cost?

Follow the links to read more on these subjects in the ThinkDwell Blog. Everyone is invited to participate and receive answers that help you go green at home today.You can ask a question by placing a comment under a relevant post, under the Q&A Session post, or by emailing ThinkDwell at pubs@thinkdwell.com.

This article was submitted by ThinkDwell. If you have questions or comments regarding this article, please feel free to contact us through our website: http://www.thinkdwell.com

It seems like for ever since I had the time to simply write unedited and free form without having to stay non-bias. We (Green Living Technologies) have been busy with some new products and key projects. I have also given up on trying to keep the pics in order or formatted .......I think we have made a dent in the revolutionizing the way Americans farm and garden....you may remember an earlier post I talked about gardening in our Green Living Wall panels...This year we have had a 100% success rate testing not only the leafy greens and tomatoes (again) but we added heavier crops like zucchini, cucumber and watermelon......we devised a shelf system to support the heavy crops while the root system is maintained in our green wall. The next few pics you will see the irrigation system, that can prob. be hidden better for cosmetics but I don’t care its R&D and extremely efficient. We also have herbs, spinach and testing thumbnail carrots that only grow to be 3" long and 3" fat...perfect for our 4" and 6' depths......Everything you see here is being tested in our 4" stainless steel panel. 

The next exciting project I want to bring to the public attention is our editable crop wall for the homeless in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles. We partnered with Urbanfarming.org (Urban Farming LA), Warner Brothers and other key organizations to introduce editable Green Living Walls to help supplement the diet of the homeless society. This pilot project was the brainstorm of Joyce Lapinski with the help of Robin Osler. Joyce oversees Urban Farming LA and some of you may recognize Robins name, we worked with her in the past on the Huntsville Anthropologies wall. The premise to the editable green wall is not to feed the homeless society but we are giving these walls as a gift to empower people to take back their lives, regain a sense of belonging and we hope to create a positive social change. 750 square feet of green walls are being grown by the help of Hunter Francis and Cal Poly, San Luis Obisbo. (http://youtube.com/watch?v=O--eJ6wSuQE) The link is a preliminary You Tube upload that will eventually become a documentary filmed and edited by Kathy Kelly the founder and owner of the Winery Music Awards http://winerymusicawards.com/ (Sundance meets American Idol). The anticipated date of installations (4 locations) will be the week of July 28th.

Also check out the launch of our retail site (www.shop.agreenroof.com) to purchase a few do it yourself panels and our do it yourself green roof!

I got so sick of my weeds I ate them.

http://www.greenmodernkits.com/2008/05/garden-revenge.html

(Forgive the picture of me in my jammies with yesterday's makeup falling off my face, but I still like it anyway because it shows how large the burdock grows!)