Articles
A Greener Thumb
by Marsha Haefner
as seen in "The Gateway Gardener"
Two special celebrations during the month of April, Earth Day and
Arbor Day, are perfect reminders that our environment is fragile – it needs to be nurtured and respected. As the planting season begins and gardeners everywhere get ready to dig in, things could be a bit different this year. We’re all faced with a challenge that we can no longer ignore.
Have you ever thought about some of the new words that didn’t even exist several years ago, but are now a part of our every day vocabulary? Call my cell. What’s your email? Do you have a website? MP3 Player, PDA . . .you get the picture. Anyone who has listened to the news or read just about anything inprint has become familiar with a few more words that are going to have more meaning and importance that ever before. Eco-friendly and sustainable are words that now describe how we will build our houses, build our cars, and yes, even how we will garden. This is not just a trend that a few of us will embrace. Like him or not, Al Gore has given us a lot to think about. We’re reminded everyday that many of the choices we make in our day-to-day living have a lasting impact on the future of our environment.
And, how about the word green? It’s not just a color anymore. Green describes an entire lifestyle that serves as a call to save our planet. Just Google “green lifestyle” and you get pages and pages of articles to read. (Google and Yahoo! – some more new words I forgot to mention!) Did you know there is even a Top 10 list of how to live green? There’s more to this concept than just selecting organic produce at the grocery store.
Here is the Top 10 list for Living Green
- a lifestyle that can make a difference:
- Unplug things not in use
- Use less water
- Switch to Compact Florescent lights
- Choose products with less packaging
- Buy organic and locally grown products
- Drive less
- Plant a tree
- Recycle
- Use “green” powered electric if available
- Spread the word
When looking at this list it’s easy to see that as gardeners, we’re already ahead of the “green” lifestyle. With a few adjustments, we’re on our way!
Here is what comes to mind when thinking about gardening, and the list. Item #1: We could avoid “plugging in” by selecting solar powered garden accents for outdoor areas. They’re beautiful, easy to install and really work! Item #2: Drip irrigation in garden areas is perfect for this one. It’s not that hard to install and is becoming more available for home gardeners. #4 ,5 & 6: Independent garden centers are full of locally grown plants that didn’t require extra packaging, or waste fuel by shipping from other regions. And, many of the plant varieties grown locally were selected because thrive in the St. Louis area. Grow Native and Plants of Merit are great choices to consider. #7: Planting trees is what gardeners love to do! #8: The Missouri Botanical Gardens has been recognized nationally as a leader in recycling plastic pots. Garden centers through out St. Louis offer pot recycling, making it easy for everyone to participate. #10: Gardeners love to talk and share ideas with others. This one is easy!
Perhaps the most important point of all of this is that when each of us makes small adjustments in the way we do simple things, collectively there is a huge impact. You probably never thought about the commercial growers in our area, and how they go about the business of producing their crops. Many use thermal blankets at night to reduce greenhouse space that require heat. Some have watering systems that recycles run-off, along with drip irrigation systems.
Several use recycled material as fuel for their heating systems. Roll-out bench systems allow growers to double-up on covered spaces that require heating. Have you ever noticed greenhouses with side walls that roll up during the day, and down at night? This natural ventilation system greatly reduces the amount of electricity needed during warm weather.
Becoming eco-friendly is a process, not something you should hope to achieve all at once. Gardeners are off to a great start because we already love planting things! For making changes, start with something simple. Using only natural or organic plant care products this year could be your beginning. Or maybe this will be the spring you decide to learn more about planting a garden that provides a habitat for butterflies, bees and birds. Wonderful things can happen in your garden during your journey to a more sustainable life style. Soon the world will recognize that having a “green thumb” now has new meaning too!
Pictures for article:
Bradford Organics logo
This is a brand of organic fertilizers that can be found at many local garden centers. This brand features natural fertilizer products for lawns ,flowers and vegetables
Soji Lantern (a different picture than used in the product guide)
These solar powered lanterns collect light all day and turn on at dusk.
Proven Winner Irrigation System
Copyright © 2008 - Marsha Haefner. All rights reserved.
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