Eco-biz - Is Greening Rubbish?
“What do you say to people who think greening a business is rubbish?” queried Matt Lauer of the Today Show. In response, maverick entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson said, “First and foremost, I’ve written a book - Screw Business as Usual for the new wave of emerging entrepreneurs as well as for existing business people who are transforming their organizations, at the same time as trying to develop a business and to make a living, trying to do more to help people and to help the planet. It reflects a vibrant and very marked change from the way business always used to be done, when financial profit was the only driving force. Today, people aren’t afraid to say, Screw business as usual! – and show they mean it.”
On the other hand, there are those who appear stuck in the notion ‘greening is rubbish’. For, green architect and solar energy advocate Patrick Farley believes most businesses have fail to shift their focus onto ‘greening’. Chris Beytes, editor & publisher at Ball Publishing, has also observed a decline in Industry interest in ‘greening’ activities. And, as an eco advocate and Industry speaker/workshop instructor, through personal observation, I’d agree with Farley and Beytes.
During 2010, topics related to ‘greening’ biz appear well-received; but in March of 2011, attendees of the All Cities conference held in DC when asked to identify their respective community ‘green leaders’ could not identify them. Then, during a workshop conference held fall of 2011, when ‘business greening’ was defined as ‘a frugal use of limited resources which provide for present-day lifestyles without sacrificing the future’ attendees walked out of the session. Next, in response to specific examples of ‘greening’ business success stories, additional attendees walked out of the session. So, I’ve witness the reaction of those who perceive ‘greening’ as rubbish.
Nevertheless, what would I respond to Matt Lauer’s question? I’d as the elementary teachers say - ‘put on your listening ears’! Business greening is not rubbish but viable strategies proven to not simply help present-day businesses survive but thrive. So, the question is ‘What are you doing to ‘grow green (planet/profit)’ your market share?’
Through compiling research and examples of some of the best marketers and communicators in the business, I launched a book - Seven Steps to Grow Green (planet & profit) Market Share. In this book, successful Industry participants not only ask but answer the question ‘Are you and your product or service a steward for the land?’ providing an understanding of the 6 Ps – product, publicity, promotion, people, planet, & profit – as each influence available market share.
Initially, my ‘little green marketing book’ was intended to ‘jump start’ - enable a more easily understood ‘biz greening’ guideline; nevertheless, to inspire 2012 strategic planning, I’m offering an incentive discounted purchase price. Why? As maverick entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson says, USA business as a whole needs to “screw business as usual!” So, my challenge to you is identify and share your scoop – who, what, when, where, why, how and benefits of ‘growing green (profit/planet)’ your Industry sector’s market share. Join me in an effort to enable sustainable business awareness, implement eco biz activities that ‘grow green’ market share - not simply the mechanics but those proven to create niche presence.
About the author - To acquire details of Wright’s activities, visit her web site www.TheWrightScoop.com or contact Sylvia@TheWrightScoop.com or follow tweets at ID Wright Scoop or postings at facebook The Wright Scoop. As recipient of the Turning America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic Award, Sylvia Hoehns Wright challenges all to ‘change America’s landscape’, move their life-styles from eco-weak to eco-chic – ‘green’ life’s garden, one scoop at a time!
Communicate Messages that Inspire
Due to recent personal and professional eco experiences, I question how we – as Industry professionals – will inspire ourselves as well as others who are significantly affected by environmental havoc.
Research conducted by Richard Lov and informally verified through a personal project revealed approximately 1/3 of the American population actively participates in ‘living green’ landscape/garden activities, 1/3 opt to maintain the status quo created by an original landscape installation; and unfortunately, the remaining 1/3 treat their landscape with a ‘back alley’ trash dump mentality. While in the past, I sought to inspire those who demonstrated commitment to experiment with newly released Industry plant materials or programs and encouraged others through educational activities to acquire understanding of their eco impact; nevertheless, I recently
encountered a consumer who I think represents a new 4th category.
When solicited by a client to provide an analysis of her landscape and identify eco efficient strategies, I received for the first time an unexpected response. This client reacted with more or less ‘verbal abuse’, stating my recommendations were valueless. To be candid, as a hands-on landscape gardener, I can relate to frustration which is generated by the inability to guarantee sustainability for present-day landscapes; but at the same time, did not anticipate a verbal attack.
As one of the people who ‘dig in the dirt’ and dwell in the central Virginia Interstate 95 corridor, the fall of 2011 hopefully will be a once in a life time experience. In late August, the landscape experienced drought. Next, the earth shook with such vengeance that many of those who lived near the core of this earthquake were left homeless; and then, rain generated by the force of tropical storms occurred. At first, we gardeners were pleased to see the landscape recover its green but as the winds and down-pour of rain increased, each of us sought shelter from the rage of these storms. Finally, when the winds quiet, we explored the environmental havoc of our landscapes.
One-hundred plus year trees litter our communities, storm debris blanket open green spaces, and 21st century utility services were unavailable. If you were fortunate, personal property such as your home or vehicles were unharmed. So, hear me when I say, I relate to frustration created by the eco havoc of environmental shifts. Still, how do we inspire ourselves and others?
Due to the fact that my area experienced a 9-day electrical outage and 14-day communications outage, I adopt, as a friend joked an Amish schedule, working during day-light hours and retiring early at sun-set. Through this process, not only did my husband and I clear most of the storm debris and repair our damaged home but readied the garden space for a late-season fall planting. It was through a temporary disconnect from 21st century life-styles that we chose to reconnect with the living green that surrounded us. As you would suspect, my husband and I are in the first 1/3 category identified by Lov’s research, those who connect with living green.
Nevertheless, the question is - in which category do you fall? Are you participating in activities that eco inspire your self and others; and, perhaps more importantly, what message through action or words are you conveying to others? My message is ‘green life’s garden one scoop at a time’.
What is your message?
Fall is for Planting, the Wright Scoop
Are you frustrated with the demise of your landscape? If yes, you are not alone. From the rain forests of south-east Alaska to the deciduous forests of the Mid-Atlantic region, climatic shifts occur challenging all to create sustainable landscape gardens.
Fall the Optimal Planting Season –
For more than 20 years, the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) promoted fall as a ‘second season’ for landscape garden sales but due to ongoing climate shifts, presently for most regions, fall is not simply a ‘second season’ sales opportunity but the optimal plant installation season. As a result, the Greater Richmond Area (GRA), through partnering of regional eco colleagues, launched an eco educational campaign – fall is for planting - urging consumers and Industry alike to make fall their optimal plant installation season. Why?
During the fall, fewer pests and disease problems occur, increased amounts of rainfall and cooler temperatures create an ideal environment for plant development; and while there are cooler temperatures, the soil remains warm encouraging root growth which continues during the winter season. Specifically, providing for plant roots, the opportunity of seven to nine months in which to develop prior to experiencing the hot humid ‘dog days’ of summer.
About the Wright Scoop -
As recipient of the ‘Turning America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic’ award sponsored by Hines Horticulture, Project Evergreen and Today’s Garden Center magazine, I encourage 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, implement natural lawn care and install plants during least climate stress conditions. “The Wright Scoop,” says Washington Gardener magazine reviewer Edna Troiano, “Sylvia Hoehns Wright’s book, From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green, offers readers guidelines for joining the green revolution in their own yards. Becoming eco-chic, she explains, is primarily a matter of “working with instead of against an area’s natural environment” to create sustainable, eco-friendly landscapes. To read more, link to review - http://blog.thewrightscoop.com/2011/04/28/from-eco-weak-to-eco-chic-landscape-green---book-review.aspx or Sylvia’s Store - http://stores.lulu.com/syhwright .
Fall Landscape Garden Activities –
As a woodland gardener, I’m presently evaluating my gardens. Basically, if an area hosts annual plants, I mow spent plants and enrich the soil with compost. If the area hosts bulb plantings, I install a protective blanket of mulched leaves and other woodland debris. And, if perennial and/or shrub bed areas, I check for volunteer or plants that need to be thin-out. Later, during the fall rain cycle – which for my area is late September, I move the identified plants to more spacious areas. So, when leaf color changes, shift your focus to lawn renewal, renovation of existing landscape gardens or plant installation. And, when you see local vendors display their ‘fall is for planting’ signage, be aware it is not simply a ‘second season’ sales opportunity but the optimal plant installation season!
As recipient of the Turning America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic Award, I urge all to ‘plant more plants’ www.plantmoreplants.com , move their life-styles from eco-weak to eco-chic – ‘green’ life’s garden, one scoop at a time!
Side-bar: Wed. Sept 14 - Oct 5, 6:30-9:00 p.m. workshop 065: Landscape/Garden Design for the Hands-on-Homeowner, register with www.henrico.k12.va.us/adulteducation, text: Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green, details contact 804-328-4095.
The Value of Marketing Products and Services
If someone in your community were asked to recommend a Green Industry service and/or product, would you be seen as the provider?
To evaluate ongoing Industry market share, I recently contact a few relatively well-known sites. Anticipating a discussion of the over all impact of present-day economic downturn or use of strategies which ensure market share, I was astound when I received the response, “We don’t market or publicize our site’s activities.”
To be candid, every time, I think the basic principles of acquiring market share are understood, I encounter another situation that so-to-speak ‘pulls the rug out from under’ my confidence. For, similar to other communications professionals, I’m focus on sharing strategies that enable a branded presence or use of new media formats such as ‘social media’; but, realistically, the majority of Green Industry professionals still lag at a level which prevents their understanding of why products and/or services must be publicized.
Tony Avent owner of Plant Delights Nursery located in Raleigh, North Carolina describes this level as, “Unfortunately, the most misunderstood and overlooked component of business success is communication, a form of communication that establishes a brand of product, you.”
Chris Beytes, editor & Publisher, GrowerTalks and Green Profit magazines says, “The green industry does so much good for our communities and our world ... we should be shouting that to the rooftops. But we hide out light under a bushel. Why? Mostly because too many growers and retailers simply don’t know how to go about promoting their business, or don’t know how important it is. They’re plant people, not marketers.”
A few years ago, Leonard O. Morrow, PhD, retired botanist and horticulturist solicited my involvement in Industry communications because he recognized a gap between Green Industry and other professionals related to their understanding of the significance of creating Industry presence.
So, why should you care? Individually and collectively the Industry is sliding into recession if not questionable survival. Are you aware of the demise of nation-wide Industry sites that have exist for decades? Are you aware of mergers which occur as an attempt to remain solvent? If you simply read this issue of the Mid-Atlantic Grower newspaper, you will more than likely learn of some type of product downturn or site close.
Did you know LEED certification specific to water-efficient landscaping limits or eliminates use of potable water, or other natural surface or subsurface water resources available on or near the project site, for landscape irrigation? Related to lawn installation although a 50’ by 50’ grassy area provides the air quality for a family of four present-day recommendations reduce and/or eliminate its use. And, in most cases, specific to the use of landscape plant materials, there is a list of approved materials. So, basically, the traditional home site installation of one tree, three to five shrubs and a lawn has become limited use of plant material, lawns and the irrigation to support a landscape. Well, I have a question - were you and/or your representative Industry organizations involved in these decisions? At a time when the living green Industry should be more involved because nation-wide we seek to ‘go green’, the gap appears to widen.
Why? As Beytes says, “too many growers and retailers simply don’t know how to go about promoting their businesses or don’t know how important it is”; and it is reflected when I receive a response such as “we don’t market or publicize our site’s activities.”
As I’ve previously stated, I’m ‘jumping up and down’ trying to get the attention of the Green Industry that something is wrong; still, I’m only one person. So, my challenge to all is enable a form of communications that establishes a brand of eco product, you. Become the person in your community who is visualized as the provider of products and services. Become the person who illustrates the traits of eco leadership, communicating your commitment with civility, honesty and integrity while positioning your self and/or product/service as a viable link in a network that supports the distribution of limited resources.
To share comments, ideas or strategies related to this subject or other communication topics, contact Sylvia@TheWrightScoop.com. Contribute to a series of topical discussions that are helpful to the Industry.
About the author – Sylvia Hoehns Wright, author of Market Share, make it work for you, challenges all to ‘grow green their market share’. To acquire Wright’s books or her assistance as an eco-biz communications specialist, link to www.TheWrightScoop.com Sylvia’s Store option or contact (804)672-6007.
The Eco Leader
The Wright Scoop – The Eco Leader
If someone in your community were asked to visualize an eco leader, would he/she see you?
Earlier this year, I posed a similar question to attendees of the All Cities Conference held in Washington DC; and received what I consider a disturbing response. Absolutely no one, regardless of their home state affiliation, could easily identify eco leaders in their community. So, I’ve since so-to-speak ‘jump up and down’ trying to get the attention of the Green Industry that something is wrong; specifically, individually and collectively, we need to ‘grow green’ market share.
Through one-on-one interviews, distribution of a survey, workshop participation and column/blog commentary as Bill Calkins, business manager at Ball Horticultural Company in West Chicago, Illinois, says “Wright has profiled some of the best marketers and communicators in the business, bringing fresh takes and new approaches to attracting and engaging customers.” Still, whether voiced by a creative arts colleague or Green Industry participant Tony Avent of Plant Delights Nursery located in Raleigh, North Carolina, all agree the ‘how to’ of marketing remains misunderstood and each needs to find a way to open doors for their self and colleagues.
Aware present-day globalized markets require you don’t simply sell your work but yourself, I’ve shared the scoop – who, what, when, where, why, how and benefits of acquiring market share, providing insight as well as practical guidelines, tips and strategies for use of communication formats proven to ‘grow green’ market share. Defined in simple terms – ‘green’ is a frugal use of limited resources which results in decreased product/service expenses, increased profit and earth-friendly activities that provide for present-day lifestyles without sacrificing the eco future of others.
Recently, I was reminded by a creative arts colleague, Nicole M. Bouchard, Editor-in-Chief of The Write Place At the Write Time, www.thewriteplaceatthewritetime.org, of a story which illustrates present-day market share branding. A king sent two farmers out to grow a bountiful harvest, one hastened to throw down as many seeds as possible, over-watered them and tugged on the roots each night to make them grow; the other took a handful of seeds and patiently cared for them, nurtured them with love and trust, knowing that he was doing what he could for them, knowing it would take time for them to blossom. It was the second farmer whose crop was abundant when the harvest arrived and the moment came to set out their bounty before the king. Likewise, it takes the same patience, nurturing and skill when it comes to growing and maintaining a brand.
“A brand,” says Bouchard, “should be a natural, organic evolution of who you are or who your company is; communicating that brand extends to each outward facing component that you have of your business (and your affiliates) in the public sphere. Publicity, promotions should all tie in with your theme- what makes you unique, your abiding philosophy and mission. From a Twitter account, Facebook page to one-on-one consumer contact, there is always a clearly discernable voice, a thread that lets all identify who you are, what you represent and how you work.”
Initially, solicited by a Dean of a Horticulture program, my research was compiled as a college level text, ABCs of Green Industry Communications; and recently, became available through iBookstoreSM. As a workshop tool and to help ‘jump start’ market share knowledge, it was published as a ‘quick reference’ guide, Seven Steps to Grow Green Market Share. But to hopefully enable all, as my colleague Nicole M. Bouchard says “create a brand that is a natural, organic evolution of who you are or who your company is”, a more consumer friendly tips and strategies guideline, Market Share, make it work for you, is presently available through web site www.TheWrightScoop.com Sylvia’s Store option, http://stores.lulu.com/syhwright or any retail book distributor.
So, my challenge to all niche sectors is ‘grown green’ your market share, enable a form of communications that establishes a brand of eco product, you. Become the person in your community who is visualized as an eco leader. Participate in activities that not only provide for present-day life-styles without sacrificing the overall eco-health of others but ‘green (planet/profit)’ market share. Become the person who illustrates the traits of eco leadership, communicating a “natural, organic” commitment with civility, honesty and integrity while positioning your self and/or product/service as a viable link in a network that supports the distribution of limited eco resources.
To share comments, ideas or strategies related to this subject or other communication topics, contact Sylvia@TheWrightScoop.com. Contribute to a series of topical discussions that are helpful to the Industry.
About the author – Sylvia Hoehns Wright, author of Market Share, make it work for you, challenges all to ‘grow green their market share’. To acquire Wright’s books or her assistance as an eco-biz communications specialist, link to www.TheWrightScoop.com Sylvia’s Store option or contact (804)672-6007.
Eco-frugal Landscapes, Surviving the Dog Days of Summer
It is the season of ‘dog days’, days so hot and humid that you can cut the atmosphere with a butter knife. Or, as our grandparents said, “days fit for a dog’s activity – lying in the coolest spot available.” At one time a phenomena exclusive to the Mid-Atlantic region, presently from the rain forests of south-east Alaska to the deciduous forests of the Mid-Atlantic region, all are challenged to keep their self and landscape gardens cool.
For most, the answer is to “create a Xeriscape”. Nevertheless, this term was so severely abused related to plants that ‘xeri’ was replaced with ‘zero’ and landscapes became the host for a pile of rocks. Well, guess what? Rocks don’t cool the atmosphere! Living green, plants, mediate the ongoing effect of climatic extremes. So, we need to ‘plant more plants’, www.plantmoreplants.com, creating eco-frugal landscapes that conserve water and are filled with colorful varieties of drought tolerant flowers, shrubs and trees which enable a showplace garden without depleting an area’s water table or resulting in jaw-dropping water bills.
Interested in installing a Xeriscape, a ‘dog days’ garden? Start by selecting drought tolerant plants that work well for your area. Install trees and larger shrubs in such a way that these plants provide filtered light and avoid competing for vital nutrients. While aesthetically, eye pleasing landscapes have a backdrop of taller and/or larger shrubs or perennials, these plants more importantly serve as anchors for a design providing layers of cooling habitat for ourselves and the critters that live with us. Pick colors which blend and carry the anchor plant’s color from top to bottom of the design. For contrast and texture, select plants or décor items that introduce difference. And, because the underlying goal of a ‘dog days garden’ is to create a space that appears cool, use shades of color in the ‘blue-green family’.
During installation,
• Identify sunny and shady areas, slopes, and views. Then, group plants with similar water needs into zones to make watering easier.
• Test the soil for nutrient content and makeup. Good soil absorbs and retains water much better than poor soil.
• Irrigate efficiently. Even the lowest water-using Xeriscape needs supplemental water during extended hot, dry periods.
• Limit turf areas. Use wildflowers and native grasses as lawn substitutes, especially in large open spaces and low use areas.
• Use mulch. Mulch covers help reduce erosion, retain moisture and minimize the fluctuation in soil temperature.
• Select eco-chic plants. Be aware using an eco-efficient plant does not necessarily mean a drab gray plant with lots of thorns or just cactus.
• Maintain it. Properly maintained spaces are hardier and better able to withstand drought, freezing, and pest problems.
Properly installed, a Xeriscape – eco-frugal garden - is not simply a beautiful economical water-wise space but a place where as our grandparents said, provides a retreat for “a dog’s activity – lying in the coolest spot available.”
About the author – Recipient of the Turning America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic Award, Sylvia Hoehns Wright challenges all to move their life-styles from eco-weak to eco-chic – ‘green’ life’s garden, one scoop at a time! For details, link to a review of her book, http://blog.thewrightscoop.com/2011/04/28/from-eco-weak-to-eco-chic-landscape-green---book-review.aspxf or visit web site www.TheWrightScoop.com.
Eco Leaders, Leaders of Considered Change
If asked to define the concept eco leadership, what would you respond? Although there are academic programs which highlight eco leadership and eco-biz media that acknowledges it, there remains a lack of visible eco leadership. So, is there a set of characteristics, a profile that defines the eco leader?
In general terms, eco leaders are people who enable sustainability, participate in activities that provide for their present-day life-style without sacrificing the overall eco-health of others. Nevertheless, through research and interactive workshop participation, it was identified leaders who enable eco change do more than the expected. In fact, they illustrate the following traits
- Moral value, understand difference between right and wrong
- Plugged into Eco Sustainability Vision
- Not only accept but seek accountability
- Self Disciplined
- Optimism, believe change can make a difference
- Determination to create eco change
- Empathic but consistent in state of mind
- Inspire others to equally contribute
- Decisive but fair - considerate of others
- Manage failure, conflict, criticism and change
- Facilitate an environment that supports leadership style
- Delegate as well as depend on the skill of others
- Establish plans but flexible in guidelines
- Ability to focus – separate problem/issue from people
- Facilitate eco consensus
- Create ‘considered change’, synergistic eco solutions
- Avoid ‘green-washing’, overstating benefit/result
Still, during a workshop held in our Nation’s capital, when community leaders were asked to identify eco leaders, no one could identify a regional much less nation-wide leader. So, the question is “Can you identify people in your circle of acquaintance who illustrate eco leadership traits?”
In prior blogs and columns I asked the question “Would you similar to my colleague Ed Snodgrass of Emory Knoll Farms, http://www.greenroofplants.com/, be recognized as an eco leader, a person who is growing green their market share?” Coined by media as the ‘Green Roof Man of the Year’, Snodgrass, a committed conservationist, acquired his visibility through supplying plants for over one million square feet of green roofs in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Could you be coined by media as an ‘eco man/woman of the year’? Are you and/or your colleagues participating in activities that not only provide for present-day life-styles without sacrificing the overall eco-health of others but ‘green (planet/profit)’ market share? Are you participating in activities that illustrate eco leadership traits, communicating a commitment with civility, honesty and integrity while positioning your self and/or product/service as a viable link in a network that supports the distribution of limited eco resources? Are you seen as an eco leader, a leader of ‘considered’ change?
About the author – Sylvia Hoehns Wright, author of Seven Steps to Grow Green Market Share, http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/seven-steps-to-grow-green-market-share/12934131 and The ABCs of Green Industry Communications: assess, brand & communicate, http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/the-abcs-of-green-industry-communications/4446043, challenges all to ‘grow green their market share’. To acquire Wright’s books or her assistance as an eco-biz communications specialist, link to www.TheWrightScoop.com Sylvia’s Store option.
Heirloom Plants, share a little bit then pass it on!
The term heirloom as it relates to a plant is associated with its proven history of sustainability. For examples, in Williamsburg Virginia, there are crape myrtle shrubs which are estimated to be 400 years old; and, in Fredericksburg, in a garden once tended by George Washington’s mother, peony and iris plants more than 200 years old. So, realistically not only can a plant have proven sustainability but generational connections to people and events that produce folklore stories.
Recently, I opened my central Virginia garden for a walk-about. As my guests walked the space, I shared stories of the plant origins, some native and others either heirloom or vendor supplied regional test plants. Pausing to draw attention to an array of colored violets, I pointed out that introduced native white blooming violets, previously located on my grandparents’ farm, had cross pollinate with regional purple blooming violets to create a rainbow of varied colors. Next, I focus attention on an herb, feverfew. Named for its medical purpose, these plants were brewed into a tea-like drink for their ability to lesson the affect of fevers. Again, pausing, my guests and I experienced the wonder of towering ‘snow ball’ shrubs covered with blooms and the smell of ‘mock orange’ shrubs in bloom.
Carefully stepping around beds of plants, I lift leaves to expose seedlings. Helleborus, peonies, iris and Japanese maple trees supplied by vendors as test plants had produced volunteer seedlings. Nevertheless, perhaps the more impressive planting is a massive mound of heirloom roses. Clippings most likely transported by my immigrant homesteading family are presently interwoven as a blend of pink and white blooms. While the guests and I discuss stories connected to these generational plants, I am reminded of the lyrics of a song.
In the song - Be the Hands, the Heart of God – a phrase is repeated: ‘save a little bit, then pass it on’. While the song refers to the concept of saving peace, love, and light I’d add heirloom plant clippings. For, it is a connection with plants that enables our ability to sustain. So, as we celebrate spring, a season of plant renewal, let’s reflect on what each of us can do to adopt lifelong habits of environmental stewardship, ‘save a little bit then pass it on’. Let’s make choices that insure the survival of heirloom plants, creating a legacy of healthier urban/suburban communities.
Side-bar: Heirloom Roses
Arm and arm like sisters,
ramblers intertwine
Linking generations,
patience grew the vine.
Gardener shared the clippings,
homestead beautified.
Joining families together,
tradition glorified.
Arm and arm like sisters,
gardeners did commit
To a family’s heritage,
for their benefit.
From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green - book review
From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: Landscape Green
By Sylvia Hoehns Wright
Published by Lulu.com Press, http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/from-eco-weak-to-eco-chic-landscape-green/7539795
List Price: $22.95
Reviewer: Edna Troiano
Sylvia Hoehns Wright’s From Eco-weak to Eco-chic offers readers guidelines for joining the green revolution in their own yards. Wright, a Virginia Master Gardener, gardening consultant, speaker, columnist, and writer, was the EcoSavvy columnist for Washington Gardener magazine, also.
Becoming eco-chic, Wright explains, is primarily a matter of “working with instead of against an area’s natural environment” to create sustainable, eco-friendly landscapes. Wright stresses the importance of developing a base plan that takes into account several variables — including climate, topography, light, soil, lifestyle, and house style. For example, if you travel often, you’ll want a low-maintenance garden and, if you like to cook, you’ll want to consider growing vegetables, a modern house in a wooded lot would be out of place for a city Victorian.
To lead the reader through the complexities of planning an eco-chic landscape, Wright includes boxed assignments and tips and strategies so the reader will ultimately reach the goal of having the “right plant installed in the right place at the right time of the year (optimal planting season).” Wright provides several fundamental eco-strategies. The use of native plants is basic. Because native plants grow naturally in a region, they thrive with less coaxing, saving fertilizer, pesticide, gardening time, and money. Composting allows the gardener to “feed the soil, not the plant,” thus reducing the need for chemicals. Conserving water reduces waste while providing adequate moisture for healthy plants. Making pest management part of a gardening plan reduces the need for chemicals and pesticides.
Wright includes multiple approaches for planting, pruning, maintaining a garden, resolving some problems, and avoiding others through proactive strategies. Because Wright is from Virginia, many of her illustrations and suggestions are appropriate for her region; however, her basic guidelines can be applied to any garden, anywhere. Eco-gardening — it’s part of the green revolution, the “waste not, want not” approach to life. But becoming an eco-chic gardener means you’ll have plants that thrive naturally in your region, require less water, fewer chemicals, and less labor, so what’s good for the garden will also be a boon for the gardener.
Gardening in April, central VA
After the experience of a seasonal warm mid March which enabled the installation of ‘cool season’ veggies, we returned to cold, misty gray days slowing progress of ‘cool season’ plant growth. Nevertheless, because of recent warm humid spring days, these plants ‘jump start’. Rows of early season veggies will soon offer a harvest and the installed ‘warm season’ veggies are poking their heads through tilled ground.
Still, to be candid, after the experience of two extreme cold late springs followed by early drought, I approach an optimal planting season with caution – I keep so-to-speak ‘waiting for the other shoe to fall’. For, it is a lush productive spring filled with the promise of harvest. To celebrate the season, I recently host a walk-about my gardens. As I discussed my planting strategies and results, I was reminded of who supplied what – vendor test plants, plants shared by family and other gardeners and those which occur as volunteer, gifts of nature.
Documenting the lush spring blooms, I photograph newly installed as well as established plantings. And as always, there are a few plants that stand out. For 2011, it is the year of the old fashioned ‘snow ball’ shrub. Initially, this plant was acquired through digging up an old neglected plant, removing invasive honeysuckle vines and installing the spinally rooting in protective areas. As a result, one of the plants towers more than 25 feet in height and is densely covered with snow ball shaped blooms.
Year 2011 is also the year of azalea blooms and as these blooms decline, English blue bells, peonies, iris and roses open to contribute color. Trees spread a backdrop of green leaves and grassy areas turn a lush green. The beige of winter disappears as warm moist spring weather triggers an array of habitat of growth and edible plants.
Presently, I’m working through my yard gardens – scooping up volunteer plants and mowing the lawn of other unwanted additions. As I scoop up valued volunteer plants, I place the seedlings in trays and after monitoring stability, install in more appropriate areas. For example, a favorite volunteer plant is peony. VA based developer Brent & Becky Bulb a few years ago, gave me 4 plants – white, light pink, dark pink and red. These plants drop seeds producing a mass of seedlings – jokingly I refer to the area as my ‘peony farm’ but realistically, I truly enjoy the promised horticulture surprise of these plants. Similarly, both native white and purple violets cross pollinated to produce a rainbow of pastel colors. So, based on personal experience, I extend a word of caution – as you weed a garden space, wait for the second set of leaves to determine the value of your volunteer plants.
As I complete month of April activities and begin May, I anticipate blooms from my rose garden and harvest from the kitchen garden. And because tomorrow is expected to be another day in which I can continue to ‘dig in the dirt’, I’ll be outside – will you? For additional tips/strategies, link to web site www.TheWrightScoop.com.
