User Blogs

Signed into law on February 17, 2009 by President Obama the Recovery Act does include measures to enhance energy independence but exactly how far does the stimulus package go towards a Greener economy? By some accounts only $60 billion of the allotted $787 billion dollars will support shovel-ready traditional and “green technology” water, wastewater and energy infrastructure needs at the state and local level. Under the specific heading of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy $16,800,000,000 will be divvied up by the Department of Energy into various energy programs. A sizeable portion ($3,200,000,000) will be made available for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants. These grants must adhere to the criteria set forth by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Specifically defined as implementation of programs authorized under subtitle E of title V.

While this is a sizeable amount of money - proportionately speaking - is it enough given the task at hand? In large part energy technologies in this country haven’t changed since Thomas Edison designed the Pearl power plant in Manhattan in 1882. Can 125 years of complacency be turned around with a mere 2.5% of the stimulus package directed towards the solution? Stay tuned. Our government does appear to be on the right track to a certain extent. It seems they do see value in achieving efficiency for their own buildings. The Real Property Activities Federal Building Fund has set aside $4,500,000,000 to convert GSA facilities to High-Performance Green Buildings. Green-retrofits are also on the agenda for other government housing programs including the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The statement “Energy is Wealth” has never been so true. If we accept this statement then the logical conclusion drawn from it is; managing energy usage is wealth management. Sustainability then becomes the name of the game and while government policies define the rules it’s individuals that make the difference. I say the built environment is the area we need to focus on. Reforming our energy policy in this county means improving our energy efficiency. Do you realize that by 2037, four times as many buildings and structures will be on the planet than exist today? Our generation is in a unique position to specify change and ensure these new structures adhere to sustainable guidelines.

By implementing Green Building standards such as LEED, maximizing the efficiencies of building envelopes, water and mechanical systems we can make a difference. The old approach to building design and construction will no longer suffice. Thanks to President Obama we’ve been given the tools for change in the form of the Recovery Act of 2009. Billions of dollars are waiting for innovative thinkers to apply for the grants that’ll change the way we use energy and build. Look at Connecticut’s solar leasing initiative http://www.ctsolarlease.com/. It’s the nations first rate payer supported residential leasing program for solar energy. The bottom line; there is no silver bullet. The solutions lie with many different companies, agencies, governments and in the hearts of those who care. Ultimately it’s up to us, the American people, to identify and implement sustainable solutions. Yes we can!

This summer your vacation plans may include some hiking, as it is so easy to just go camping, or hiking instead of spending money on flying somewhere and hotel rooms.

Remember to consider yourself like a guest at someone's house, and be respectful towards nature during your visit. There are things to remember while hiking to minimize the damage of your presence. For instance, taking your pet monkey as shown in the picture, or even your dog, raises your level of ecological impact. Other examples include to remember to stay on the trails. Stepping on flowers and into the fields of flora and fauna is damaging. In case you were wondering, you can actually kill some flowers by stepping on them. Picking at trees, moss and bark is damaging to the trees. It goes without saying that you shouldn't litter. Throwing rocks or sticks, seems harmless enough, but it's really not. There are animals you will disturb, when they feel threatened they will come looking for you! More tips on HIKING TIPS

There are little worlds in every group of living things witnessed along your hike. What appears to be some rocks or a fallen branch somewhere is actually home to living creatures and plants. Like the saying goes, take a picture it'll last longer!

Just like the scale of impact would imply, mountain bikes cause the most damage, hikers cause some damage and then there are the Barefoot Hikers! Yes, people are causing 'virtually no trail erosion' BAREFOOT HIKERS hiking trails in their bare feet. Sounds like good times.

If you don't know where to hike check out www.localhikes.com and get going!

This summer your vacation plans may include some hiking.

It is so easy to just go camping, or hiking instead of spending money on flying somewhere and hotel rooms. Just like being a guest in someone's house, you'll want to be respectful towards nature during your visit. There are things to remember while hiking to minimize the damage of your presence. For example, remember to stay on the trails. Stepping on flowers and into the fields of flora and fauna is damaging. In case you were wondering, you can actually kill some flowers by stepping on them. Picking at trees, moss and bark is damaging to the trees. It goes without saying that you shouldn't litter. Throwing rocks or sticks, seems harmless enough, but it's really not. There are animals you will disturb, when they feel threatened they will come looking for you! More tips on HIKING TIPS

There are little worlds in every group of living things witnessed along your hike. What appears to be some rocks or a fallen branch somewhere is actually home to living creatures and plants. Like the saying goes, take a picture it'll last longer!

Just like the scale of impact would imply, mountain bikes cause the most damage, hikers cause some damage and then there are the Barefoot Hikers! Yes, people are causing 'virtually no trail erosion' http://www.barefooters.org/hikers/ "target=_blank">BAREFOOT HIKERS

If you don't know where to hike check out www.localhikes.com and get going!

I have ventured into the North Shore Soap Factory just once, and that one visit made a lasting impression. A husband and wife were hanging out in the shop with their little ones. Jerry Driscoll, co-owner with his wife Deborah Driscoll, explained to me the difference between real soap and what’s on the shelves in grocery stores while holding his daughter on his hip and giving me a mini-tour around their beautiful shop.

“When you go to the grocery store and you buy what you think is soap,” he said, “is actually detergent. It’s made from chemicals. Our soap is made the way people used to make soap, but it is an expensive process in comparison to detergents.” That day, I bought three bars of soap and Jerry tried to give me one for free. I told him no and left the change. That was two and a half years ago. Today, the North Shore Soap Factory has doubled its production to supply Hawai’i’s Whole Foods with their delicious array of bath and body products. These products make for great green gift ideas!

In the shower this morning, while I grimmaced at my detergent bar as I lathered up, I wondered if, just maybe, that little shop that is now so far away has a website where I can buy their good products and feel great when I sud up in the morning. I was elated to find out that they do. The North Shore Soap Factory is located in the 100 year old Waialua Sugar Mill in picturesque Waialua, Oahu, HI, which adds to the green-factor of this business. Without a thriving business to occupy the building, it would have been torn down. Try these guys out - you will not be disappointed but rather amazed at the purity and quality of a great bunch of products that put other bath and body lines to shame.

Although severe storm warnings occurred through out the state of Virginia, the rain bypassed Richmond and is not expected for another week; so, this morning, I'll water my newly installed test plants with water salvaged from my home's AC condensation.

Unfortunately, most AC condensation is simply drained next to a house foundation. While I know you will think I'm exaggerating when I say - on a really hot VA dog day, I've collected up to 25 gallons of water - I'm not. For, I'm sharing a tip gathered through experience.

Be creative and identify what water sources available at your home site. Become water wise!

See "Water It Right!!" 1-page publication is available on the website at: http://virginiagreen.org/Info_Files/WaterItRight/water_it_right.htm

for additional articles/info: http://virginiagreen.org/be_water_wise.htm.

We've been busy working on the project in Istachatta, Florida. It is keeping us busy. We've rebuilt a bathroom, rescreened a 50' porch, redone the flooring on the porch, reworked a rotted bay window, and replaced some doors. There are two front doors, one upstairs and one downstairs. Replacing these doors was great! We went to the local recycled building supply store and found two fabulous front doors for $100 each. One is solid mahogany. We lovingly refinished the doors and they are beautiful. We are probably going to use an Imperium central vacuum system, made in the USA, that is definitely a green alternative to other central vacuum systems. It's made of all recyclable steel, has an on/of switch at the unit to prevent energy loss from vampire power, and has 100 % recyclable packaging. It's also earned the Rug and Carpet Institute's Indoor Air Quality Seal.

Check out the Imperium CV7700

PAKISTAN ONYX AND MARBLE
ARC International is the leading Onyx , Marble, Granite and sandstone processing and exporting company from Pakistan. We are a leading supplier of these stones from Pakistan to the world market only due to our continued efforts for utmost quality achievement.

We stock onyx tiles, mosaics, sinks, tubs, slabs, vanities, and custom products. We specialize in Pakistan Dark green onyx, Green onyx, Light green onyx, White onyx, multi green onyx, red onyx, brown/golden onyx.

Natural stones of Pakistan are acknowledged worldwide as best in quality, variety and color. Here Marble, Sand Stone and Onyx are found in exclusive colors and shades which are non existent in other regions of the world. We use modern techniques for producing and processing marble, sand stones, onyx which has resulted in improved quality and our products are fast acclaiming appreciation in the world market.

ARC International is able to export from Pakistan directly to the greatest world-wide markets, like United States, Canada, Central America, Middle East, Asia, Europe keeping on competitive prices at the best quality.

Our products are getting fame amongst architects and builders worldwide as they give more artistic looks to the buildings. We are providing our products in these forms:
Handicrafts (pedestals, table tops, Vanity tops, bathroom vanities, bathroom vanity tops,
handicrafts products like Flower Vases & Urns, Candle Holder, Tissue Holder, Candy jars, Clocks, Lamps, Planter, Photo Frame, Animal Figures, Eggs, Spheres, Obelisk, Pyramids, Jars, Jewellry & Trinket Boxes, Coaster Set, Rolling Pin, Chess board, Mortar & Pestals, Fruit Tray, Cherry Cup, Wine Glasses, Cake Plate, Fruit Dish, Fruit Bowls)

Please visit the marble page where you will be able to look and admire our products. We are striving hard to provide our customers best quality, reasonable prices and outstanding services at all times. If you have developed interest in our products, please feel free to contact us.

Do you question the future of an American tradition, the sprawling lawn? While some advocate its demise, others agree turf matters as it serves as one of Mother Nature’s preeminent filtering systems when managed appropriately. A few years ago, there was a campaign slogan, 'just say no', related to turf/lawn nutrient management but reality is, if this strategy was implemented, only the form of pollution run-off changes. So, let's explore viable alternatives.

VA Tech’s Mike Goatley, Associate Professor and Turfgrass Specialist, joining the Virginia Green Industry Council (VGIC) has issued statewide a challenge to Virginians to GoGreen, become environmental stewards in turf management practices. During the 2009 Virginia GoGreen, garden festival and more, Goatley and his colleagues host an all-day lawn clinic. In support of their effort the Turf Store, www.theturfstoreusa.com, and the Smart Lawns Program sponsored by Henrico County Extension are on site and will assist with advising you how to safely manage lawns while protecting Virginia’s water resources.

Goatley provides a host of current and archived tips in best management practices for homeowners and their lawns through the “Turf and Garden Tips” website, http://www.weblogs.cals.vt.edu/lawn_garden/. One of the most important steps towards achieving a healthy lawn or landscape is to conduct a soil test, an activity recommended at least every 3-4 years for lawns in Virginia.

Improving soil almost certainly improves your lawn and landscape. For, many lawns struggle from the onset as turf and ornamentals at new construction sites are planted in what essentially is subsoil. The best sod in the world can only temporarily mask underlying soil problems!

In preparation for the turf clinic, contact your regional County Extension office and acquire for example a soil test similar to Virginia's land grant university VA Tech. Complete the test, forward the soil sample for analysis and then, follow the nutrient recommendations. During the Festival's clinic, on site experts can help you interpret the results as well as discuss how one can slowly but surely amend a poor soil into a desirable growing environment for plants through proper fertilization, cultivation, and compost applications

A second equally important step is to select a turf that works well for your environment. For a list of the best adapted cultivars for the states of VA and MD, review the current Virginia/Maryland Turfgrass Recommended Variety lists posted at http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/np/2805-1003.pdf . Consider existing lawn quality in relationship to current water, fertilizer, and pesticides uses and then, question if both the lawn and the environment would benefit by selecting a better adapted grass that requires fewer inputs.

Traditionally, Virginians prefer cool season grasses and early fall is a great time to establish and/or renovate these lawns. Detailed demonstrations on how to calibrate spreaders, how to calculate appropriate amounts of nutrients and lime, and how to deliver them accurately and efficiently will be available at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. during the Festival. Also, experts demonstrate how to properly establish seed and sod.

Mismanaged lawns can negate all the great attributes of a healthy turf: water filtration and groundwater recharge, erosion control, temperature and glare moderation, and the use of turf for recreation and relaxation. The Festival’s hands-on clinic provides you plenty of “best management practices” to deliver a great looking, environmentally friendly lawn.

As hostess for the Festival's special events, I invite you to attend an ‘admission free’ event, the Virginia GoGreen, garden festival and more; and discuss with Goatley safe methods for creating and maintaining a healthy lawn space. Educate yourself and then, go green - become an environmental steward in turf management practices!

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), 2500 West Broad Street, in Richmond Virginia. For directions, see web sitewww.smv.org and event details see www.virginiagardening.com. Festival admission and parking is free.

Are you aware of strategies that enable the ability to 'grow green' your business? Link to http://www.todaysgardencenter.com/magazine/?storyid=2082 to benefit from strategies shared by well-known Industry professionals.

Aware present-day globalized markets require that you don’t simply sell your work but your self, through soliciting assignments, networking, and gaining credentials through education and experience, I've become a recognized brand, ‘green’ writer and Industry advocate. A former tech/business communications specialist, over the years, an avocation transitioned into an environmental vocation and through ongoing publication and speaking, encourage others to ‘go green’, move from eco-weak to eco-chic.

As a result, I've researched and published a book, The ABCs of Green Industry Communications and provide ongoing columns. Please feel free to share this info with friends and colleagues and contact me with your stories and column ideas.

Grow green your business!

     Green building now offers so many material and design alternatives sometimes it can be overwhelming. Today I would like to run through some of the competing benefits of installing a solar vs a living roof. This would seem to be fairly simple and straight forward but actually many factors are involved. Let's stick with the purely environmental benefits.

-The idea with solar power is that the power you produce on your roof doesn't have to be produced at a coal fired plant or by some other harmful means somewhere.

-The idea with a living roof is little more nuanced- in that you are recovering the space for flora (carbon reduction) which has been displaced by your residence, improving your insulation, cooling your roof, all while mitigating the urban heat island effect.

     So what is actually more beneficial for the environment? Guess what- It is somewhat a matter of perception and is very involved if one is trying to quantify. It comes down to a complicated equation. (doesn't it always?)
First you have to figure out how much power your hypothetical solar roof will create over the course of it's lifetime. Then you figure out how many emissions would be produced if that power was created via conventional means. This is how many emissions aren't being created because you aren't consuming the power that would have necessitated their creation. However the production and disposal (or recycling) of solar panels (and the energy required to do so) creates it's own set of emissions which must be subtracted from that original total-emissions-avoided number. So what your left with is the total amount of carbon emissions which aren't being created due to the total lifespan of your solar panels. This emission reduction is the environmental benefit of your hypothetical solar roof.
     On the green roofs side you must calculate the entirety of carbon emissions and pollution which are being breathed and processed by your rooftop plants in the course of your roofs 40 to 80 year lifespan and ad to that the carbon emissions avoided from the energy savings reaped from your insulatory and roof cooling benefits. The complexity of variables such as plant type and energy-use-avoided are staggering.
That is why I pose the conclusion that it simply isn't generally feasible to quantify/compare the 'exact benefit' of these two alternatives because there are so many ancillary factors involved. There are a few definite things to consider though when making your choice;

•  A living roof is going to be more beneficial in an urban setting in the sense that it provides a place for plants where there is none. This is also where the "urban heat island" exists. (not to mention storm water mitigation, air quality improvement and aesthetic value)

•  Foot per foot over equal time periods the emission reduction/avoidance is probably greater from a solar roof when you consider how that energy might otherwise be produced in the current social environment. (see next bullet) On the other hand theoretically this energy can also be produced elsewhere or by other renewable means whereas the flora that is able to grow on a living roof in a city would otherwise have nowhere to grow.

• So many little factors are involved that you really need to consider how optimal your location is for either or both. If your in a sunny rural area (with high energy prices)solar may be the way to go. If your in a predominantly cloudy urban setting then your a great candidate for certain living roofs. One thing to consider is that if your just going to be using much of that solar energy on extra power for air conditioning or heating, then a living roof might be just as good in terms of 'cutting out the middle man' and naturally keeping your house a little cooler, and/or better insulated.

I hope this was helpful and as I am not an environmental engineer or scientist I have much to learn about this overall issue as well. Please don't hesitate to comment.

http://www.builditgreenconcepts.com

Ah, the 100K House. Finally someone did an experiment to see how low they could go while designing a green home. They are aiming for LEED Platinum, no less. This house sparked a discussion at the LinkedIn Affordable Green Homes Group: Does green affordable have to be ‘modern’ when most people like traditional style homes?

When it comes to ‘traditional’ home styles, there are a lot of decorative aspects that are very costly. The goal of green affordable housing should include options that allow for ‘traditional’ features, but the quality of material and space, daylight, views, energy consumption and private/public space integration should be of higher importance than things like excessive trim when money is the most pressing control over a green design. You could argue that the quality of home building has declined in part because the public feels that traditional-style features like trim are mandatory for a ‘good-looking’ home, urging them to spend their limited budgets on tacked-on architectural elements like faux brick and stone, instead of things that really make a home enjoyable and healthy.

Perhaps what you are feeling is that modern prefab architecture lacks a vernacular identity (FOR ALL NON-ARCHITECTS, THAT MEANS REGIONAL STYLE). I would also agree that this is unfortunate, but there are many cases in which a standardized, affordable home gains its own identity from its inhabitants, rather than from the designer.

Last week at Boston Society of Architects’ monthly “Conversations on Architecture” Rahul Mehrotra spoke about his project located outside of Jaipur, India that will provide housing for elephants and their keepers’ families. At ten dollars per square foot, stone walls and light frame roofing shelter both people and elephants. No decorative elements were included in the design, and someone asked, “Why not?” Mehrotra answered that his hope was that each family will move in and decorate entryways and walls themselves, giving each home a unique character. The project is on hold due to lack of funding (at $10/square foot… the excavation portion of this project is more costly than the homes themselves) but I can definitely see this post-move-in decoration happening upon eventual completion of the project. This is much more reflective of the people that live there than any “traditional” architectural elements. This minimalist attitude is what would get this project built so as to make homes for the otherwise homeless. Keeping our sights on this goal of affordable green housing is important. A flexible design that can be erected almost anywhere and endure the climate is necessary to meet the goal.

Ultimately, no style of architecture is unique. It’s a style, a fad, something that we may like or hate, as a group or individually. It is something that we copy over and over until it starts to give a location or region a sort of definition; think Swiss chalet.

Swiss Chalet

The 100K home breaks down basic elements that make the indoor space of a home and tries to amplify the benefits of ceilings, walls, floors, and windows to help make the most of very little. I feel that the designers did a wonderful job of transforming a little bit of material into a high quality space with multi-functionality- something that every family with small pockets needs. Tacking on traditional elements to this home could easily bring up the cost another 50%. When this means the difference between making the mortgage, and making the mortgage and putting food on the table, you begin to see that the traditional elements are not as critical as just getting by.

At some point, designers must give up the thought that their skills will be required with each family in need of an affordable home. For some people, the need for a clean space in a sturdy structure is more important than individuality. The 100k House has perhaps a far too unique facade, that when replicated, is too recognizable as the same as the neighbors model. A change in exterior color and a simple re-arrangement of windows could fix that issue. The 100k team already about of that: facades. If you consider the beautiful light achieved inside the 100k home, which splashes down the open stairwell from the light scoop on the roof, you can see that this highly affordable home is reaching far beyond what, typically, $100,000 would get you. Since this project was also publicized, the design team must have wanted to make a splash that would get some attention as well. So that can be taken into consideration- if this exterior material had been one color and the windows were all symmetrical along the building, it would be boring and maybe even ugly. So again, I feel that this design is great and puts a little bit of material to good use, making the utmost impact on the world of uber-expensive, exclusive designs that are not feasible for the general population.

Surely, a family that can only afford to build a 100k house would be very proud of this residence, when compared to the alternative in Philadelphia. This listing is going for 100k… click the pics to see more 100k homes in Philly.

This post was submitted by ThinkDwell. Visit Our Blog. 

Well, it has been a crazy few weeks. We got my sister married off (and her husband's family is from Seattle so they came in early to spend time with their Virginia family here so it was not just a weekend but a nice time over awhile of the families coming together)... then I went to New York on business for about a week... (really, it was no fun *at all* ; ) ) Memorial Day Weekend appeared out o' nowhere, but finally, we were able to meet with Ron, our wonderful contractor, this weekend to plan the next phase of the prefab house kit: The Inside.

• To finish the house, we need financing. The financing we did earlier was to refinance our current home loan because interest rates dropped so much. Now we need to consolidate the *land* loan and finish construction. We're increasing the *land* loan by the amount we need to finish construction since a traditional construction loan in Virginia does not understand or value green building or off grid construction / systems. Once construction is complete and we have a certificate of occupancy, we have been told by mortgage lender of our first house that they will consider refinancing the land *and* house. Because co-op interest rates are higher, Handsome Husband projects that once we have a traditional first mortgage, the monthly expenses will remain the same after the construction is financed. So we will be paying about the same, to do more, after having finished the project!
• To get financing, we need to have a quote from our Fabulous Contractor, Ron Bernaldo of Giant Oaks Construction.
• To get a quote from Ron, our Fabulous Contractor, my Handsome Husband needs to give Ron details, a list of systems (down to the model number) so that the electrician / plumber can give us an accurate estimate.
• To get an estimate, we need to have the interior framing done.
• To have the interior framing done, we have to give Ron the customized floor plan. (Yes, people, these house kits are made so you can work with your contractor to make 'em as you want! We didn't change much, just added more room for systems and a nook & cranny for a bookcase...)

If ONLY the rest of the personal decisions we make as a family were as easy as it was erecting the actual house kit! So yesterday Ron was given the floor plan, a list of systems is on its way, and he starts the interior framing next Tuesday.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy pictures from this weekend's off grid prefab-ulous adventure at the end of this long and boring post.

We had some dear friends out, and it was amazing how *comfortable* the house kit was in the heat. Before, we rarely camped this time of year because the sun beating down on our little 1960's Scotty camper in the field was unbearable. In the house kit, it was breezy, comfortable, filled with natural light yet soothing and cool inside. In the winter, the dogs snuck into our beds; now they flopped, lazily collapsed on the concrete.

When I awoke last night to an unexpected thunderstorm, snuggled in my bed as it rolled, rumbling, in, I reflected how our visit in previous years would have ended first thing in the morning, packing up miserable muddy wet dogs and children in the rain. Instead, we contentedly listened to the rainfall as the children played together indoors while the adults slowly woke with steaming strong coffee.

In the house kit, the light was diffused and off the cement, not the sharp slants of light directly on the concrete as it is in winter. That was the first thing I noticed- that yes, the sun was not warming the floor but had moved higher in the sky, and thus prevented by the overhangs to heat. We opened the windows and let in a wonderful crossbreeze. The difference between lounging comfortably in the house kit to walking into the open field under the unsympathetic sun was palpatable- we all remarked on it.

Another thing I noticed was... how grateful I am I chose polished concrete. SO easy to sweep and keep clean. We also have recycled pallets at the doors which have been extremely useful to curtail the dirt- it looks coolio industrial, is recycled, and provides a great function.

We installed the screens, so we don't have to worry about uninvited animals/insects during the night entering from the open windows, and Handsome Husband and Mr. H stopped by the recycling center and plucked a nice tire to create a tire swing for the kids! We hung it off the old oak that shelters the picnic bench. Which, by the way, I picked up a *second* picnic bench for $5 at a yard sale so we can connect them end-to-end and have a fabulous banquet table for lots of guests.

And speaking of guests... we will have an open house in September!

More on this later, but if you would like to tour our prefab off grid zero energy house kit, there is a wonderful bike tour going on in the area on the weekend of September 26th. Bike Heartland is a fun bike tour that goes all weekend long through a gorgeous, historic area of Virginia. I am working with some local farms to have other activities like tours of natural, community supported farms, a winery that will be open for you to enjoy, and more, so pack yer tent and come on down! For more on accommodations, see here (camping at the Heartland Bike Tour), here (Charlotte Courthouse), here (Appomattox), and here (Farmville); and also be sure to visit Miss Emily's, where Necia and her husband will show you great English hospitality. (And boy does she know how to cook.)

So, next, we begin the interior framing. We install systems. We survive children out of school for the summer. ; ) AND some big family reunions scheduled... so June coverage might be a little spotty.

Even after the house is done, we continue crop tree release and increasing function-yet-preservation of the land, so that in a few short years we can be there sustainably full time.

P.s. This north middle window that will eventually be my daughter's room? The children discovered how to open it and then jumped from the sand pile into the house kit, in and out, in and out, in and out... hence my thankfulness on choosing the polished concrete, *again.* There must have been twenty times a day I was grateful for the concrete. Ah the spills. Oh the mud. Gee the sand. And the polished concrete took it, and looked gorgeous.

CARGOTECTURE Cargotecture is a term used to describe the design of large cargo shipping containers for housing, www.inhabitat.com 'Upcycling' , as defined by www.wikipedia.org is 'a component of sustainability in which waste materials are used to provide new products.' The 'new product' in this case is sustainable housing built out of shipping containers.

Shipping containers are often used only once, as it is more expensive to re-use them. It is also unattractive, as well as costly to keep a warehouse dump for these containers. Imagine the size of the park a city could have where a warehouse dump would have been?

Shipping containers, when converted, are specifically designed for basic needs. In the www.group41inc.com descriptive video, they used the term 'basic susistence' . This term is often used when referring to circumstances of poverty housing. However, these converted containers are more than your average portable. They are equipped with photovoltaic solar panels to provide electricity as well as a rooftop rainwater cistern. Some feature shelving that folds up into the wall.

How did they think of this? Joel Karr of Group 41 in San Francisco, has involved himself in shipping containers for fifteen years, starting with his work in Japan using shipping containers to house trash and convert the methane for energy. From his work with sustainable design he created this design. www.containernation is another web-site to check out Joel's and Group 41's upcycled shipping containers.

The need for housing the homeless, emergency medical facilities, even extended family would be helped on a global scale by this cargotecture trend. In fact, Group 41 has entered and been accepted as a competitor with their upcycled design, in the Google's 10 to the 100th competition, where the goal is to find an innovation that 'helps as many people as possible', for more on the contest, check out www.project10tothe100.com.

As a ‘hands-on’ gardener as well as freelance writer and landscape/garden consultant, I test plants/plant accessories at my Central VA garden site. Because I assume you likewise struggle with the affect of climate change, I thought the results of my 2008-9 effort would be useful. For details of ongoing activities, link to web site www.TheWrightScoop.com.

Description of 2008-9 Season - The 2008 spring planting season followed a Central VA winter water deficiency and then, experienced a late season snow (Easter weekend). When it was time to plant warmer season annuals/veggie garden, skies were overcast; temperatures cool and the area experienced too much rain. Next, periods of drought and 100 degree VA dog-days followed and by late August/early Sept a 3-week 100 degree spell compounded by drought occurred. Needless to say, this was a less than an optimal growing season.

Reacting to the persistent drought, I opt to winter-over (cut back and cover with 1 inch of compost) my perennial areas, forego watering the lawn and placed my 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. For details of eco-chic landscape/garden strategies, see http://richmond.housetrends.com/article.php?id=145, an article published with Richmond’s HouseTrends magazine.

During the spring of 2009, spring rains balanced the winter water deficiency, temperatures gradually warm and because of the somewhat ideal planting season, volunteer Japanese Maple tree, hellebores and peony seedlings occurred. And, due to the enticement to 'dig in the dirt', I acquired what I refer to as ‘hoe’ instead of ‘tennis’ elbow.

While I regularly haunt retail garden sites for cool plants, I specifically extend sincere THANKS to developer and/or vendors that offer the opportunity to ‘test plant/seeds’. For the results of my 2008-9 season, see below.

Brent & Becky Bulbs, www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com – Bulbs from this vendor are always a treat – durable unique blooming 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 the growth season and limited susceptibility to traditional VA black spot and fungus.

Hound Dog, www.hound-dog.com – thank you for my ‘hand-held’ 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 found related to 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. 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.

Proven Winners, www.provenwinners.com – perennials, hydrangea and roses ** as a special note - not only did the supplied 2008 begonia perform well in the heat and bloom all summer it survived the winter. Presently, the emerging plants are in leaf stage. Another personal favorite is the hardy ever-blooming hedge rose. These plants are also presently providing a colorful 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 at harvest, bountiful results.

Rich Earth, www.richearth.net – while I give full credit to Brent Heath of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs for inspiring me to compost, it is difficult to produce enough compost for extended gardens. So, when I was offered the opportunity to test Rich Earth products, I was appreciative. Not only did I find this product to ‘jump start’ deficient soil, I understand many developers and/or growers use the product in their plant initial growth stage.

Skagit Gardens, www.skagitgardens.com – perennials – 2008 shipment of rare and unique plants faired well through the winter and 2009 shipment recently arrived and is installed.

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 discovered ‘bare root’ plants shipped prior to the Christmas holidays do not survive and those shipped mid January, survive. Most likely the issue is too early shipment.

I hope you find the results of my 2008-9 Central VA plant testing useful. Please feel free to post what has or has not worked for you!