Wright Scoop Identifies 2016 Plants, Products, Services of CARE

Across the Nation, climatic shift occurs, challenging all to identify eco sustainable plants, products and services that enable greening their urban suburban landscapes. For the summer of 2016, the Wright Scoop recognizes ‘Mock Orange’ and ‘Ecological Footprint’ for their eco sustainable characteristics.

Mock Orange –

For introducing a stunning citrus fragrance in the garden, you can’t go wrong with Mock Orange shrub (Philadelphus virginalis). This late spring-blooming deciduous bush looks great when placed in a border, used in groups as screening or simply as stand-alone specimen plants. Though it’s not a true orange, its name is derived from the fragrant white flowers which in some varieties are thought to resemble that of orange blossoms. Mock orange shrubs are hardy in Zones 4-8. They enjoy areas with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Adding compost to the soil will help improve most issues.

 

Mock orange bushes come in many varieties, ranging in height from 4-8 feet or more. For its heirloom qualities and ability to naturalize an environment, plant ‘Mock Orange’ ‘is recognized as a ‘Plants of CARE’, July of 2016. For those who do not have the privilege of hosting such a plant, it is available through vendors such as Monrovia, www.monrovia.com .

Ecological Footprint -

How much land area does it take to support your lifestyle? Take a quiz to find out your Ecological Footprint, discover your biggest areas of resource consumption, and learn what you can do to tread more lightly on the earth.  While some of each person's Ecological Footprint is dependent upon individual choices they make in their own life, some of it is also their per person share of their societies' infrastructure. The first part can be influenced directly.

On the other hand, the second part is equally critical to living within the means of one planet, but must be influenced through more indirect action such as political engagement, green technology and innovation, and other work toward large-scale social change. To identify your eco impact, participate in an activity such as ecological footprint, www.footprintnetwork.org,

About the Wright Scoop –

Spotlight by Landscape Architect magazine as an Industry ‘mover and shaker’, the Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright urges all to become people who CARE - have a perspective of conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency. As founder of the Plants, Product & Services of Care programs, Wright challenges all to select and use plants/products/services that work-well in their region. For details of her programs, link to Plants of CARE, http://wrightscoop.blogspot.com/2015/12/plants-of-care-plant-recognition-program.html and Product/Services of CARE, http://wrightscoop.blogspot.com/2015/12/products-of-care-eco-sustainable.html Or, link to web site www.TheWrightScoop.com  or view video Landscape Gardening with CARE - https://youtu.be/ENPhCg9QQNc   or contact Sylvia@TheWrightScoop.com .  

 

Clean-Waters, a national not regional problem

Riding on storm waters, mud, ‘house’ trash and urban/suburban fertilizers saturate central Virginia’s wetlands. For, during a time when you would think Chesapeake Bay regulation and consumer educational activities should be more effective, pollution abounds. So, how did this outcome occur?

affect of run-off fertilizers

 

Perhaps, we have become too comfortable with statistics that indicate ‘clean water’ progression. Or, we failed to continue consumer educational activities, media public relations and/or other eco educational opportunities. Or, the Industry itself is too complacent in its self-regulation. On the other hand, Virginians for example do have benefit of numerous programs and guidelines provided by its state colleges, VA Tech and VA State as well as other regional programs.

In my area – Henrico County Virginia, the community has benefit of a free lawn care seminar as well as a ‘SMART’ lawn program. There is also an active ‘creek restoration’ program, link to an article published by the Times Dispatch, http://www.richmond.com/news/local/henrico/article_d1f9f33b-0040-57f4-8ef3-562f244b6d37.html. Impacting a creek that feeds into my wet-land, the outcome is questionable.

 

Prior to restoration, the County estimated approximately 100 tons (10 dumps trucks) of sediment eroded from the stream banks and bottom of the stream every year. Having occurred during the timeframe of November 2015 to May 2016, one of the heaviest rainfall seasons on record, recipient wetlands received not cloudy but an ongoing flow of mucky waters which appears to be equivalent to 2 or 3 prior year annual erosions. So, as stated in the published article such projects should be viewed as phase I, not stand-alone.

 

And, specific to state of Virginia conservation and recreation programs, while there are TIPS for keeping your lawn green and Virginia’s water clean, I question why pollution continues to saturate my property’s wetland!

So, the first question is ‘is this outcome unique to the Greater Richmond area, regional or nation-wide?’ Then, depending on the answer, those who are affected need to take a hard look at their eco programs and activities, identify short-comings, and plan a different result. For examples, use cover crops to provide nitrogen for a next season’s garden space, a soil test to determine nutrient additives per gardening installation, and planting strategies that avoid disturbing soil nearby feeder-creeks, lakes/ponds and rivers. Use compost to selectively enrich soil, and edge planting areas to avoid nutrient run-off. In other words, landscape garden using a 6 Ps strategy: place – determine outdoor use in terms of its exposure, plant – identify plant materials that support the identified use, planting strategies – install plants during their optimal installation season, purchase – acquire buy-local plants identified to work-well in your area, become people who make eco-sustainable commitments and create prosperity, an eco-legacy of healthy green.

As gardeners, we not only have the opportunity to make a difference through personal choices but can influence others through our use of green space, both rural and urban. For additional tips and strategies, visit www.TheWrightScoop.com.

The Value of Trees

From the perspective of a central Virginia homeowner, I'd hope the fall of 2011 would remain a once in a life time experience. Although familiar with environmental havoc created by storms, when the force of storm Irene quit, Greater Richmond Area residents were greeted with litter of fallen trees; in fact, more than 70% of the area experienced utility outages. So, when a recent un-named storm left 75% of the county in which I reside, Henrico with utility outages and fallen trees, it was woefully  familiar.

 

Still, as my ‘dig in the dirt’ colleague Luke McCall, an arborist with the City of Richmond says, “Too often, trees are taken for granted or simply considered disposable to our modern lives. If the value of trees is not shared with the public, there will be no demand to preserve for the present and provide for the future.”

 

 As a result, research shared by Virginia Tech indicates one tree can remove 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually, equaling 11,000 miles of car emissions. Urban forests are recognized to reduce urban air temperatures significantly by shading heat sinks such as buildings and concrete; and returning humidity to the air through evaporative cooling. Properly placed deciduous trees reduce house temperatures in the summer, allowing air conditioning units to run 2 to 4 percent more efficiently, but allow the sun to warm the house in the winter. Homes sheltered by evergreen windbreaks reduce winter heat loss and are generally warmer than homes without such protection. By using trees to modify temperatures and protect against wind, the amount of fossil fuels used for cooling and heating is reduced.

Urban trees are also recognized to provide economic benefits to communities. They improve water quality, mitigate storm-water runoff, conserve energy, lower air temperatures, reduce air pollution, and enhance property values. The total compensatory value of urban forests in the continental United States is estimated at $2.4 trillion, according to the U.S. Forest Service. But this resource is ongoing threatened by urban development as well as environmental havoc created by shifts in climate change.

Urban arborist such as my colleague Luke or a Certified Horticulturist professional at your local nursery/garden center can help select a tree that is not only right for your needs but grown to industry standards. For, trees, grown to established nursery standards, are more resistant to disease and pests, and do provide the best return on your investment. So, familiarize your self with planting options; visit for example, the Virginia Department of Forestry web site .

While you may tend to react to the havoc – litter of fallen trees – created by a tropical storm with fear, understand a better choice is to plant and maintain an urban canopy of trees. “Truly, our greatest responsibility as citizens and natural resource professionals,” says Luke “is our obligation to provide future generations with a world greener and cleaner than we found it. Planting a tree is one the best ways to accomplish that goal.”

As gardeners, we not only have the opportunity to make a difference through personal choices but influence others through our use of green space, both rural and urban. For additional eco tips and strategies, visit web site www.TheWrightScoop.com.

Garden Art, eco-chic style

Are you searching for a unique piece of art to give as a gift or accent your garden? Garden art should be more than a reflection of individual personality or simply add uniqueness to a space. It should make a ‘greening’ statement: be eco-chic, a statement of how you feel about the environment, itself.

 

                                Laurel Gallery, Buy-local, support made in America garden art

 

 

Eco-chic garden art is a result of applying the ‘R’ strategy: recycle, reuse or refurbish. While there is the alternative of visiting a local flea market where aged items can be purchased; another option, especially for those who feel they are less creative, is to solicit pieces of visual folk art designed by well-known artists.

 

For central Virginia, artist Matt Cross located in Old Church is recognized for his ability to create eco-chic treasures from “another man’s trash.” All of Matt’s creations are made from found or recycled objects and material, which together with a hand-painted finish, add whimsy and make each piece truly one-of-a-kind. Matt’s style referred to as Self-taught Art or Outsider Art, includes paintings, sculptures as well as carvings that creatively represent a sense of environmental stewardship.

 

At one time, this form of art was kept out of the main-stream art community but presently, is recognized as one of the more important visual art cultures that America has produced. Still, visual folk art, typically produced in the South, should not be confused with country crafts, duck decoys or split-cane baskets. It is a highly personal, or as in Matt’s case representative of his stewardship commitment, form of art. In general, it is produced by untrained people who draw on their cultural experiences and a true, untutored, creative passion.

 

In addition to identifying specific artists, visit a gallery or garden shop that specializes in eco-chic garden art. For example, located at the cross roads of Hungry and old Stapes Mill Roads in Laurel Historic District, for the Greater Richmond Area (GRA) Laurel Gallery’s ‘outdoor gallery’ is an excellent choice. This gallery features American-made art for your yard. Emphasizing ‘buy-local’, the site is a quaint blend of 19th century historical and 21st century art.

 

While Matt's art is available in galleries and shops in Virginia, North Carolina and Vermont, if possible, schedule a visit to his studio located in Old Church. For details of Matt’s folk art, call him 804-779-2502. Or, stop by a gallery that specializes in eco garden art. Acquire an understanding why artists and writers alike chose such sites to display their American-made works of art.

 

When searching for a special piece of art, why not select a piece that not only makes you smile but is a ‘greening’ statement? As gardeners, we not only have opportunities to make a difference through personal choices but can influence others to create an eco-legacy of healthy green space, both rural and urban – as Matt says, “make a statement that represents how we feel about the environment, itself.” To identify additional eco tips and strategies, visit web site TheWrightScoop.

Earth Day, enable a safe place in which to live

Across the Nation and around the world, communities ask “Is there a safe place to live?”

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Daily, we awaken to the consequences of severe weather patterns. In fact, U.S.A Today newspaper published a full-page insert which reported bad weather as brewing from blizzards to heat waves; and across the nation, the prospect of ongoing natural disasters: blizzards, snowstorms, earthquakes, flash floods, monsoons, tornadoes, hailstorms, heat waves, hurricanes, typhoons, ice storms, thunderstorms, lightning, tsunamis, nor’easters, river valley flooding, volcanic eruptions and wildfires.

As communities, we ask this question when our communities experience loss through the impact of civil unrest. For example, the anniversaries of September 11th, an event described by Hillary Clinton as "there will never be peace on earth when there are those who use religion as their excuse to terrorize others.”

symbols of peace designed by members of the National League of Pen Women

Collectively, the experiences of a mass murder – such as the students and staff of Sandy Hook school or bombing which occurred in Boston, as a Nation, we are reminded of the frailty of personal safety. So, how under these circumstances is such loss reconcile, acquire a peaceful existence – the sense of a safe place in which to live?

For those of us who ‘dig in the dirt’, a sense of safety – solace – is acquired when we experience the renewal of season and/or planting living green.For example, although in the state of Virginia the month of April is the anniversary for the Virginia Tech shootings, it also a month in which we celebrate Virginia Garden Week. State-wide, historic and newly installed gardens are open for all to explore. In fact, an awesome smaller-scale neighborhood celebration is an event host by the West Avenue Improvement Association, located in Richmond’s Fan area. Held in late April, this neighborhood hosts a half-day block-party. It begins with a parade in which children march to live-music while holding symbols of the season. Next, there are a variety of fun and games: face painting, magic and whatever other activities the community can solicit to participate. Then, residents open the gates to their alley access gardens inviting visitors to meander, visit restored historic gardens, chat with homeowners, nibble on home-made cookies and drink lemonade occurs.

Similar in scale, nation-wide, there are opportunities to experience Earth Day celebrations. For many, it is an opportunity to encourage children to develop a natural curiosity about nature, allow them to play in natural environments at their own pace and learn to follow their instincts. Still, to mark the anniversary of the modern-day environmental movement, a special day is set aside.

For, in 1970, Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, proposed the first nationwide environmental protest "to shake up the political establishment” and force this issue onto the national agenda. As a result, more than 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment. A rare political alignment enlist support from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, city slickers and farmers, tycoons and labor leaders resulting in the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts.

In 2013, a similar opportunity exist. Members of the Global and National Climate Change Academies released eco research compiled by member national and global scientists. Then, elected representatives legislatively reviewed this research to enable eco regulation. In other words, find a way to make sense of our Nation’s loss due to the impact of ongoing natural disasters fueled by unhealthy shifts in the environment. So, hopefully, during 2016-17 legislative sessions, there will also be amongst us those who can make sense of the senseless act of others who participate in mass murder of innocence, find ways to restore our Nation’s sense of public-at-large community safety, too.

So, whether it is recovery from the havoc of natural disasters or impact of global civil unrest or loss through the act of senseless mass murder, in the spirit of the season, let’s seek to protect the safety of our communities – business, civic and environmental. Together, let’s become people who CARE – set a Climate, not merely adjust to a preexisting one; create an encouraging Attitude, not practice ambivalence; are Receptive to people without losing sight of personal needs; and demonstrate Empathy for others while keeping problems in perspective.

Regardless of cultural diversity, let's make year 2016 Earth Day a celebration in which we join in a prayer for ‘a safe place in which to live’, peace on earth - extend goodwill to all mankind. For, as people who ‘dig in the dirt’, we can make a difference. Visit web site TheWrightScoop for additional tips and strategies.

Eco-sustainable, avoid hunger games

Are you familiar with the phrase ‘hunger games’? It is a phrase coined to describe when a young woman is chosen to represent her district in games - an annual televised battle to the death that takes place between 12 teenage combatants in a dystopian United States of the future. Based on a series of popular novels by Suzanne Collins, these games are a 21st century version of the end of civilization as we know it today.

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Should its message disturb you? I’d certainly hope it does! These games prey on the vulnerable of society - its youth; and promote ‘gladiator style’ solutions to food shortages while teaching present-day children that it is alright to resolve community-at-large issues through adversarial acts of violence.

The ‘living green’ Industry has in fact identified similar issues through the research of such professionals as Richard Louv, author of ‘Last Child in the Woods’ and co-founder of the Children & Nature Network. Louv for years has forewarned society of its pending reality of a ‘last child in the woods’, the result of a lack of people interaction with ‘living green’ that surrounds them. On the other hand, I've described Industry professional Jeff Minnich of Garden Design, Inc. as crediting his perspective – ‘language of flowers’ to the beauty of natural materials and wonderful variety of world plants to influence of a childhood mentor Marguerite Garrett. For, Minnich says, “Marguerite was a great gardener (as were my maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather, so I come by it naturally).

I, as an Industry professional, have equally emphasized the frailty of our present-day eco system through inviting people to follow my tweets and view Facebook postings, acquire and read my published eco books, participate in a ‘walk-about’ in my central Virginia landscape gardens; and through recently, launching a nation-wide plant recognition program Plants of Care. Still, it appears it is a choice of shock words – hunger games – which attracts our nation’s attention.



In my community, the Greater Richmond Area (GRA), I’m proud to say we recognize the forecast of ‘hunger games’ as ‘urban food deserts’; and perhaps more importantly, are in the process of implementing programs which counter these urban problems. The city of Richmond has provided a “YouTube’ video which illustrates its ‘greening’ efforts. Through ‘green initiatives’ the city has made a commitment in its sustainability plan to offset urban food shortages. Details of the GRA effort are available through linking to city of Richmond’s web site sustainability plan option.

An example of our commitment is GRA community gardens. Vacant properties owned by the city were identified and are rapidly becoming community gardens. The GRA openly supports its farmer markets, offers public-at-large educational opportunities and has implemented a free shuttle service to enable inner city dwellers the opportunity to travel to sites of ‘grow your own’ or purchase fresh affordable foods. So, my question to others is as an individual or Industry participant - wholesaler and/or retailer or civic community, what are you doing to insure ‘hunger games’ do not become a reality in your community?

While we most certainly reside in an era of social media – influenced by the ‘world web’ which many believe it has created a decline in present-day social skills as well as disconnects people from the living green world which surrounds them, it should not contribute to an era of ‘hunger games’. As gardeners, we not only have opportunities to make a difference through personal choices but can influence others to create an eco-legacy of healthy green space, both rural and urban – avoid ‘hunger games. To identify additional eco tips and strategies, visit web site TheWrightScoop

Garden Gates Open

While April showers encourage May flowers, storms nation-wide continue to reap havoc on emerging spring blooms. Still, gardeners open their gates to welcome others into their landscapes.

 

The Wright Scoop garden identified as 'best of Birds and Blooms' woodland garden.

From April 23 through April 30, the historic gardens of Virginia host tours for visitors and local residents, alike. Rain or shine, each spring visitors are welcomed to more than 250 of Virginia's most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks during "America's Largest Open House." This 8-day statewide event provides visitors an unique opportunity to see unforgettable gardens at the peak of Virginia's springtime color, as well as beautiful houses sparkling with over 2,000 fabulous flower arrangements created by Garden Club of Virginia members, for details visit Virginia Garden Week http://www.vagardenweek.org/ .

Or, identify a local community activity such as Lavender Fields Farm event ‘Treat Mom’, held May 1-2 and 8-9. Make a commitment to ‘Treat Mom’ to an experience at one of Glen Allen’s hidden gems, Lavender Fields Herb Farm. Enjoy lunch together, stroll the gardens, browse the store, relax on the deck overlooking the river. Or, plan to join the Spring Herb Faire & Open House held Friday & Saturday. There are also custom baskets, deluxe container gardens, unique gifts or give Mom a gift certificate so she can choose what she would like. For details, visit Lavender Field Herb Farm, http://www.lavenderfieldsfarm.com/index.php/mum.

Or, schedule a trip to an educational garden such as the gardens of Brent and Becky Heath, https://brentandbeckysbulbs.com/ . Their 'Heron Pond' is decorated with pots filled with lots of different types of spring flowering bulbs. In the background, you can see some great containers, their Catalogue Garden and the red-roofed structure is a Picnic Pavilion. It's a marvelous place to have lunch!

Or, if you have such an option, visit a private garden such as the Wright Scoop’s woodland garden. Located in central Virginia, this garden is identified by Birds and Bloom magazine as the ‘best of Bird and Bloom’ woodland gardens. The private garden consists of traditional, heirloom and vendor supplied test plants creating a variety of seasonal color. To view, link to web site www.TheWrightScoop.com or or link to Landscape Gardening with CARE video  https://youtu.be/ENPhCg9QQNc  or acquire a copy of Landscape Gardening with CARE, http://www.lulu.com/shop/sylvia-hoehns-wright/landscape-gardening-with-care/paperback/product-22167399.html  .

While it has been a long hard cold winter followed by a cool wet spring, spring has arrived. So, rain or shine walk the gardens of your community and connect with living green that surrounds you!

Wright Scoop Launches Book, the ABCs of Greening Communications

Based on interviews, distribution of an Industry survey, workshop participation and column commentary, Glen Allen VA based The Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright, nationally recognized eco-advocate, has launched a book, the ABCs of Greening Communications.

 

The ABCs of Greening Communications -

     Supplied by some of the best Industry marketers, the Wright Scoop’s newly launched book, The ABCs of Greening Communications, provides a step-by-step process which outlines strategies proven to avoid loss of market share while placing emphasis on ‘how to’ communicate eco-sustainability of products and services. Defined in its simple terms – ‘eco-sustainability’ is a frugal use of limited resources which decrease product/service expenses, increase profit; and result in earth-friendly activities which provide for present-day lifestyles without sacrificing the eco future of others.

Project Back Ground -

     Solicited as a workshop instructor for the National League of Cities conference held in Washington DC, when Wright challenged attendees – congressmen, city mayors, county managers, city/county planners and educators -  to identify ‘greening’ in their communities, no one could identify his/her community’s eco-leaders, a response that should be viewed by all as a wake-up call for USA Industries. For, in present-day global markets, goods and services are not simply sold; they are identified through niche - ‘organic’ - presence. The owner and/or manufacturer - is as much a part of a product’s image as the good or service, itself! So, through gathering Industry data through interviews, distribution of an Industry survey and ongoing interactive columns, the Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright researched and has launched a book – The ABCs of Greening Communications – which explores the relationship of "planet" vs. people, product/service and profit as a critical factor which impacts products and services, not simply eco-sustainable but leading edge branded images more easily identified by consumers.

     The 4th in a series of publications, Wright’s book, the ABCs of Greening Communications is published to inspire all to create an eco-legacy of C A R E - conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency! Initially, published in paper print as a college level text ABCs of Green Industry Communications, Wright edited her publication to challenge biz communities to become members of Capitalism 24902, a global village committed to ensuring the foundation of an eco-sustainable future.

                                                                                  Industry Comments

 “Tools of communication, they're tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user.” Bill Gates

 “As a former educator, I’ve observed as Wright emphasizes, an image – brand must be relevant, avoid loss of market share through attrition, while placing emphasis on eco, greening, aspects of the product or service provided." - Leonard O. Morrow, PhD, retired botanist and horticulturist

“Nurturing and brimming with accomplishment, Sylvia seamlessly brings people together to showcase their best talents.” Nicole M. Bouchard, Editor-in-Chief The Write Place At the Write Time

“Ideas abound in ABCs of Green Industry Communications as Sylvia Wright profiles some of the best marketers and communicators in the business, bringing fresh takes and new approaches to attracting and engaging customers.” – Bill Calkins, business manager at Ball Horticultural Company in West Chicago, Illinois

 About the Wright Scoop -

     A former career strategies columnist for the Greater Richmond Partnership’s Work magazine (WM), Wright has broaden the scope of her communications research to include arts/literary and the Green Industry. As a communications personality, she has appeared on WTVR Channel 6 TV, FM 97.3 Inspiration Corner, WCVE PBS Richmond Channel 23 TV and Channel 35 TV Author’s Review. She is published by The Office, Data Management, Your Computer Career, Green Profit and Today’s Garden Center magazines, Richmond Times Dispatch and Mid-Atlantic Grower newspapers, and VA BBB & Information Executive newsletters; and has blog for Build Green TV and VA’s Plant More Plants program.

Wright has taught communications for the Virginia Community College system and provided speeches and workshops for national and international conferences such as the All Cities Congressional City Conference held in DC and PLANET’s Green Industry Conference held at Louisville, Kentucky.  A graduate in BS Management of Communication Systems at VA Commonwealth University (VCU) and participate in MS Special Studies at VCU, Wright is a graduate of the VA Natural Resource Leadership Institute program sponsored by UVA and VA Tech.

Recommended as a workshop instructor by Richmond Information Systems Educators (RISE), when Wright shared her strategies with the VA Housing Development Authority, her topic was described “right on target with our objective of improving communications within our department.”

To view details of Wright’s eco emphasis on ‘place’ link to her book Eco-legacy – a millennium woman’s heritage; plants, Landscape Gardening with CARE and products, Grow Green Market Share with CARE at Sylvia’s book store, http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/syhwright . Or for other details, visit web site www.TheWrightScoop.com  or follow Wright’s activities through facebook group The Wright Scoop or twitter ID WrightScoop.

Side Bar: Product Details – The ABCs of Greening Communications

ISBN9781329991101, CopyrightSylvia Hoehns Wright (Standard Copyright License), Edition First Edition, Publisher LuLu.com, Published March 30, 2016 Language

Put the G back into HGTV

“Who took the ‘G’,” queried Robert Hendrickson of the Garden Group, “out of HGTV?” Reality is it is time for all to get real – collectively, Industry or consumer, accept responsible for the declining focus on greening America’s landscape.

While the Green Industry as a whole is recognized to fail as effective marketers, the lack of advertising, marketing and/or public relations is most certainly not the only culprit in this situation. So, as Hendrickson emphasizes, a recovery strategy is to identify and implement ‘hooks’ that attract American public interest.

As an eco-advocate, communications specialist and person committed to ‘digging in the dirt’ annually I evaluate home and garden media trends. As a result of research, let me share a few observations. First, the ‘G’ has not disappeared from all regional HGTV. A highlight of my annual Nags Head North Carolina vacation is during the blistering heat of mid-afternoon, I curl up with an ice tea and watch the regional horticulture and garden programming which is sponsored by North Carolina’s state universities. On the other hand, although my home state of Virginia boasts two such schools, my area’s HGTV does not offer similar programming. So, a question is what enables successful HGTV in some versus other regions?

 

From a print media perspective, as part of my 2016 ‘dig in the dirt’ promotional planning, I reviewed the content of well-known consumer home and garden magazines; and as a matter of fact, discover a blaringly lack of garden products and services advertisement. I also identified many of these publications contain little or no feature articles on the topic of landscape gardens. On the other hand, I identified while American consumer focus magazines lacked the ‘G’ in home and garden, it remains relevant and healthy in Canada, British and other shared countries markets. So, the next question is because media solicits input from reader audience topics of interest, why is there a downturn of gardening interest in the USA?

And a third equally important question is there appears to be a disappearing ‘G’ in home and garden show participation. In fact, I noticed a significant absence of Industry presence in one of central Virginia’s main spring events, the MAC Home & Garden Show. Yet, again on the other hand, a focus on gardening appears to not only survive but thrive in the Philadelphia Flower Show. So, another question is what makes this style show work for some regions and not for others?

To answer these questions, for 2016, I’ve issued a challenge to all - Industry, communities, homeowners and consumers alike - to get real – become people who CARE, have a perspective of eco conservation, accountability, recovery and efficiency. In fact, through columns, blogs and/or media releases during the months of November and December challenged all to focus on the concept of eco-thankfulness and gift-giving, enabling the green of America’s landscape. During January and February, I shared landscape gardening tips and strategies which appear to work-well; and, in March as ‘women in history’ month, issued a challenge to all to identify and celebrate the impact of their community eco-women. Why?

As Industry personality Tony Avent owner of Plant Delights Nursery located in Raleigh, North Carolina, says, “the most misunderstood and overlooked component of business success is communication, a form of communication that establishes a brand of product” – in this case the ‘G’ of home and garden. So, as Robert Hendrickson of the Garden Group emphasizes, let’s identify what ‘hooks’ the American public. Whether the focus is ‘growing green – planet or profit’, in the long-run everyone benefits from eco healthy communities. For the year of 2016, let’s work together; and, perhaps, through extended effort to ‘get real’, a result will be communications which provides useful eco theories, strategies, public relations and advertisement that works-well for all, puts the ‘G’ back into home and garden! For additional tips and strategies, visit web site www.The Wright Scoop.com.
 

Spring Forward, more than a time change

Across the Nation, clock time moves forward to accommodate yet another daylight savings year. And, while people are reminded to check safety alarms for workable batteries, it is also time to think early Spring gardening chores. As Ashwood Gardens & Nursery staff says, “Are you ready-set-to-grow?”

time to ready box gardens for cool season planting

Communities, nation-wide, are tired of talking about the gray cold days of winter. So, let's think positive - the worst is over and now we can get down to gardening! How? Most buy-local nurseries such as Ashwood have good selections of cool season vegetable plants; and, because there is so much to do, Ashwood Nursery provides for their customers a ‘March to Do List’.

Similarly, central Virginia gardeners have options of visiting other equally qualified buy-local nursery

 

sites such as Sneeds Nursery and Lavender Fields Farm. Still, it is the Ashwood staff who reminds us “Don't forget our feathered friends!” Their site has locally made sturdy cedar bluebird boxes; and in fact, provide handouts that list the best choices of seeds and planting materials. Now open with spring hours - Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5, and Sun. 12-5. These hours are good thru June.

So, across the Nation as we are reminded to ‘Spring forward’, be aware it is also time to be ‘ready-set-to-grow. Identify and visit your community buy-local nurseries. Why? ‘Spring forward’ is more than simply a time change.

March To Do List – recommended by Ashwood Nursery

 

• It's time to mulch and edge your garden beds and fertilize your existing plants. We like to use any of the Espoma fertilizers (Plant-tone, Holly-tone, Rose-tone) because they are slow release and won’t harm your plants.

• Cut back hybrid tea and repeat blooming roses before the buds break. Wait to prune one time blooming roses until after they have bloomed. Crape myrtles, butterfly bush, group C and group B clematis should also be pruned in late winter/early spring.

• Cut back liriope and ornamental grasses before new growth begins.

• Prune early spring flowering shrubs such as forsythia, quince, winter honeysuckle and winter jasmine immediately after the flowers fade.

• Divide and transplant perennials if needed.

• Plant pansies, violas and primroses for early spring color in the landscape.

• Apply vole deterrent such as imustgarden’s Mole and Vole Repellent. Go to www.imustgarden.com/repel-moles-voles/ to read about voles and how to apply affectively the granular repellent.

• Get a jump start on spring. Check your seed packets to find out how long it takes the different varieties to sprout. Mark the last frost date (April 20th) on the calendar and count back the number of weeks needed for sprouting. This is the date you should sow your seeds indoors.

• If you haven’t done so already, remove dead fronds from your asparagus plants.

• Refer to “Fruit Tree Spray Program” for pest and fungus control.

• Plant early vegetables such as onion sets, rhubarb, asparagus, lettuce, spinach, kale and potatoes. Plant peas when the soil temperature is around 45 or 50 degrees. If planted too early, they may rot. Some recommend 6 weeks before last frost date.

At War with the Geese

Although visiting geese can be a nuisance, they presently have crossed the line of my patience. For once again, the geese and I are at war!

Over the years, as more and more wildlife moved into my property, the area became a sanctuary for the American eagle, other eagles and hawks, owl and numerous varieties of birds as well as raccoon, fox and other small furry creatures. In fact, I was so pleased with the addition of guests that I applied for and received a Federal habitat certificate. Everything went along smoothly until the geese began to multiply like rabbits, making the value of their presence questionable.
 
In retrospect, I should have listened to Mike McGrath host of You Bet Your Garden WTOP News Radio in Washington, D.C. when he said, “Don’t wait till they build a nest—Push these perfidious pooping protagonists off your property NOW!”

Waiting until seasonal vegetables were almost spent, the geese decided to feast on our crop of sweet corn – yummy sweet Silver Queen corn. The words - disappointed, mad or angered – fail to describe my reaction. It was after this greedy attack that I declared out and out war! So, during the winter months, I plotted a strategy.

As I researched potential solutions, I learned there are two types of ‘Canada goose’. The true migrating ones which spend their winters in the deep Southern USA and Mexico, then fly up North to Canada (hence their name) to breed in the Spring. Migratory geese might stop and rest, but rarely for more than a day.



Nevertheless, it turns out that at the turn of the Century, hunters breed these birds as live hunting decoys. Then, in the 1930’s, when the practice was outlawed, ‘decoy geese’ were freed, but the birds had lost their instinct to migrate. If that was not enough of a problem, the birds were next deliberately relocated to virtually every state, a practice known as ‘state swapping’.

Short of breaking out the shot-gun as a remedy, I've researched solutions. I identified noise makers, motion activated water sprayers, lists of less likely to bother plants, oil based poisons and of course, the suggestion to manage the population through hunting. But because of nearby neighborhoods, use of the space myself and the fact that it is my vegetable garden that is under attack, most suggestions are not feasible. Baffled but determined, I contacted my colleague and gardening friend Richard Nunnally, host of “Virginia Home Grown” shown on local public television stations WCVW and WCVE. At Richard’s suggestion, I tried an unbelievably simply but effective solution.

Nevertheless, aware of the persistence of these geese, I questioned if something so simple would truly remain effective; so, I continued research. Other identified alternatives are to grow something like a meadow, wildflower field, or butterfly garden around an area to protect it. Planting shrubs or building a wall along a shoreline helps deter the birds. Also dogs, specifically Border collies are used with great success; these dogs instinctively ‘herd’ the geese until the birds finally leave — without the dogs actually harming them.

Richard's suggestion is to outline the garden with wooden posts approximately 24 inches in height spaced every 12 feet. At approximately 8 and 16 inches from the ground, he advised to string fishing line and then, tie strips of reflective tape between the posts. The installed tape reminded me to watch out for the line and when the geese walked into the line, they did not like it and simply backup and walked another direction. Over time, I've opt to replace the string with strips of wire mesh. Nevertheless, periodically, the fencing fails through use requiring additional post support or wire. So, I am once again at war with the geese.

Have you dealt with the impact of pesky creatures? If yes, when selecting a solution, be aware that many forms of wildlife are protected. Research your options; and then, chose a solution that best protects the overall existing habitat. As gardeners, we do have the opportunity to impact the surrounding eco system. For additional tips and strategies, visit web site The Wright Scoop.

Plants, Products & Services of CARE, the Wright Scoop

From the rain forests of south-east Alaska to the deciduous forests of the Mid-Atlantic region, across the Nation, all are challenged to identify and enable use of eco-sustainable products and/or services.

Eco Sustainable Product/Services –

Historically, earth-friendly is defined in terms of reduce, reuse and recycle; nevertheless, products and/or services which reflect a perspective of CARE - conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency - take this definition a step further. For, eco-sustainable products and/or services are not simply a result of lifestyle choices but reflect 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 present-day lifestyles without sacrificing future eco systems.

So, the question is 'How much land area does it take to support your lifestyle?' Take a quiz to find out your Ecological Footprint, discover your biggest areas of resource consumption; and then, learn what you can do to tread more lightly on the earth.  While some of each person's Ecological Footprint is dependent upon individual choices, some of it is also per personal share of their societies' infrastructure. The first part can be influenced directly. On the other hand, the second part although equally critical to living within the means of one planet, must be influenced through more indirect action such as political engagement, green technology and innovation, and other work toward large-scale social change. To identify your eco impact, participate in an activity such as ecological footprint, www.footprintnetwork.org.

GoodGuide Identified as Product/Service of CARE -

If eco-healthy urban suburban communities are to exist, we must become people who CARE – have a perspective of conservation, advocacy, recovery and eco-efficiency; and in fact, tools such as the GoodGuide - www.goodguide.com enable such a commitment. GoodGuide provides issue-specific ratings so that consumers can evaluate and compare products based solely on their health, environmental and/or social performance. To ensure a rating system is transparent, consumers can view the complete set of indicators used to derive product or company ratings. Health impact is assessed by combining negative metrics (such as whether the product contains toxic ingredients of concern or ingredients that have low nutritional value) with available positive metrics (such as whether the product has been certified as safe or healthy by a credible third-party). To rate a product on environmental performance, GoodGuide currently uses company environmental records as a surrogate for product-level environmental impacts. And, to rate product social performance, GoodGuide uses company social records as a surrogate for product-level social impacts. Specifically, they assess social performance by examining

• how a company is governed

• consumer attributes such as product quality, safety and customer satisfaction

• societal attributes such as community engagement, philanthropic activities, and involvement with oppressive regimes)

• workplace attributes such as diversity, employee benefits and labor rights.

As consumer demand for ‘green products’ moves forward, so will implementation of sector specific ‘greening certifications’. Nevertheless, because GoodGuide is a fore-runner and appears to be accepted as well as measures all forms of consumer products, its measurement criteria should become a guideline for most product or service consumption. So, this service was recommended as a ‘product of CARE’ to ‘jump start’ consumer commitment to becoming a person who CAREs.

Since implementation of the Product/Services of CARE program in January of 2014, additional products/services are recommended:

     Radius Garden™ Identified as Product/Service of CARE - Radius Garden™ as founder Bruce Baker says, “Use of Radius tools is the opportunity to avoid blisters, sore wrists, and frustrating experiences which occur when using low quality tools which can break in a single season. At Radius Garden™ we ignore tradition and nonsense, re-thinking every aspect of every tool we make so you can have a better, more comfortable gardening experience. OSHA says 3/4 of all cumulative stress injuries are to the wrist and hand. Many, if not most, of these injuries can be prevented by better tool design. We believe that truly advanced ergonomic design ignores tradition and uses the most current research into human factors and tool usage. Our Patented, Natural Radius Grip™, maximizes your power and comfort while minimizing hand and wrist stress.”

      The American Beauties™ – American Beauties LLC, a partnership between Prides Corner Farms located Lebanon CT, and North Creek Nurseries located Landenberg PA, is a team of experts dedicated to identifying plants which guarantee landscapes that provide food and habitat for a variety of desirable critters. Launched in the spring 2006 in the Northeastern USA, plans are underway to make this program available in other parts of the country. Look for informative and easy-to-shop American Beauties displays at your independent garden centers. Purchasing an American Beauties plant will bring life to your garden and also helps a great cause. Every American Beauties plant sold benefits the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), their work to create better home landscape environments for you and the colorful garden critters you love. For additional details, visit the American Beauties web site, www.abnativeplants.com.

     WayCoolTools.com – WayCoolTools.com is a family owned and operated online garden tool catalog company located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Central Virginia. Founded by Charles and Janet, Charles has served as an organic gardening apprentice, worked at George Washington's Mt. Vernon Estate, has assisted in agricultural research and managed large estates, and is dedicated to providing WayCoolTools to gardeners and farmers. Janet has worked in garden centers and nurseries, consult as a professional gardener, and volunteered in public gardens. Her specialty is identifying neat plants, homestead technologies, and way cool garden tools. Janet facilitates local online co-ops and an online seed swap and garden forum, the Piedmont Garden Swap. For details or to acquire 'way cool' products and tools, visit web site www.waycooltools.com.

     Sunset Western Garden Collection™- Sunset Western Garden Collection™ is the first plant collection designed specifically for the Western gardener. Introduced in spring 2012, Sunset® magazine and Plant Development Services collaborated to bring superior plant introductions to retail garden centers throughout California, Oregon, and Washington. Partnerships with local growers allow the ability to customize the collection to best meet the climatic differences of diverse gardening regions. As a result, Wright recognizes Sunset Western Garden Collection™ as a ‘product/service of CARE’ for its expanded services to multiple regions in order to enable identification of products with eco sustainable characteristics that connect people to the living green that surrounds them. For details, link to Sunset Western Garden web site http://www.sunsetwesterngardencollection.com/.

     DuPont™ Tyvek® Water-Resistive Barriers - While Tyvek® water-resistive barriers should be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions, it more than meets industry standards and applicable codes. In fact, in high exposure installations, enhanced drainage and water management can be provided by using DuPont™ Tyvek® DrainWrap™ by installing a drainage mesh over the water-resistive barrier or by creating rain screen cladding with a larger airspace behind the siding using furring strips. If furring is installed over DuPont™ Tyvek® water-resistive barrier to create a rain screen, the primary fastener spacing can exceed 18”.

“Using a mineral wool insulation,” says Nea May Poole of Poole & Poole Architecture, LLC “an old-fashioned and more expensive type of insulation made from stone, not foam,  we also decided to chose an exterior siding similar to fiber cement, only it is made from wood; so, it made sense to go a step further and use a ‘house wrap’.”  For details of the Poole family barn restoration project, visit facebook group ‘the barn at Walnut Hill’ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1068830769911250/.

     LP Smartside, a wood based siding – Available in different sizes in smooth and textured finishes, LP SmartSide is identified to enhance the curb appeal of new and remodeled homes. Plus, it’s the perfect complement to homes finished in other exteriors such as stucco, stone and brick. Available in long lengths for fewer seams and a beautiful appearance, its rich cedar grain texture or smooth finish is treated with our SmartGuard® a process which resists termites and decay.

     “We are using LP Smartside, a wood based siding.” says Nea May Poole of Poole & Poole Architecture, LLC “The beige color in construction photos is a primer, not the final color. We intend to match the original color. We chose LP SmartSide because it is an engineered wood siding known to resist damage from impacts better than fiber cement and vinyl siding."

     Big Ass Fans residential line of fans – Available in different sizes in smooth and textured finishes, Haiku fans pair with the smart home tech you know and love, like the Amazon Alexa, Nest Learning Thermostat™ and ecobee3 thermostat. Available on indoor models only, Haiku L fan(s) are paired with a Haiku Wi-Fi Module to enable integrations. For details, visit web site https://www.haikuhome.com/ceiling-fans.

About Program Founder the Wright Scoop - In 2012, a program – Plants of CARE, which spotlights a plant for its ability to inspire people to CARE – have a perspective of conservation, advocacy, recovery and eco-efficiency - was launched. To further emphasize eco-sustainable commitment, in January of 2014 a program – Product and/or Services of CARE was also launched. Product/Services of Care and/or Plants of CARE program nominations are solicited and accepted. To participate, provide a description that identifies the nominated plant/product/service - its origin, picture, eco-sustainable characteristics, and specifically why this plant/product/service should be included in the program; and, if possible, provide plant/product/service material that can be tested.

Recognized by Landscape Architect magazine as an Industry ‘mover and shaker’, The Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright issued a challenge to move America’s landscape from eco-weak to eco-chic. Wright has blog for Build Green TV and provided speeches and workshops for national and international conferences such as the All Cities Congressional City Conference held in DC and PLANET’s Green Industry Conference held at Louisville, Kentucky. For details of her eco emphasis on ‘place’, review Eco-legacy – a millennium woman’s heritage; 'product', review Grow Green Market Share with CARE; and plants, link to Landscape Gardening with CARE video  https://youtu.be/ENPhCg9QQNc or visit Sylvia’s book store, http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/syhwright. For other details, visit web site www.TheWrightScoop.com .

Side Bar: Recommended Products and/or Services of CARE: 2014 - January, GoodGuide - www.goodguide.com, 2014 – April, Radius Garden – www.radiusgarden.com, 2015 – August, American Beauties™ - www.abnativeplants.com, 2015 – December,  WayCoolTools.com, 2016 February Sunset Western Garden Collection™-, 2017 DuPont™ Tyvek® Water-Resistive Barriers  LP Smartside, a wood based siding, 2018 Big Ass Fans residential line of fan

Side Bar: Product Details - Grow Green (planet & profit) Market Share with CARE

ISBN9781329308824, Copyright Sylvia Hoehns Wright (Standard Copyright License), Edition first edition, PublisherLuLu.com, Published July 2015, Language English

Naturalizing a Property with Bulbs

To naturalize is to encourage spreading of a plant as if it were native to the environment.  As a person who resides on family generational property, I am privileged to experience anew heirloom plants which naturalize our property.

One such plant of unique sustainability is the ‘Butter & Eggs’ daffodil.  Peter Barr, the great British daffodil collector, hybridizer and nurseryman of the late 1800’s mentions the ‘Butter & Eggs’ daffodil.

 

Barr states - "Of this there are at least two varieties differing in the colour of the flower, and the shade of green in the foliage. One appears to have come from a pure full yellow, the other from a Sulphur yellow, and for observation it is suggested that the yellow more generally gives the full rose-like flower, and the Sulphur the full cup of florets with the divisions of the perianth free as in the single. It is moreover suggested that from this latter the occasional single flowers come".

For those who do not have the privilege of hosting such a plant, it is available at web site http://www.heirloomdaffodils.com/cottage-garden-doubles.php .  Or, located in Gloucester Virginia, Brent Heath is a third generation bulb grower and co-owner with his wife, Becky, of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, a wholesale/retail mail-order flower bulb catalogue and web site business.

On their 10-acre garden and trial farm, they grow over 3000 cultivars and species of all types of bulbs in combination with annuals, perennials and ground covers. Specializing in combing bulbs with perennials, annuals, ground-covers and flowering shrubs, this site provides “three season gardens”.

 

To walk their private garden is to so-to-speak visit the space of a true master gardener. Brent, instructing me to step directly into his footprints to avoid crushing fragile natives, paused to explain the propagation process. “Basically,” he said, “I select two varieties that I believe will yield a viable plant, assist the pollination, and tag the plant.” When I questioned his patent process, I was amazed when he answered, “because of the process, a plant is rarely patented. For it takes up to seven years for the pollinated plant to yield a bloom and then, it must be perennialize in sufficient quantities for distribution.”

“Gardeners,” Brent said, “often unfairly give up on bulb plantings. At one time, everyone thought you had to let bulbs completely die back before you cut the leaves. It only takes about six to eight weeks for a bulb to pull from the leaves its nutrient value. Also, we mistakenly thought we had to divide plants every three or more years; when in fact, you only need to replenish the depleted nutrients to boost blooming. And, because the soil in my area is so sandy, I’ve found it works best to garden above ground - install a layer of compost, position the bulbs and then, cover the area with a generous depth of composted mulch.”

Although you may not experience naturalized heirloom plants or have an opportunity to visit a ‘master gardener’ site such as Brent’s private garden, don’t dismiss use of bulbs in your landscape. Visit a vendor site that provides ‘buy-local’ products based on generational pride. For, not only do these products contribute to your local economy, typically because of similar soil and site production conditions, they ensure a breath-taking display of blooming color. And, perhaps, if you are fortunate, you will experience sustainable plants which overtime naturalize contributing to the eco-health of your community.  

Plant Seed of Greatness, go green!

In recognition of the month of February as ‘national plant seeds of greatness month’, nation-wide during ‘green week’ we are challenged to ‘green’ our communities; but, what does the term green mean?

From a political viewpoint, ‘green’ advocates support or promote environmental protection; and from a product or service viewpoint, “made/provided with little environmental harm”: goods or services produced in an environmentally and ecologically friendly way, e.g. by using renewable resources. But are these definitions clearly understood or is it simply ‘green washing’, smoke and mirrors advertisement?

Regionally, I can barely pick up a newspaper, magazine or other form of media without seeing the word, green. I’m challenged by local TV and radio stations to ‘go green’; and in other forms of media, see ‘green’ advertisement range from food to cosmetics, landscape to building, clothing to home furnishings and even enticed to host ‘green’ weddings.

Nevertheless, when I visit other areas, I’ve noticed a difference – the lack of use of the word, green. So, what is the difference? “Sustainability,” says my eco colleague Ed Snodgrass of Knoll Farms, located in Street Maryland, “a form of ‘going green’ which means we don't take more out of the Earth than we are able to put back.” Recognized nationally as a ‘Green Roof a Man of the Year’, Snodgrass applies his philosophy, ‘don’t take more out of the Earth than we able to put back’, to all facets of his life. Dissimilar to Snodgrass, the average U.S.A citizen requires an ecological footprint of about 25 acres, meaning if everyone consumed similar to the average American, it would require several additional Earths to support their lifestyles.

Although it can be difficult to measure individual lifestyle choices, there are eco-footprint tools which determine individual impact. And, more importantly, using such a tool will not only identify individual status but where and how you presently fall short related to 'green’ lifestyle choices. Why should you care? An essential element of ‘green’ products or services is not simply the product or service, itself, but the units of energy used to produce as well as transport (access) it.

So, during the month of February as you are challenged to ‘plant seeds of greatness’ - apply the definition of ‘green’ to your lifestyle choices, make your goal to avoid the experience of ‘green washed’ products or services. Move your life-style from eco-weak to eco-chic!



Why? Individually and collectively, we can make a difference – influence the eco health of our urban suburban communities. For additional tips and strategies, visit web site TheWrightScoop.