April 2009 Archives

Q: How do I properly use my new edger to edge a planting bed?

This entry is coming to you on Earth Day. Although it’s not a national holiday, I think it should be. Of all that we have to be thankful for, I’d think the world in which we live would be a good thing to celebrate. And although we have not been very good stewards of the resources Mother Nature has bestowed upon us, I believe many of us are working harder to correct the errors of our previous ways. Indeed, she gives us all we require to meet our needs, but not our greed. And that’s what has put us in a position of now having to make global changes to pull out of this unsustainable rate at which we are consuming those finite resources.

I believe that climate change is real and that we are the reason for it. I also believe that collectively we can do something about it to protect and preserve our planet from greater damage and for the benefit of future generations. But I also know it will take the collective efforts of us all if we are serious about turning the tide. I wear a green wristband on my arm that says, “growing a greener world”. It’s to remind me to make a difference every day in how I live and what I do for environmental stewardship. It’s also the tagline of my company. Because although my staff and I can do everything within our control to live more sustainably on a daily basis, we know it takes the efforts of us all.

As citizens of this earth, we are in this together and I’d like to think we’d all do our part to heal her. I am encouraged by the efforts I see by individuals, businesses, schools and governments to eliminate non-environmentally-friendly practices while implementing eco-friendlier ways. Even President and Mrs. Obama are making some significant waves around environmental preservation and organic gardening. Their latest addition of an organic vegetable garden on the White House Lawn is certainly worthy of great media attention and hopefully an influential message to millions of people around the world.

You and I can and should feel good about what we’re doing for the sake of the planet. And know that in spite of how small our efforts may seem, it is these collective measures that really will make a difference. From eliminating plastic bags when we shop, to switching to rechargeable or electric tools for our lawn and landscaping projects, and simply composting and recycling rather than sending so much to the landfill, it all adds up.  There is much to celebrate. Integrating a sustainable lifestyle into our daily lives is slowly becoming routine for many of us. There is still much to do but for today, let’s recognize that our efforts are making a difference and global momentum is building. Keep up the good work and don’t let up now. We’re just getting started.

Q: I have a Yucca Palm and we dug up bulbs around them . I want to know if I should replant them or put them in water to let them take root? Thank you

Peggy