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From Eco-weak to Eco-chic cover
Everyone is drawn to beautiful landscape; the first rule in real estate is “curb appeal.” Our concern over the environment encourages us to do activities that use less chemicals and water to preserve natural habitat. Sylvia Hoehns Wright’s From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: Landscape Green, teaches us how to create a beautiful landscape and garden using plants and trees native to where we live.
Most “green” campaigns require extra effort and expense such as sorting recyclables, or paying more for organic products. Eco gardening, on the other hand, requires less water, less chemicals and maintenance by the gardener. It’s a win-win for the gardener and the environment!
Native plants, in general, adapt to local environmental conditions, maintain or improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, and often require less fertilizer and pesticides than many alien plants. These characteristics alone save time and money as well as reduce the amount of energy (commitment) involved in creating a healthy landscape.”
Sylvia discusses how to choose plants not only based on your geographic region, but to match your home. Planting for a colonial style garden is considerably different than for a Victorian or contemporary home. Sylvia is from Richmond, Virginia so most suggestions are appropriate for zones similar to Virginia, but she provides resources to find desirable plants for any zone. Her own experiences are enhanced by the shared advice of the Extension Service and other gardening experts.
Wright has had a long-standing love of gardening. She has fond memories of having her own spot in the yard to get her hands dirty and develop a love for the land. She also shares that love by carving a spot for her own children and now grandchildren to play, plant, and learn. She promotes eco gardening through her website www.TheWrightScoop.com and was the 2008 recipient of the Turn America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic award. Sylvia was the speakers’ event hostess for the GoGreen Garden Festival held on September 12. She has partnered with garden writer Barbara Barker to promote gardening green, the sustainable landscape during Washington DC’s Green Festival (www.greenfestivals.org) to be held at the Convention Center on October 10 and 11, 2009.
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