As the holiday season approaches, are you considering gift choices? For many, the focus is ‘hearth and home’ but from an environmental stewardship perspective, a focus of ‘plow, not hearth’ is appropriate. Why? From the rain forests of south-east Alaska to the deciduous forests of the Mid-Atlantic region, climate change continues to reap havoc on America's landscape.
It may be tempting during the cooler months to hibernate, focus on hearth; still, from a sustainable landscape perspective, it is a better choice to acquire an understanding of eco change, its effect and identify solutions which enable environmental stewardship - the gift of plow. So, I urge consumers and Industry alike to make the cooler seasons an optimal landscape garden installation and maintenance season.
Why? During cooler seasons, landscapes experience fewer pests and disease problems; and, increased amounts of rainfall. Cooler temperatures are recognized to create an ideal environment for plant development. For example, plant roots have an opportunity of seven to nine months in which to develop prior to experiencing the hot humid ‘dog days’ of summer.
As a person who ‘digs in the dirt’ and dwells in the central Virginia Interstate 95 corridor, I’m no stranger to eco havoc. In late August, our landscapes experience drought. Earthquakes in central Virginia have shaken communities with such vengeance that many of those who reside nearby the core are left homeless; and rain generated by the force of tropical storms has occurred. So, hear me when I say, I relate. Still, I believe nature is resilient and leaves us each season with a promise renewed.
As a result, for the holiday season, instead of purchasing trendy gifts, why not focus on ‘plow’ in holiday gift giving. For, there are numerous ‘living green’ gifts from which to choose: crafting a seasonal arrangement or decoration, planting bulb beds, raking yard debris, lime and fertilizing grassy areas, creating a site for a spring planting or thinning crowded evergreens. The winter months, specific to the central Virginia area, are off and on predicted to be mild which enables continued recovery of landscapes damaged by eco havoc. So, ‘plug in’! Whether novice, professional or ‘armchair’ gardener, acquire a step by step guideline for creating the gift of plow, not hearth; for example, a guideline such as my book Landscape Gardening with CARE.
In the spirit of the holiday season, join me in a quest to green life’s garden one scoop at a time. Give gifts that reflect ‘plow, not hearth’. Together, let’s appreciate the resilient of nature: the promise of seasons renewed. Not only do we have opportunities to make a difference through personal choices but can influence others through our use of green space, both rural and urban. During the holiday season, a series of columns are posted which suggest ‘gifts of plow, not hearth’. For additional tips and strategies, visit web site TheWrightScoop .
Great time to clean up the garden.
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