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?”

Advertisement: Replay Ad

Ads by ZINC

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.

Advertisement: Replay Ad

Ads by ZINC

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!