Somewhat overwhelm by the eco impact of year 2015, I scan other
‘end of year’ columns to identify nation-wide writers who equally struggle
but seek to ‘believe in a viable sustainable future’. For, after year 2015 late
seasonal warm wet climates, by mid-April established trees, shrubs and
perennials lay heavy with blooms; but rapidly, because of delayed soil warmth and continued
gray days, experienced severe impact on regional ‘living’ annual green.
On the other hand, my central Virginia garden established
roses supplied by David Austin - Jubilee Celebration, Gentle Hermione,
Lichfield Angel, Benjamin Britten, Windermere and The Dark Lady- proposer and
head into a bountiful year of healthy bloom.
Plants supplied by the Southern
Living Plant research and development line likewise prosper in spite of severe
cold or drought. And, regardless of cool or warm seasonal impact, veggie,
flower or herb seeds supplied by vendor Renee Seeds encountered almost 100%
seed germination as well as a bountiful harvest results.
In fact, overall, the state of Virginia experienced a
relatively good agriculture harvest; but areas such the Greater Richmond Area
were plagued by late spring soil warmth and late-summer drought and excessive
high heat-index. Still, similar to others, I remain optimistic.
Since the beginning of time, mankind has looked to the sky
for guidance – sought a means to believe in the future. So, whether seasonal or
spiritual or nautical or aeronautical, it is said wise people follow the stars.
The Epiphany which occurs on January 6th celebrates a gift from those who chose
to follow a star, the Magi. In a more general format, epiphany is defined as a
sudden recognition of or insight into meaning, reality or significance of
something. So, the question is based on the outcome of year 2015 experiences,
have you identified an epiphany – a 2016 star to follow?
Now, it is time to identify
a 2016 epiphany – wisely chose a star to follow. Because my family resides on
generational property which consists of extended wet-land areas, our focus is
eco – tied to identification and implementation of land maintenance activities
which contribute to an eco-healthy habitat. For as a family, it is the blend of
a Quaker heritage with other Christian based faiths along with non-faith
activities which influence present-day lifestyle choices.
While historically eco - earth-friendly strategies - is
defined in terms of reduce, reuse and recycle, based on the influence of our
heritage, eco is a perspective of CARE - conservation, accountability, recovery
and eco-efficiency. Individually and collectively, we have identified
eco-sustainable spaces 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 an eco-legacy of ultimate greening: providing for the present
without sacrificing the future.
Within our family complex, we encourage the use of green
scaping concepts: build and maintain healthy soil, install right plant for site
requirements; and during seasonal appropriate cycles, be water wise, adopt
earth-friendly pest and weed management, and implement natural lawn care. In
other words, we are trying to ‘enable green’ back into the surrounding
urban/suburban community by nurturing existing or replacement of ‘living
green’. For, if eco-healthy urban suburban landscapes are to exist, we – individually
and collectively - must become people who CARE – have a perspective of
conservation, advocacy, recovery and eco-efficiency. 
Whether in the spirit of a holiday tradition Epiphany
or New Year resolution or ongoing life-style eco-commitments, join a quest that
believes in the future - greens life’s garden one scoop at a time. For, we not
only have opportunities to make a difference but through personal choice, can
influence others to create an eco-legacy of healthy green space, both rural and
urban.
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