Do you know when or how to ‘go green’? If you don’t, be aware you are not alone. Most people are confused by the overwhelming noise of ‘green’ product or service claims.

Interested in the scoop? Join me when I host special events on September 11^th at the ‘Virginia GoGreen Garden Festival and more’, an event that challenges you to Keep Virginia Green and Growing, ‘become a champion for the environment’.

During the Festival, talented individuals from all sectors of the Green Industry are on site to make this event an educational fun-filled family experience. You are invited to hear well-known speakers share home, garden and landscape strategies, visit vendor exhibit booths and receive earth-friendly tips, stop by and ‘ask the experts’, tour the Science Museum of Virginia’s ‘green living’ exhibits, watch tree and lawn care demonstrations, hear my colleague Andre Viette broadcast live his radio show “IN THE GARDEN”, sample some of ‘Virginia’s Finest’ foods, listen to music on the tracks, purchase plants and eco-chic décor; as well as, participate in educational but fun activities at the Kids’ GoGreen areas.

At 10:00 a.m. I introduce Eugene Maurakis, Director of Science Education and Museum Scientist when he leads a tour. Starting at the Pendulum located in the main building, Eugene leads a tour on the topic of the Rain Keepers project. Additional tours scheduled at noon and 2:00 p.m. feature the Solar House and Alternative Energy exhibit and the museum’s Green Acre urban farm.

Be sure to schedule breaks and enjoy the nature theme compositions and folk interpretation music played on a hammered dulcimer by Tim Seaman or later, a variety of music styles provided by members of the Virginia Rockitz network.  

At mid-day, Andre Viette shares his thoughts on why Virginia's Gardens Grow with Confidence and at 1:00 p.m. my colleague Neal Beasley, spokesperson for the Beautiful Gardens® Plants of Distinction program, demonstrates plant installation and maintenance. 

Whether you occupy your day with touring the Science Museum of Virginia’s outdoor educational exhibits or chatting with Industry experts or listening to music provided by Tim Seaman and the Rockitz network or hearing special event speakers share tips for ‘green living’ and ‘living green’ or shopping in the Green Market or participating in Kids’ GoGreen activities, I encourage you to expand your day. Take advantage of the Science Museum of Virginia’s offer, one-day discounted entrance tickets and explore with your family the wonder of science.

And, if you happen to not catch up with me during one of the special events, stop by Sneed’s Nursery and Landscape exhibit at 10:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. I’ll be there to host a signing of my eco book, From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green, http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/from-eco-weak-to-eco-chic-landscape-green/7539795.

Make September 11^th the day you and your family GoGreen: get the scoop on how to ‘green’ your lifestyle, become champions for the environment.   

    For Virginians, summer is the season of ‘dog days’, days so hot and humid that you can cut the atmosphere with a butter knife. Or, as my grandparents said, “days fit for a dog’s activity – lying in the coolest spot available.” So, the question is ‘what are you doing to be eco-chic, keep yourself and your garden cool?’

    For many, the answer is to “create a Xeriscape”. Still, this term is so severely abused related to plants that ‘xeri’ is presently 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.

    Creating a Xeriscape is not about piling rocks, it is about creating 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. So are you interested in installing a Xeriscape, a ‘dog days’ garden?

    Begin by selecting drought tolerant plants that work well for your area. Then, install trees and larger shrubs in such a way that these plants provide filtered light and avoid competing for vital nutrients. Aesthetically, eye pleasing landscapes have as a backdrop taller and/or larger shrubs or perennials. These larger plants are installed as anchors for a design and not only establish shape but influence color. Next, pick colors that blend and carry the anchor plant’s color from top to bottom of the design. For contrast and texture, select plants or décor items which introduce difference. And, because the underlying goal is to create a space that appears cool, use shades of color in the ‘blue-green family’.

     After determining a design layout, it’s time to select specific plants. Pay attention to each plant’s water requirements; then, group plants together with similar watering needs. Suggested water efficient plants are Black-eyed Susan, Evening Primrose, Lantana, Lupine, Ornamental Grasses, Purple Aster and Butterfly Bush but check your region’s native plant list for viable options.

    To install the selected plants, dig saucer-like holes and mix in a small amount of either organic or granulated fertilizer. Position the plant and backfill the hole with a mix of compost and native soil.

    While most garden strategies stop at this point, to accomplish a ‘dog days’ garden, there are two additional steps, mulching and watering. Mulching reduces the amount of water needed and helps keep the soil cool. Spread mulch two to three inches thick around the base and root growth area of each plant. And, because most plants require at least one inch of water per week preferably applied as ½ inch two times a week, more than likely you will need to supplement the natural water supply.

    Properly installed, a Xeriscape garden is not simply a beautiful economical water-wise space but a place where as my grandparents said, provides a retreat for “a dog’s activity – lying in the coolest spot available.”

Eco-chic, traditionally defined as ‘providing for the present without sacrificing the future’, is more than life-style choices. It includes acquiring a healthy respect for the eco-consequence of these choices.  

A few years ago, USA Today newspaper printed an insert titled ‘Is there a safe place to live?’ Nation-wide escalating forms of climate change were depicted. Yet, although daily reminded of these eco-consequences, are you presently aware of the severity of increased weather cycles?

A margarine advertisement once announced Mother Nature’s displeasure for being fooled into thinking a product was real butter. In anger, she said, “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.” Waving her arms black clouds swirled, thunder bellowed and lightning slithered through the sky. I was reminded of this advertisement when I watched a more than 100-year old oak glow as if lighted and shake from its leaf tips to roots. Struck by lightening, bark peeled in strips, hung rope-like through out the tree and pieces were scattered for 50 or more feet.

Through this experience, I most certainly gained perspective of the effect of severe storms; but, if you heard thunder or saw lightening, what would you do? Would you run outside to retrieve trivial items; or, seek shelter?

If you are aware of a pending storm and inside, safety measures are to unplug appliances, avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliance; and, because water is a conductor, don’t take a bath or shower, or run water for any other purpose. If you are outside boating or swimming, immediately get to land and find shelter. Limit exposure by seeking out a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles or metal objects. At the same time, make sure the place is not subject to flooding. The goal is to make your self as small a target as possible; so, squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Do not lie flat on the ground because laying flat can make you a larger target.

According to meteorological experts at The National Weather Channel http://www.nws.noaa.gov/, the best ally for dealing with severe weather situations is to be informed, aware of evacuation plans, the location of shelters and keep a copy of area guidelines in an easily accessible place such as a phone book. It is also wise to be aware that lightning can occur when it’s not raining and the straight-line winds of a thunderstorm can exceed 100 mph which are more damaging than the winds of most tornados.

As urban/suburban communities, we need to acquire a healthy respect for the eco-consequence of our life-style choices.  Become aware that while weather cycles such as thunder-storms do provide optimal natural rain fall, these storms should be greeted with caution. If you hear distant thunder and think it harmless to run outside and retrieve trivial items, be warned it could be the last activity of your life. For it’s not only not nice to fool Mother Nature, it’s not wise to fool-around with her either. 

“Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise.” – Ephesians 6:2

     It was during my role as a caretaker that I became acquainted with my father, not simply as a parent, but a friend and mentor. It was through his example and shared family-stories that I became aware of his legacy, a commitment to family, friends and community: a sincere appreciation for any act of kindness, thankfulness for the blessings in his life, and a perspective of human goodness. As he said, “My mother always said if you don’t have something good to say, don’t say it.” During his final hours, as I sat by his bed-side, I realized it was the combination of his philosophy and stress reduction strategies that made our caretaking experience work.

     First, be realistic in the scope of a commitment. Caring for an elderly parent, during my mother’s era, was sandwich between the responsibilities of children and maintaining a home. Today, it is layered with a professional career, children, grandchildren, and sometimes, great-grandchildren as well as maintaining a home. In fact, it could be a single parent struggling to cope with the multiple layers of responsibility. So, a caretaker must be realistic in his/her commitment.

     Solicit equal involvement of all family members. Caring for an elderly parent is an equal opportunity experience. Yet, in most cases, primary care defaults to one person. If you are the default caretaker, focus your time, energy and patience on your parent. Regardless of the reason for the lack of other people participating i.e. an attitude of denial, indifference or selfishness, the focus should never be sibling bickering. Caring for an elderly person is already an emotionally draining experience without the added loss of personal energy directed toward irresponsible siblings and/or other family members.

     Identify and more importantly, hook into community services and resources designed to inform and provide helpful services. National or State funded as well as private elder-care services exist. Contact your state funded Aging/Senior program. This type of program offers planned activities, day-care and home visit services. Affordable non-medical private care services are available. Take advantage of these services and supplement your caretaker role.

     Hook into whatever provides personal solace and balance for stress. Whether it is spiritual, sports, gardening, reading or a combination of these activities, participate in activities recognized to balance stress. Aware a result of my caretaker role could be the loss of personal health, acquaintances forewarn me through sharing family stories of situations in which the caretaker became so overwhelmed by daily responsibility that he/she became disabled or died. As a caretaker, understand the affect of long-term stress on your health and participate in activities that reduce stress and provide solace.

     Be your parent’s advocate. Too many times, an elderly person is ignored, mistreated or viewed as expendable. Protect your parent’s life-style. For example, while in his 80s, my Dad experienced heart failure. Through extensive health tests, persistence and advocacy, we - Dad’s  doctor and I - convinced Medicare to approve payment for open-heart surgery. Specific to my father’s health, the question was considering his age and general health would his normal life expediency exceed the expected limitation of a heart valve recipient. Unfortunately, similar to any business decision, Medicare reviews a patient’s treatment in terms of cost/benefit. While it may sound callous or cold hearted to calculate the benefit of a person’s life, it is up to you as your parent’s advocate to ensure his/her health options.

     Identify medical resources. Wellness for an elderly person relies on the skill of internal medicine. It was Dad’s internal medicine doctor that monitored his health, adjusted his medications, initiated specialized treatment, and talked to me, the caretaker, concerning expectations, treatment or health care issues. Over a ten-year period, Dad and I experienced his diagnosis of heart disease, malignant skin cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Each time, it was proactive internal medicine that sustained his life-style and stabilized the stress of my caretaker role.

     Identify subsidized medical treatment. In his latter years, Dad was diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease. In broad terms, it is an inability to learn new information and over time, an inability to recall already-learned experiences. It affected his ability to recognize his home, family and familiar surroundings. Eventfully, it affected his ability to carry out life’s simple tasks. Fortunately, during the time period of Dad’s diagnosis, for the first time, drug treatment became available. The medicine, although not a cure, retard the disease’s progression. Still, the treatment was extraordinarily expensive; and it was not until Dad’s care transferred to another doctor that we stumbled onto a subsidy program. Based on a patient’s age, income and insurance coverage, the patient could qualify for a drug subsidy program that supplemented the expense of drugs. So, proactively, inquire concerning subsidy coverage for your parent’s drugs and/or medical care.

     As the primary caretaker, accept the role of parent for your child-like parent. As Dad exhibit the Alzheimer symptoms of forgetting to turn off the stove, getting lost while driving to the grocery store, or being easily confused by daily experiences, it was time for me, his caretaker, to become the parent. Still, role reversal is never an easy transition but is essential for an elderly person’s safety. Dad’s drug treatment did retard his Alzheimer’s disease progression; so, gradually his family was phased in as his guardian parent. First, a grandson became his room-mate. Next, when the grandson attended out-of-state graduate school, a neighbor and long-term family acquaintance became the room-mate. And, during his final years, his grand-daughter and her family were his companions. A key factor for an Alzheimer patient’s stability is familiarity and through family commitment, his familiarity of surroundings was ensured. As the primary caretaker, I as my Dad said, became the boss. I assumed his financial and medical care, ceased his driving privileges, became his companion for senior activities, identified and solicited senior activities, ensured his daily safety, and yes, during the final stage of the disease, held his hand as he stepped into the shower for a bath. Without the aide of family assistance and medical or community services, caring for an elderly parent is an all consuming experience.

     Become your parent’s best friend. As a parent ages, the parent may literally out live his/her peers. Dad’s age, 92, and Alzheimer’s disease interfered with his ability to remain familiar with people and events. Yet, the affect of Alzheimer’s disease can be compared to a scratched record. Bits and pieces of former memories exist. Aware that Dad played a trumpet during his youth, I took him to a symphony concert. After the concert, we drove home on Richmond’s Broad Street. As we traveled along this street, he reminisces of another era - the era of swing bands and vaudeville; and for the first time, I learned that he played in Richmond’s swing bands. Identify the childhood and adult interests of your parent, find similar present-day activities, invest time in sharing these experiences, and perhaps, for the first time, you too will become aware of your parent’s life-experiences.

     Provide emotional support for your parent. In many cases, a parent is a widow or widower, has outlived peers, or through health issues become isolated from friends and non-immediate family. The life-style of an elderly person can be a lonely experience. Establish little rituals that demonstrate you care. For example, after Dad dressed for the day, I gave him a hug or kiss on the forehead and said you look nice. Instead of saying good-bye, I said, love you. Regardless of age, we all need to feel loved, valued and sincerely appreciated. Become an emotional support for your aged parent.

     Have no regrets. During his final hours, as I sat beside Dad’s hospital bed-side, I had no regrets. A cousin once described my caretaker experience as having a cloud hanging over my life. Although I’d be the first to admit that caring for an elderly parent is not an easy task, it is equally rewarding. There were days when Dad’s drug treatment failed, when his Alzheimer hallucinations were so vivid that he talked to imaginary visitors, and when his anxiety peaked, we jokingly called him the Energizer Bunny. But, there were also days when his memory cleared and he shared family-stories and stories of his life-experience as a car inspector for the RF&P railroad. So, cherish your parent’s elder years. For, the legacy of an elderly parent is sharing his/her life-experiences.

memory of him, we do not lose.

Gardens continue to burst forth with blooms illustrating why as a nation we not only designate the month of May but June too as national Flower Month.

I am in awe of the splendor of year 2010 blooms. I’ve observed an unusual quantity, size, health and aesthetic beauty. Whether a fragile rose or hardy hydrangea, all peak in blossom. Still, typically, there are plants that over time acquire distinction.

As an advocate for sustainability, not simply a use of plants that work-well in a region but those that contribute to regional economic sustainability: developed, grown and distributed within their community, I want to make you aware of a Virginia implemented plant introduction program Beautiful Gardens®, www.BeautifulGardens.org.

Beautiful Gardens® focus is ‘Plants of Distinction’, plants tested across varied climactic zones through out the state of Virginia. To initiate the program, eleven underutilized plants which performed well in USDA hardiness/AHS heat zones 6a/2 to 8a/7, the range of state of Virginia plant zones, were identified and promoted. In 2010, the program added eight plants. Additional detail is available by linking to web site www.beautifulgardens.org option ‘Plants of Distinction10’.

Gardening colleague Linda Pinkham, who has been involved in the development of this program since 2002, first opened her garden as a test site and recently as an activity for the 2010 Virginia Garden Week. Through experience, Linda found the foliage of Cercis canadensis ‘Hearts of Gold’ Eastern Redbud to hold up throughout the summer. She identified Buxus sempervirens ‘Dee Runk’ American Boxwood to provide vertical accents and work-well in sunny or shady situations. Corylopsis pauciflora ‘Goldleaf Buttercup’ Winterhazel was identified as a great plant that announced spring with its soft yellow "bells" blooms and Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’ Autumn Fern to work in almost any shaded area. Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ Pineapple Lily Eucomis in Linda’s Tidewater region emerges in late spring and provides foliage during the hottest summer months. Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’, she found, was more versatile than expected providing linear lines that create design focal points. But it was Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ Little Bluestem Grass, a native grass, which proved excellent for her region’s dry spots and Rudbeckia subtomentosa ‘Henry Eilers’ Coneflower that performed differently than any other form of Rudbeckias in her garden.

While I don’t have Linda’s varied experience with these plants, I can vouch for Virginia native plants - redbud and Rudbeckias, ‘black-eye Susans’.  I’ve found these ‘plants of distinction’ to not only work-well but trigger memories of my grandparent’s farm, a site surrounded by colorful redbud woodland and golden bloom Rudbeckias meadows. As program spokesperson Neal Beasley says, “The Beautiful Gardens® program provides Virginians with a wide-range of choice supported by demonstrated sustainable use, an opportunity to identify – connect – with ‘living green’.”

Both in my book, From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green (http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/from-eco-weak-to-eco-chic-landscape-green/7539795) and during ongoing eco-landscape activities, I advocate the installation and maintenance of sustainable landscapes. For, as urban/suburban Communities, we need to be aware of the eco-consequences of individual choices and insure laceName w:st="on">BeautifullaceName> laceType w:st="on">GardenslaceType> grow with confidence®.

When gardens burst forth with bloom, nostalgia unexpectedly creeps into my experience. It is triggered by the sweet-scent of blooming flowers, a garden activity or the sight of prospering plants shared by another gardener. For, I am reminded when I see plants bloom that were transplanted from the gardens of my mother, grandmother or elderly aunts.

I enjoy sitting outside in a garden space, smelling the sweet-scent of blooming flowers, listening to the hum of visiting bees, and reminiscing of a gardening era presently labeled heritage. Still, while ‘living green’ texture, color and fragrance should be enjoyed, it is more important that each of us understand its life-supporting role. 

The month of May is designated both national flower and clean air month, a time to celebrate the beauty and health of ‘living green’; but were you aware of this connection? Research conducted by Virginia’s land grant university Virginia Tech identifies each 50 by 50 square foot space whether planted with turf or other plant material or a mid to large size tree to annually provide the air quality for a family of four.

My colleague Alex X. Niemiera, Extension Horticulturist for the department of Horticulture at Virginia Tech, has further identified landscaping to significantly influence perceived property value. In fact, the value of landscaping appears to range dependent upon location: 5.5 percent (Louisiana) to 11.4 percent (South Carolina). In other words, a home valued at $150,000 with no landscape (lawn only) could be worth $8,250 to $19,050 more with a sophisticated landscape that includes color and large plants.

So, whether your motivation is to recapture an era of yesterday or contribute to air quality or insure the value of your real-estate, invest in eco-landscaping. In my newly published book, From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green (http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/from-eco-weak-to-eco-chic-landscape-green/7539795), I emphasize eco-landscape concepts. In honor of national Flower Month, I want to spotlight a flowering shrub, 'Limelight' Hardy Hydrangea, http://www.provenwinners.com/plants/detail.cfm?photoID=7687. Not only have I found this shrub to work-well but provide ongoing seasonal interest. It jump-starts spring with unique bright chartreuse blooms. From mid-summer to fall, the blooms hold a refreshing color; and before frost, become tinged with pink. Then, during winter, the blooms extend the gardening season as dry fluffy puffs.

Although ‘Limelight’ hydrangea is not in the category of plants that make me reminisce, when seasonal cool, gray skies and shorten-days of winter begin, I look out my home-office window and am reminded by its dried blooms of the promise of spring. And, perhaps, some day because of its seasonal beauty, this shrub will trigger nostalgia for my grandchildren. So, my question to you is “Are you participating in activities that celebrate the beauty and health of ‘living green’?” For, landscapes should not simply be aesthetically pleasing but offset the carbon atmosphere that plagues urban environments.

To acquire a ‘free’ garden design that features 'Limelight' Hardy Hydrangea or to share comments, ideas or strategies on this or similar topics, contact me. Together, let’s identify column topics that enable awareness of ‘living green’, create a legacy of eco-healthy spaces.

Course Title: A Writer on Writing, Effective Business/Tech Communications

Scheduled: Oct 19, 2010 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and held at Data Directions – Mechanicsville VA, www.data-directions.com  

Prerequisites: adequate use of English language and/or attended course such as JSRCC - ENG 1 Preparing for College Writing I (5 cr.) which helps students discover and develop writing processes needed to bring their proficiency to the level necessary for entrance into respective curricula and/or business sector.

Course Description: The goal of workshop A Writer on Writing is not to teach basic language usage but a use that enables the ability to be perceived as an expert, gain personal confidence but most of all, share collective knowledge - influence others through the power of words. 

Content: Using the text, A Writer on Writing – the building block of nonfiction, attendees explore   

     Why – recognize the power of the written word  

     Who - in today’s market, you don’t just sell your work; you sell yourself!

     What – while there are vast writing markets, develop niche expertise 

     When/Where - dedicate specific space and time for writing

     How - research and understand styles and formats of business and/or professional writing used to produce professionally published documents.

Text:  A Writer on Writing – the building blocks of nonfiction, ISBN 978-0-557-03963-0 (optional but recommended – acquire at any retail book store or e-book/print copy at www.TheWrightScoop.com, Sylvia’s Store option)

Course Objective:

     Enable awareness of writing concepts and formats that create clearly understood communications and professionally published documents.

Cost: $175, payment by check/cash to Sylvia Hoehns Wright - The Wright Scoop (registration deadline Tue Oct 12^th).

From suburban home lot to the country seat, women have designed, cultivated and reshaped the American scene, moving from the "harbinger of a gentle heart" to women of power and influence.

So, present-day industries tend to forget that at the turn of the century, it was considered almost social suicide and distinctly matrimonial suicide, for a woman to enter a profession. Still, it did not deter the notable efforts of women such as Virginia Estelle Randolph, a pioneer educator and humanitarian who lived from 1874 to 1958; and conducted the first Arbor Day program in Virginia.

Still, Susan Kappel of Creatrix Landscape Design has observed “the nursery, maintenance and installation sides of the Green Industry remain male dominated.” On the other hand, Jeff Miller, Executive Director for the VA Nursery and Landscape Association, has noticed “over the last 10 years plus that there are a lot more women owned and operated business in all phases of production, retail and landscaping.” Similarly, Leonard Morrow, Ph.D. former Program Head and Professor of Horticulture for J.S. Reynolds C.C. noticed a shift in the student population and in August 1992, sponsored the first informal meeting for professional women in the Green Industry.

In my book A Path Worn Smooth, I share stories of the influence of women who pride their selves in both ownership of and ‘hands-on’ working land in the form of agri as well as ornamental gardens, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge and heritage plants.

As we progress into this new century, let’s not forget to celebrate – honor – women who opened doors of opportunity. To listen to my story, link to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thereneebobbshow/2010/02/24/meet-the-award-winning-author-sylvia-wright or attend a scheduled event, see www.TheWrightScoop.com calendar.  

The month of March is ‘celebrate women in history’ month. Related to your self, who do you celebrate?

Ever wondered how much "nature", eco-footprint, is required to support your lifestyle choices?

Recently, through attending a series of environmental workshops, I participated in activities that highlighted eco-lifestyle choices, our footprints, as they relate to the surrounding environment. While I’m pleased to say my activities fall into the category of being an ‘eco-ally’, I was surprised to learn of the average person’s day-to-day impact. For, the average American has a total ecological footprint of about 25 acres, meaning that if everyone consumed similar to an average American, we would require several additional Earths to support this lifestyle.

Presently, there are about 5.5 acres of biologically productive land per capita in the world. Worldwide, the average per capita footprint is 6 acres. If we leave only 12% of the biosphere for other species, there is less than 5 acres available per person which translates to the fact that we humans have presently overshot the mark by at least 20%. Still, while excessive consumption is an issue, it is difficult to measure the degrees to which consumption choices affect both immediate and extended ecosystems.

On the other hand, eco-footprint tools are available that measure conservation, www.conservation.org/ecofootprint and help identify your eco status as well as learn where and how you presently fall short. So, the question is “Are you too big for your boots, your eco-footprint?”

As a gardener, I not only have the opportunity to make a difference related to personal choices but influence the use of green space, both rural and urban. So, I want to challenge you – as a 2010 resolution – to first measure and then, improve your eco-footprint. From a landscape/garden perspective
     Advocate the conservation of water. Not just the quantity but source. For example, I capture and use condensation from my air-conditioning unit for watering container plants.
    Choose native or native adaptable plants. Usually a native plant is the right plant in the right place which avoids numerous other site specific issues.
    Avoid using additive materials, such as peat, which are not a sustainable resource; in other words, once harvested the material does not regenerate itself.
   Create compost. Be aware that creating compost is neither a difficult or smelly task; and once you get into the cycle of creating compost; it is an excellent use of what would otherwise be considered garden and/or kitchen rubbish.
   Choose biodegradable products. For a number of years, ink on printed materials has no longer been toxic and these materials make excellent underlying mulch blankets that more importantly biodegrade.
   Avoid the use of chemicals. Install companion plants, create diversity, encourage beneficial visitors and perhaps, you too will be pleasantly surprised by the lack of unwanted garden guests.
   Avoid creating pristine orderly green spaces. In the wake of central Virginia’s storms, thousands of trees fell and my husband and I, similar to many Virginians, continue to clean up but I am comforted by the fact that a fallen tree provides a habitat for up to 300 years.
   Similarly, consider the source of landscape accessories. Select products made from recycled materials; for example, choose pavers material that is not only recycled but permeated, prevents water run-off.
    And, when you light up your space, do it with solar fixtures. Solar lighting is a frugal form of energy consumption and is easily installed.

On the scale of eco-footprint measurement, are you a novice or warrior? Do you presently make eco-friendly choices? Have you created or maintain an eco-efficient green space? Are you influencing others to share eco values?

Individually and collectively, we not only have the opportunity to make a difference through personal choice, we can influence others to ‘green’ space, both rural and urban. For 2009, what is your eco-resolution? Post comments and together, let’s provide tips and strategies that help move from eco-weak to eco-chic, green the landscape of our community.

In today’s market, a blur exists between ‘green’ products and services.

At one time the word – green – easily implied ‘living green’ but presently, there are many interpretations. From a political perspective, ‘green’ symbolizes activities that support or promote environmental protection; and from a product or service viewpoint, goods or services produced in an environmentally and ecologically friendly way, e.g. by using renewable resources. So, while Kermit the Frog may have found it difficult to be green; in today’s market, most find it a struggle to be seen as green.

Recently, Today’s Garden Center magazine posed the question, ‘Do you think the Industry needs some type of nationally recognized symbol that highlights to consumers the significance of living green?’ As a reply, I’d answer ‘yes’. Through experience gathered as volunteer PR for the Virginia Green Industry Council, a workshop instructor and Industry columnist, I've noticed a significant lag between Green Industry and other business sector marketing strategies. In fact, I recently published a book - The ABCs of Green Industry Communications - that helps enable Industry market communications.

I became aware of the situation after publishing an article with Green Profit magazine. The Dean of a local Horticulture program read my article and requested I conduct research and then, teach a Green Industry communications college level course. Still, regardless of personal involvement, I can’t offer a 'pat answer' solution. As my colleague Tony Avent owner of Plant Delights Nursery located in Raleigh, North Carolina says “The most misunderstood and overlooked component of business success is communication, a form of communication that establishes a brand of product, you.” So, assuming Avent is accurate, can an Industry enable its ability to be seen as ‘the’ green Industry?

To provide examples of consolidated efforts that worked-well, the Virginia 'Save the Bay' Foundation has an in character Captain John Smith who is running for USA president with his campaign 'prevent run off and pollution' to save the Bay! Similarly, Forestry's Smokey the Bear is an image easily associated with ‘living green’ and one that attracts the attention of all ages, cultures and groups. Still, ‘planting the seeds’ market visibility – brand recognition – is not simply the result of a singular activity.

To clarify ‘brand recognition’ that works-well let me first define what it is not. Branding is not
• advertising,
• public relations;
• a slogan, or a logo, or a website, or even a multi-media campaign;
• a tagline, or
• color palette.
In today’s market, branding is injecting a product, service or organization with unique, consistent, desirable persona-position that reigns over a consumer’s mind and is so highly valued that you and/or your product are not simply seen as ‘a’ but ‘the’ product. For, becoming a result of ‘seeds of greatness’, a recognized brand – whether individually or as a sector - is the result of communicating an appropriate image sustained by viable products or services.

So, why not work together to ‘plant seeds of greatness’ – Green Knowledge, a symbol that highlights the significance of ‘living green’; more specifically, the effect of consumer 'green living' choices and their influence on ‘living green’? As Kermit the Frog said, “It’s not easy to be green,” but it is possible to enable green knowledge, be seen as green! After all, ‘living green’ is the original 'green' and most certainly should be valued as the leader of a nation-wide green living movement.