Farmscaping - is fall a time for planting?

'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.' (Eccl. 3.)

While there are those who view fall as only a season of harvest, it offers many farmscaping opportunities - 'a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted.

A few years ago, while identifying for a client an edible urban landscape design, I coined use of a word ‘farm-scape’. Terms which have since surfaced are food desert, foodshed and/or urban farmer. The term ‘food desert’ is used to describe urban suburban areas which neither realistically support production of edible plants nor have nearby resources such as a grocery store or farmer’s market. Why should you care?

An option is to become an ‘urban farmer’, seasonally farm-scape your property. Yes, you – ‘dig in the dirt’! Whether in containers, above ground boxes or in-ground soils, grow edible plants! Areas such as the Greater Richmond Area residents are fortunate to have readily available community garden space. In fact, city owned parcels of land were identified and as many as possible are converted into community garden space.

 

As a result, across the Nation, interest has occurred related to healthier food choices in our diets; specifically, ‘grow your own’ vegetables but for many, the challenge is not ‘how’ but permission to include edibles in their urban/suburban landscapes. For example, as Virginians moved away from their agrarian heritage, they created regulatory as well as neighborhood restrictions which in many cases prohibit installation of edibles in urban/suburban landscapes. Nevertheless, astute homeowners and landscape designers have creatively made ‘grow your own’, farmscaping, reality.

Urban Farmscaping -

Urban/suburban farmscaping, the introduction of edibles into a landscape, is not a magical eco-cure. It is an ecological approach which utilizes plants, cover crops and water reservoirs to attract and support populations of beneficial organisms such as insects, bats, and birds of prey which enable successful harvests. So, in this context, site selection and gardening style are critical success factors.

      Site Restrictions – Plants, specifically edibles in order to bear fruit, must have at least six hours of light coupled with a warm climatic exposure which in order of preference is south/west, south/east and north/east. If for any reason, you do not have a site that provides these requirements; at this point, investigate an alternative site such as a public space, a ‘community garden’.

An equally make-or-break restriction is available soil. Unless your site has experienced little or no urban/suburban development, the likelihood its soil is usable is frankly slim to none. Typically, urban/suburban soils are harvested as ‘top soil’ and distributed to other locations. Most urban sites are also littered with construction debris which is then simply buried during the final grading. So, in most cases, a better choice is to farmscape above ground.

 

Gardening above ground, a gardening style which enables the development of an appropriate soil mix, provides a number of benefits:

1. access without walking into the space which avoids soil compaction,

2. healthy root growth which drains better and conversely enables appropriate levels of water retention,

3. soil that is better able to absorb nutrients, and

4. seed germination which occurs earlier and at a high rate.

Still, regardless of style option, presently most urban/suburban communities restrict use. So, identify community restrictions and be careful that you solicit permission to work around a restriction.

       Construction Considerations - Assuming installation restrictions are resolved, style construction is dependent on who participates in the project. For example, while visiting a community garden, I noticed an extraordinarily well-maintained space and inquired of the gardener how her ‘special needs’ were accommodated. For, this gardener tended her plants while sitting in a wheel-chair. On the other hand, assuming your site is average and installed on your property, Virginia based author and gardener Tanya Denckla in her book The Gardener’s A-Z Guide to Growing Organic Food recommends an area 12 to 16 inches high, which allows for sitting on the edge while planting or weeding, and a width of 4 by a length of 12 feet which allows for ease of access. Specific to construction materials, Denckla recommends earth friends materials (e.g., stone, brick, concrete blocks) or untreated wood that is naturally rot-resistant (e.g., cedar, cypress and locust).

Doing-it-yourself is easier than you might think. If you use untreated wood, cut the ends of the boards at 45-degree angles and attach them together to create a square using 3 wood screws to hold together the corners. Then, to ensure the framed area does not slip out of place, dig a small trench under the frame so that it sits level on the ground. Positioning 2" x 2' stakes every couple of feet along the inside of the boards and hammering them into the ground about 1' will stabilize the area. With the frame in place, you are ready to add the soil.

     Create a basic soil structure – While some gardeners strive to create soils high in organic matter, for a number of reasons, I prefer a more balanced approach. So, as result of personal experience, I’ve learned a mixture which consists of approximately 1/3 sand, 1/3 clay and 1/3 top soil and/or organic matter allows for adequate drainage, water retention and provides a balanced nutrient content. The quantity of ingredient materials is determined through the relationship of the garden area’s height, length and depth. In general, edible plants function well in a soil depth of six inches. Still, regardless of an identified soil mixture ratio, because there is presently no standard of quality for top soil, it is a better choice to conduct a soil test.

 

      Conduct a soil test – While numerous over-the-counter soil test options exist, I recommend using tests provided by state agricultural universities; for Virginians, the option is Virginia Tech. These tests do not simply test pH levels but identify other nutrient requirements, too. Similar to the concept of your body absorbing its necessary nutrients, plants only absorb what is necessary for their growth; so, be careful to follow instruction guidelines. The reliability of a test is no better than the sample you submit compared to the specified plant crop. Then, using test results, only add the recommended amenities.

     Feed soil, not the plant – Avoid falling into the trap of chemical fertilizers. For lack of a better analogy, chemical fertilizers and their ongoing effect on plants are similar to individuals who are addicted to cocaine. As Denckla says, “Once started, an addictive cycle begins that is difficult to break.” So, since you are so-to-speak starting with a clean slate, make a commitment to create a sustainable space, an area that reliably produces crops without depleting soil nutrients.

A key ingredient of soil management is composted matter. To ensure rapid decomposition, designate an area 3’ x 3’ x 3’; and then, combine roughly equal parts of dry material (leaf, small sticks, shredded paper, etc.) and green material (grass clippings, kitchen waste, etc.). Turn the contents every two to seven days and then, once the space is filled, cover the pile with tarp, a piece of black plastic or lid until the mixture is fully composted. While the first pile is composting, start a second. Then, alternate between building and using the composted materials.

Apply organic composted material twice in one season: once before planting and a second, half way through the plant’s growth cycle. During the second fertilizing, plants are side-dress by sprinkling amenities approximately six inches from the base of the plant, near the plant’s drip line.

    Water-wise Choices - Are you making water-wise choices? Alternating drought/flood weather cycles have made it more difficult to plan for 'normal' moisture levels. As a result, it is critical that we understand water-wise choices and how these choices impact nutrient management of cool and warm season landscape plantings.

 

A soil test such as those provided by the Virginia Cooperative Extension does not simply identify a soil’s pH level but its overall make up including ability to absorb as well as drain water. For help with how to properly sample a site’s soil, consult web site, www.vtturf.com, option soil test. This site contains an excellent video show which explains the benefits of soil testing. In response to ongoing drought, we need to safeguard water sheds. While in general our Nation remains water rich, it needs your help. Plenty of water does not necessarily mean usable water. To put present-day water consumption in measurable terms, the Virginia Cooperative Extension estimates each person daily uses 60 to 100 gallons. So, choose to protect your community’s watershed.

One strategy is implement ‘gray water’ use. A simplistic example is attach a longer-length hose to your home AC system condensation and alternate drain it into 5 gallon buckets or a nearby landscape planting area. Or, collect water run-off into a rain barrel; and perhaps a more important suggestion is collect water used to hand-wash items. Water collected through any one of these methods can be used to irrigate container gardens as well as supplement natural rainfall for a kitchen garden. In other words, think recycle!

      Impact of Climate Change - Assuming you selected a garden installation strategy, created an appropriate soil mix and identified water-wise resources, how can you work around the ongoing effect of climate change? To be candid, you ‘work with the flow’ and try not to get dishearten when your best plans don’t work out.

For example due to climate shifts during a planting season, in hindsight, I should have planted ‘cool season’ veggies in early March; but instead, installed these plants mid-March near St. Patrick’s Day. Then, in central Virginia, we experienced an unusually warm dry spring. As a result, regardless of whether provided by a test vendor or purchased at the local ‘feed & seed’ store, not one green pea emerged from the ground. Most onion bulbs did not mature and my ‘white’ potato crop was frankly pitiful. Nevertheless, salad greens and some root crops such as beets and radish flourish.

Next, in hindsight, I should have installed a ‘warm season’ crop the first of April, not mid-April. A cool spell characterized by spring rain gave promise to the slow growing ‘cool season’ crop but by mid-April, we again experienced a warmer dry season. Then, when, the ‘warm season’ veggies began to bear fruit, a back to back heat-index of more than 100 degrees occur enabling one of the worst droughts to hit central Virginia. On the other hand, grapes and melons worked well and a 'killer crop' of sweet potatoes was harvest. So, I remain somewhat amazed by what will and will not flourish in the changing weather patterns. What is the answer?

Well one suggestion is ‘fall is for planting’. So, twice a year I restore my above ground boxes - for a spring and fall planting. More than likely, I use ‘test seeds’ supplied by vendors and blend this mix with other ‘tried and true’ brands which have proven to work for me. In year 2012, I also implemented a ‘Plants of CARE’ plant recognition program. The intent of my program is to highlight plants which work-well in my central Virginia landscape gardens. Please take a few moments and view picture video and hear a reading from Landscape Gardening with CARE - https://youtu.be/ENPhCg9QQNc which features sustainable plantings.

 

Urban Farmscaping Resources –

Whether referred to as a kitchen garden, edible landscape, farmscaping or urban farming, a little time spent planning these types of garden can go a long way toward success. So, be sure to make the experience fun, too. Explore the many edible plant options available in your region. Some of the better performers under local conditions are listed on Virginia Tech’s Extension publication 426-480 - Vegetables Recommended for Virginia or contact your local Extension office for more information.

And, the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia’s USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Virginia Soil Health Coalition, Virginia Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) and community partners have organized numerous educational opportunity for farmers, market gardeners, food entrepreneurs, community advocates, nutrition and dining service directors, technical service providers, and anyone interested in strengthening Virginia’s food system from the soil up and the connections between nutrition, health and sustainability.

On the other hand, individuals such as a former English teacher, Siggy Buckley's life took an unexpected turn when she and her husband, a CPA, opted out of the rat race in Germany and emigrated to Ireland to become organic farmers. While this book is a ‘must read’ for anyone who contemplates such a like style, for Siggy, this life-style produced a crop of misgivings and finally, the breakup of her marriage. Faced with the challenge of single parent responsibilities, she reinvented herself, and launched a dating service in Dublin. I Once Had a Farm in Ireland: An Organic Life Story is one of many books written by Siggy which illustrate her life journey. Remarried, she presently resides and writes in Florida. For copies of Siggy’s life-style books, visit Amazon, Siggy Buckley

 

Ted's Last Stand Farm and Gardens is a sustainable small farm located near Charlottesville, Virginia, owned and operated by Michael Levatino and Audrey Blecha. Specializing in growing the finest, freshest, seasonal cut flowers in the area, specialty vegetables and herbs are also available. Recognizing there was a steep learning curve for the work she now does, Levatino - a retired high school English teacher -- decided to write a book on farming -- just for women.  Audrey’s book, called Woman-Powered Farm, tells readers how to avoid injuries, offers instructions on sharpening tools and fixing flat tires, and provides a recipe for compost tea - a liquid fertilizer made with bat guano and molasses. She shares experiences of running a farm and offers invaluable advice on how to get started, whether you have hundreds of acres or a simple lot for an urban community garden. Filled with personal anecdotes and stories from other women farmers, from old hands to brand new ones, from agricultural icons like Temple Grandin, to her own sister, this book is a reassuring and inspirational guide: tips for keeping your mind, body and spirit healthy while undertaking the demanding nature of farm work.

 

While ‘soup kitchens’ and ‘food pantries’ are the experience of urban environments, located in northern in Virginia is a rural ‘feed the hungry’ program Volunteer Farms. The Volunteer Farm, an on-going program, follows a central Virginia agricultural schedule. Crops are selected for upcoming growing seasons in late-fall; and many items, such as seed for onions and potatoes, are ordered months in advance. Similar to other farming efforts, seedlings are stated in early spring and planting occurs in April/May, depending on the crop. Crops are harvested by staff and/or volunteers; and donated to local food banks, pantries and soup kitchens. Through mentoring and outreach to volunteers, the farm strives to instill a perspective of life-long love of serving others in young volunteers.

So, whether you are or are not familiar with terms used to describe edible urban suburban landscapes, the 21^st challenge is to identify a blended mix of edible and non-edible plants which work-well for your community, sustain an overall organic approach to farming. In other words, 'identify when it is a time to plant and or pluck that which is planted in your farm-scape. 

Renewing a Sense of Prosperity

‘To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: ….. a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance’ Ecclesiastes 3

For those of you who are unaware, this past year I lost my life partner of 60 years. So, it has been a year in which my world so to speak turned upside down.  In fact, it has made me question if we collectively view prosperity differently in times of mourn or dance. So, whether from a personal and or observer viewpoint, to benefit all, share strategies which enable recovery from loss.

Why? Across the Nation, flood waters continue to recede exposing ravaged landscape. Embers smolder in the wake of waves of forest fire flame, National flags periodically fly at half mass in honor of those who are victims of senseless mass murder; and there are those of us who seek to climb out of grief from personal loss.

Under such conditions is it feasible to think we could and/or would retain a sense of prosperity? On the other hand, perhaps it is recovery from such events that require us to focus on renewal of prosperity. For, a sense of prosperity is not simply defined in terms of money. It is a spiritual matter, an ongoing faith – not cash – which enables a sense of abundance.

To acquire such a sense of 'well-being', let’s examine artist author Julia Cameron’s program which is designed to identify an abundant life, a Prosperous Heart. Cameron’s research recommends five basic workshop style tools: make stream of consciousness lists, count in terms of debt, define abstinence as ‘waste not want not’, take thoughtful walks; and, perhaps more importantly give yourself permission to have ‘time outs’ – sit quietly for self-appraisal.

When I made a stream of consciousness list by finishing this phrase: I feel prosperous when ----. I identified prosperity as when I experience the change of season, the colors of spring and fall. I have a sense of faith when I harvest fruit and vegetables, sit on my deck and listen to the sounds of nature or see bountiful blooms result from landscape garden activities. I also feel prosperous when the smell of baked bread or scent of hardwood burning triggers memories of an agri-childhood.  In fact, a more cherished moment occurs when I snuggle with a grandchild while sharing stories of childhood experiences. These ‘personal’ experiences – not money – have not only enabled but do retain my sense of prosperity.

Assuming you made a ‘stream of consciousness list’, compare it to present-day activities. Is there a relationship? If yes, do you feel prosperous? If not, why?

When I compare my list to present-day activities, I identify that I translate my sense of prosperity – to the ‘living green’ that surrounds me.  In fact, over the years have published a series of books intended to encourage others to become people who CARE – acquire a perspective of conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency.  For details, link to a video Landscape Gardening with CARE at https://youtu.be/ENPhCg9QQNc  or visit web site www.TheWrightScoop.com.  

In terms of communicating YOUR sense of prosperity, would you be seen as a person who walks his/her talks, a person who inspires others to acquire a prosperous heart. PLEASE share your tips and comments below, together let’s enable a conversation intended to inspire others to have a sense of thankfulness, a sense of prosperity.

Wright Scoop Selects David Austin Roses as Plants of Care

Across the Nation, climatic shifts occur. Challenging all to identify plants that enable eco sustainable urban suburban landscapes. As a result, David Austin roses are identified as "plants of Care" for their eco sustainable characteristics; specifically, for an ability to connect people to living green that surrounds them.

 

Identified by artist gardener Louise Odell Blanks Cochrane as a component of her gardening palette, David Austin roses were installed as focal points for her landscape view, the barn at Walnut Hill.

 

Through combining an artist eye with the skills of landscape gardening, she positioned complimentary gardens and the barn as an aesthetic view from her home’s front porch. To hear Louise tell her story, link and view video ‘The Barn at Walnut Hill, old inspires new’.

Why David Austin roses? In the early 1950s David Austin, www.davidaustinroses.com, set out to create a more beautiful rose. From a hobby breeder as a young teenager Austin has gone on to breed a collection of roses renowned across the world. All have beautiful blooms and in most cases wonderful fragrance held on graceful attractive shrubs. A garden of these outstanding roses is hard to beat for sheer exuberance of flower and fragrance. What makes these plants different? They flourish in multiple climate zones, and through vibrant characteristics, have intrigued gardeners such as Louise Odell Blanks Cochrane nation-wide. As a result, Austin’s roses are selected as "Plants of Care." To learn about other selected plants, link to blog Plants of CARE.

Plants of Care, plant recognition program –

Whether an experienced landscape professional or novice homeowner, Wright’s eco-education program challenges all to not simple identify plants that survive but thrive; and then, create landscapes from a sustainable point of view: move landscapes from eco-weak to eco-chic one scoop at time. For, any style landscape should not simply reflect traditional design concepts but be a result of the right plant, installed in the right place at the right (optimal) planting season - creating a legacy of green, healthier urban/suburban communities. Why? The challenge for 21st century landscape gardeners is to create landscapes from a 'waste not, and want not' eco-sustainable commitment: become caretakers for their environmental community.

About the Wright Scoop –

Spotlighted by Landscape Architect magazine as an Industry "mover and shaker," the Wright Scoop urges all to become people who care - have a perspective of conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency. As founder of the Plants of Care plant recognition program, she challenges all to select and install plants that work-well in their region. Wright has blog for Build Green TV and provides 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. So, please take a few moments and view picture video and hear a reading from Landscape Gardening with CARE which features sustainable plantings; and for tips and strategies to ‘grow green’ your community, visit Sylvia’s store or to view other details of her activities, visit web site www.TheWrightScoop.com  or follow Wright’s activities through Facebook group The Wright Scoop or twitter ID WrightScoop.

Side-bar:

David Austin Roses, Bowling Green Lane, Albrighton Wolverhampton WV7 3HB

Telephone:  +44 (0) 1902 376334

Email: plantcentre@davidaustinroses.co.uk

*video/photographer - Glenn Lock TachLock Group www.tachlock.com & Mark Bare Artography www.markbarephotography.com

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.