Katie Jackson from the Alabama Living Magazine...has a program that can sustain your yard with much less environmental impact. Last year her New Year's resolution was to make her yard more sustainable.
It was not easy..While lots of information exists..it is scattered among various resources and was hard for me as an amateur gardner to pull together a comprehensive plan. Now I no longer have an excuse thanks to a group of Alabama scientist and outreach specialists.
This group of experts has launched a how-to program, currently called "Alabama Yards & Neighborhoods," that promotes sustainable landscapes that can be used by lawn and garden professionals, master gardeners,garden clubs, and even novice gardeners like me.
In 2009 the team will use a publication to train individuals and groups to implement the program,which is aimed at reducing the use of pesticides, water and even fuel inputs to our landscapes.
The ultimate goal is to sustain Alabama's lovely lawns and gardens that so beautifully represent our state's naturaland botanical heritage while also saving time,energy and money and protecting the environment.
I am also enclosing some Garden Tips...
Start a 2009 journal.
Plant Spring-flowering bulbs, fruit trees and roses.
Water newly-planted shrubs and trees,especially if winter rainfall has been limited.
Turn your compost heap.
Feed the birds and keep bird baths full and free of ice and leaves.
Remove dust from house plants and check for insects and disease.
Set out cabbage plants and hardy annuals.
Prune summer-flowering shrubs such as hydrangea,butterfly bush, althea and hibiscus as well as fruit trees.
Service lawn mowers and other motorized lawn care equipment.
Order seeds and plants for spring gardening.
Begin planning spring and summer gardens and gardening projects.
Happy Gardening!
Bob Wall
Sun Real Estate, Inc.
Comments(0)