From the rain forests of south-east Alaska to the deciduous forests of the Mid-Atlantic region, across the Nation, climatic shifts occur challenging all to enable eco sustainable urban suburban landscapes, landscapes that reflect a perspective of CARE -  conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency.  

Plants of Care, plant recognition program –  

        Whether an experienced landscape professional or novice homeowner, all are challenged to not simple identify plants that survive but thrive; and then, create landscapes from a sustainable point of view, seeking to reduce their carbon footprint as well as feed their families pesticide free produce. So, as a hands-on landscape gardener who participates in nation-wide regional plant testing, I decided to recommend plant material proven to enable landscape gardens of CARE. A plants of CARE choice is spotlighted for its ability to inspire people to CARE – have a perspective of conservation, advocacy, recovery and eco-efficiency.

       In honor of April as national ‘keep America beautiful’ month and ‘lawn & garden month’, a first selected ‘plant of CARE’ is the redbud tree/shrub. Why? The redbud tree/shrub is proven to be a plant that adapts to almost any landscape, through prolific self-seeding is renewable, contributes to critter and people habitats, is a relatively disease free minimal consumer of support resources; and perhaps more importantly, provides profuse spring bloom which inspire all to ‘dig in the dirt’.  

Redbud, Cercis spp. Family Fabaceae (Pea family) -  

     Redbuds are attractive deciduous trees or shrubs characterized with broad rounded heart-shaped leaves, clusters of sweet pea-shaped flowers which bloom on bare twigs and branches, beanlike pods that form after flowers and leaves which turn yellowish in fall before dropping. Identified to grow best in full sun or with light shade, most species require moderate amounts of water and some winter chill for their best floral display. 

     The Eastern Redbud, native to the eastern and south-central United States and southward to Texas, matures at 20 to 30 feet in height and 15 to 35 feet in width. Generally known to have a divided trunk close to the ground, it can also develop as a multi-trunk shrub. Nevertheless, redbuds growing in the sun will be compact and rounded; when grown in shade, their form is loose, open and tall. Although most tend to be short-lived, often declining from disease after about 20 years, a redbud trees are sustainable through self-seeding and on my property, a tree transplanted by my mother has thrived for more than 40 years.

      A feature that inspires most people is the showy flower, which is magenta in bud, but opens to rosy pink before the leaves emerge early in spring. The flowers appear in clusters that nearly cover the bare branches of the tree. Appearing in early spring after the white flowers of serviceberry and wild plum and before (and during) the white and pink flowers of the flowering dogwood, blooms remain for two to three weeks. A fruit, flat pods (3 inches), remain on the tree during winter. This tree is best used in naturalized areas, where the flowers are contrasted against evergreens or woodlands. It can be used as a specimen or in groupings in a shrub border.
     Primarily a woodland plant, it prefers moist, well-drained sites. Still, it can tolerate acid or alkaline soils and prefers some shade in the heat of summer. Native to a wide range of climates, it is important trees are grown from locally harvested seeds. Trees grown from seed collected from regional native trees tend to adapt better to climate shifts; for example withstand the heat of a regional summer.

      The Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis) similar to the ‘eastern’ produces small clusters of purplish pink blooms on bare branches, followed by flat, bean-like seedpods. As the flowers fade, attractive, heart-shaped leaves begin to open. In autumn, leaves provide fall color, and the bean pods remain on the tree after the leaves drop, giving it an interesting appearance. Tolerating USDA zones 5-9, the western redbud is very drought tolerant and excellent for areas that receive little water.

     
Selected as a ‘plants of care’ choice, the redbud tree/shrub is an excellent plant which through its ability to flourish has naturalized in almost all nation-wide landscapes and through its vibrant color and sustainability is recognized to inspire people to become people who CARE – have a perspective of conservation, advocacy, recovery and eco-efficiency. To acquire seedlings, google search a regional department of forestry or visit the VA Department of Forestry web site. For details of the ‘plants of CARE’ program, visit web site www.TheWrightScoop.com.      

Side-bar: Cultivars & Varieties identified by VA Department of Forestry:

•var. alba - This is a white-flowered form that occurs somewhat frequently in nature. The foliage is a lighter green than the species.

•'Royal White' - This cultivar has larger flowers and a more compact form than var. alba.

•'Forest Pansy' - This is one of the most popular cultivars. It has deep burgundy foliage that loses its intense color in the heat of summer, becoming almost dark green. Flowers are more rose purple than the species and open a little later.

•'Flame' - This is a double-pink form.

Related Species

From the rain forests of south-east Alaska to the deciduous forests of the Mid-Atlantic region, across the Nation, climatic shifts occur challenging all to enable eco sustainable urban suburban landscapes.
 

Greening America’s Landscape –

     Historically, earth-friendly strategies were defined in terms of reduce, reuse and recycle but landscapes that reflect a perspective of CARE -  conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency - take this definition a step further. For, eco-sustainable spaces are not simply a result of lifestyle choices but reflect how we feel about the environment. While keeping it simple (as in simple living) is the name of the game, there is a more important underlying factor – a commitment to ultimate greening: providing for the present without sacrificing the future. 

Landscape Gardens of CARE -

     Through encouraging 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, and implement natural lawn care, emphasis is placed on phased implementation of the ‘R’ philosophy: reduce, renew, reuse and recycle; specifically, advocating ‘put green’ back into the urban/suburban community by nurturing existing and/or replacement of ‘living green’. An additional strategy is to highlight ‘purchase’ - buy-local; but after witnessing a record-breaking urban/suburban pollution ride on the waters of storm Irene, present-day focus needs to shift on the ‘people factor’. For, if eco-healthy urban suburban landscape gardens are to exist, we must become people who CARE – have a perspective of conservation, advocacy, recovery and eco-efficiency. 
        

Plants of Care, plant recognition program –  

        Whether an experienced landscape professional or novice homeowner, all are challenged to not simple identify plants that survive but thrive; and then, create landscapes from a sustainable point of view, seeking to reduce their carbon footprint as well as feed their families pesticide free produce. 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. The challenge is to create landscapes from a “waste not, and want not” eco logical commitment: become caretakers for the environmental community.  

      As a hands-on landscape gardener who has participate in nation-wide regional plant testing, I’ve gained familiarity with programs such as the ‘Southern Living Plant Collection’, ‘Proven Winners’, ‘Plants that Work’ and many more. Still, while plant material proven to enable landscape gardens of CARE could be recommended by any one of these programs, in my program – Plants of CARE, it will be spotlighted for its ability to inspire people to CARE – have a perspective of conservation, advocacy, recovery and eco-efficiency. To emphasize April as national ‘keep America beautiful’ month, a selected ‘plant of CARE’ will be announced.
     As recipient of the Turning America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic Award, I challenge all to ‘keep America beautiful’, become people who CARE:  commit to conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency.

2012 - April, plants of care choice - Redbud tree/shrub, for details visit blog http://blog.thewrightscoop.com/2012/04/03/plants-of-care-redbud-treeshrub-.aspx

Side-bar: Tips for Creating Landscape Gardens of CARE

• Hitch hike onto seasonal cycles.
• Conduct a site analysis.
• Develop a master landscape plan. 
• Create bio-diverse landscapes (blend of native and non-native plants).
• Be water wise.
• Create layered tree/shrub shelter.
• Enable ‘critter’ and ‘people’ habitats.
• Create a garden of CARE, a space that reflects a naturalist ‘waste not and want not’ perspective.

Through participating in 2011 Industry events, as both an attendee and workshop/speech provider, I've observed polarized attendee participation. For, basically, there appear to be two distinct reactions: those who ‘plug in’ – participate in active listening and those who ‘disconnect’ – actually chose to walk out of a session. So, considering the fact most present-day businesses which tend to thrive are open to creative shifts in their business strategies, I’ve urged all to as the elementary teachers heed - ‘put on your listening ears’!

People who ‘put on there listening ears’

 •          clear their mind of distractions,

•           ask open-ended questions that encourage the speaker,

•           ask questions that clarify any unclear issues,

•           don’t draw conclusions or make snap judgments,

•           don’t automatically agree with everything,

•           restate key points in their own words,

•           are open and non-defensive, and

•           avoid thinking about responses while the speaker is talking.

Successful people, regardless of Industry sector, are aware of the powerful role which listening plays and maximize its use. For example, politicians, at least the better ones, ‘work a roomful of prospective voters’ while intently focusing on each individual. Carefully listening to each person’s views, politicians converse earnestly with one person after another creating a positive and lasting impression in the voter’s mind that each person has their full measure of respectful listening. Unfortunately, this tactic – although proven effective, is a technique most people seldom encounter.

Stephen Covey in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, emphasizes the power of ‘empathic listening’. Covey says in some situations, there is a necessity to not merely go through mechanical responses that might be required for ordinary listening, but open oneself to the talker to the point where one actually feels what they are feeling. For, Convey believes the only way to establish communication in some professional and personal situations is by becoming, in a small part, the person you are listening to. He uses the word "sensing" (others call it "intuition") to describe the information a listener perceives during deep, empathic listening. While this strategy most certainly takes time to learn, with practice, the rewards are a whole new level of communication which automatically elevates you in the eyes of a talker because people who listen at this level are so rare.

On the other hand, perhaps in some ways, a more important concept is to extend the ‘golden rule’ which translated at the platinum level is to treat others not only as you would prefer to be treated but as they respectfully deserve. So, avoid ‘disconnecting’ and instead, enable your ability to listen for underlying issues. Then, address these issues, not emotion. During a recent ‘green’ conference, I witness a workshop instructor fail to accurately hear a stated issue. After providing examples of green build technologies, the instructor solicited comment. Responding, an attendee queried, “You are aware a house always faces the street?” Instead of interpreting the comment as a valid concern related to restrictive community building codes, the instructor ‘blew it off’.

Instead of ‘blowing off’ someone stated concern, as Covey’s research suggests, be the person who steps into the other person’s shoes. Don’t ignore stated issues, paraphrase the message by summarizing it, and use analogies to clarify it.  Participate in active listening skills, ‘put on your listening ears’.

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!

Through earlier columns and media releases, to emphasize celebrating national planning and organization months, a challenge was issued to Industries to ‘grow green’, tweak, their market share. For example, the question - ‘In relation to eco expectations, is the customer always right?’ – was explored. 

As a result, it was identified ‘listening’ skills play a significant role in message reception, eco expectations convey through actions or words. So, considering the fact most present-day businesses which tend to thrive are open to creative shifts in their strategies, I’ve urged all to as the elementary teachers heed - ‘put on your listening ears’!  

To illustrate message reception, while I could explore the story of others who tweak
their market share strategies, I’ve chosen to share my story. As a communications specialist who enjoys digging in the dirt, initially, I defined my eco activities in terms of 3 Ps – place, plant and planting strategy. In fact, I partnered with a central Virginia nursery retail site and encouraged 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. Specifically, emphasis was placed on the present-day challenge is to create landscapes from an eco-chic point of view, a “waste not, and want not” eco logical commitment: become caretakers for the environmental community.

Recognizing the value of my 3 P eco advocacy program, it received the Turning America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic award sponsored by Project EverGreen, Hines Horticulture and Today’s Garden Center magazine.  In 2011, I tweak my program to place emphasis on ‘purchase’, buy-local; and then, focus on promoting regional plant introduction programs. Nevertheless, after witnessing a record-breaking urban/suburban pollution ride on the waters of storm Irene, for 2012, I 've tweak my 
advocacy to emphasize a 5^th P, the ‘people factor’.  

If we are to create eco-healthy urban suburban communities, we must become people who CARE – a perspective of conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency. While keeping it simple (as in simple living) is the name of the game, there is a more important underlying factor – a commitment to ultimate greening: providing for the present without sacrificing the future. So, while it is most certainly important that we listen to consumer audience concerns, perhaps in some ways, it is more important that we listen – have a connection – to the living green that surrounds us.

Messages designed to attract consumers are not fixed in stone. When I first stepped out from behind my shovel and picked up a pen to share words with others, my message was coined as the words of a naturalist. Expanding the message from regional to state-wide, these words were referred to as eco-wise. Then, when shared with the DC community, were termed eco-savvy; and more recently, those who attend ‘green’ festivals, coined my words as eco-chic. Still, regardless of terms used, as long as people hear my message – ‘green’ America’s landscape, become people who CARE:  commit to conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency – I’m satisfied.
 

In relation to your consumer message, have you ‘put on your listening ears’ to hear not only a consumer audience concern but the living green that surrounds you? Are you ‘growing green your market share’, communicating timely eco messages to your consumer audience?  

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!

“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!

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 4^th 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 21^st 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?        

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.

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.