green

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?

It's been a while since I posted a blog on here. So Just to update everyone on our progress. Everything is moving along and we hope to be in our building by this fall. Everyone check out our new website at         http://www.celticquestcafe.com . There you will find links to our Facebook, Myspace and Youtube pages. Not only that but you can browse our menu, see pics of where our location will be and 3D images of what the interior of the cafe will look like. Sign up in our guest book and say hi, or to leave us comments and or suggestion. Sincerely, Chip Hartleroad Celtic Quest Cafe Bloomington's only Eco Friendly Irish Coffee Shop

In celebration of my heritage – Quaker, I launched the publication of a collection of articles, columns and poetry – A Path Worn Smooth. To view details or order, link to http://www.lulu.com/content/5345570.

Although a 21st century family three generations removed from a Quaker heritage, I've identified one central guideline – caretaker – that continues to influence our legacy. Creating a future that holds a unique opportunity: the opportunity not to just be a caretaker but a person who cares! To be the person who sets a Climate, not 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. Whether in a business, civic or community, be the person that 'cares'!”

Aware this legacy not only influences my caretaker perspective but all aspects of life experience, my family and I reside on 7th generation property located in Glen Allen, Virginia. To ensure environmental commitment, a portion of this property is placed under a protective ‘scenic easement.

In my book – A Path Worn Smooth, I invite readers to walk on a path worn smooth by generational expectation. Savor nostalgia for the places that are near and dear to heart, recall family traditions but more importantly, renew experiences. Challenging all to celebrate heritage because heritage is more than a possession, it is a gift: the birthright of our children.

As either a holiday or new year commitment, become an eco-caretaker. Move from eco-weak to eco-chic – ‘green’ life’s garden, one scoop at a time!

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ~Galations 6:9

Recently, I had a friend issue a challenge – participate in a 30-day giving event. For it is through the act of giving that we gain an ability to see beyond ourselves.

In response, I decided to give both personal and eco-professional tips. As I compiled my list of ‘giving’ green life-style tips and strategies, it reminded me of personal eco-commitments. Hopefully, you will find this list useful; and as always, you are welcome to post tips/strategies that work-well for you.

1st tip - measure your eco-footprint - http://www.buildinggreentv.com/5073

2nd tip – commit - http://www.pr.com/press-release/184690

3rd tip – measure your water-footprint - water-footprint - http://www.waterfootprint.org/?page=cal/waterfootprintcalculator_indv

Tip 4 - be water wise - http://www.buildinggreentv.com/keywords/conservation/8311

Tip 5 - improve air quality, plant a tree - http://www.buildinggreentv.com/keywords/cooling/9740

Tip 6 – value landscape - http://www.buildinggreentv.com/keywords/curb-appeal/9675

Tip 7 - green matters - http://www.buildinggreentv.com/keywords/green-matter-life-style/5249

Tip 8 - understand green - http://www2.richmond.com/content/2008/jan/14/eco-weak-to-eco-chic/

Tip 9 - educate your self - http://www.americanfarm.com/growtopstory4-01-04g.html

Tip10 - attend events - http://www.virginiagardening.com/virginiagardenfestival09.htm

Tip 11 - share knowledge - http://stores.lulu.com/syhwright

Tip 12 - partner with ‘gogreen’ colleagues – http://www.pr.com/press-release/179343

Tip 13 - communicate ‘gogreen’ - http://www.buildinggreentv.com/5755

Tip 14 - avoid green washing - http://www.buildinggreentv.com/keywords/greenwash/8712

Tip 15 - host events - http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewevent.asp?AuthorID=109016

Tip 16 - tell your story – http://www.lulu.com/content/5596325

Tip 17 - host web site - http://www.thewrightscoop.com/

Tip 18 - identify niche - http://www.todaysgardencenter.com/magazine/?storyid=1971

Tips 19 - write a column - http://www.pr.com/press-release/151180

Tip 20 – write a blog – http://www.buildinggreentv.com/user/thewrightscoop/blog

Tip 21 - provide speeches - http://www.landscapeonline.com/research/article/10508

Tip 22 - list in eco-directory - http://www.styleweekly.com/Media/MediaManager/Green-2009_1.pdf

Tip 23 - MC events - http://www.buildinggreentv.com/9626

Tip 24 - become eco-leader - http://www.virginia.edu/ien/vnrli/VNRLI_fellows.htm

Tip 25 - affiliate with green - http://www.americanfarm.com/growtopstory12.01.2005d.html

Tip 26 - market green - http://www.buildinggreentv.com/6656

Tip 27 - acquire credibility - http://projectevergreen.com/news/news-releases/2008/09/19/eco-chic-winne...

Tip 28 - dig in the dirt - http://www.buildinggreentv.com/keywords/eco-friendly/9779

Tip 29 – create a garden - http://www.buildinggreentv.com/node/6801

Tip 30 – create seasonal-diversity - http://www.buildinggreentv.com/keywords/green/9812

Best wishes for the holiday season! Join me in an effort to ‘green life’s garden’ one scoop at a time.

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.

In a prior blog, I reminded you that fall is the optimal season in which to install trees and shrubs. So, I've been digging in the dirt - transplanting new seedlings and installing 'vendor test' plants.

As I worked outside, I noticed the color of my second season blooming Encore Azaleas. Somewhat new to the market, I've tested these plants for a number of years. While Encore Azaleas provide color with their blooms in spring, summer and fall, did you know that they also provide winter color with their foliage?

Autumn Princess' leaves turn a striking deep purple, as do Autumn Amethyst's leaves. Autumn Empress, Autumn Sunset, and Autumn Sundance all don a reddish bronze color in winter, and Autumn Ruby turns purple/brown.

Changing foliage is just another way that these Encore Azalea® varieties celebrate colder temperatures -- and when warmer temperatures return, they return to their previous gorgeous green hue.

If you are like me and enjoy digging in the dirt, you too will like the seasonal affect of these plants. For more information on all 24 varieties of Encore Azalea®, visit www.encoreazalea.com.

Join me in my quest - dig in the dirt and install plants that provide color and interest through out the seasons! Together, let’s create gardens of diversity.