Learn how sustainable gardening encompasses a variety of practices that respond to environmental issues. These practices are used in every phase of gardening including design, planting and maintenance. Together we will explore how to use these simple, low maintenance, affordable and practical principles in your gardens. Enjoy interesting, invigorating, and FUN new approaches to gardening in 2016!
Tag Archives: Sustainable
Sustainability in the garden
Many years ago I planted a ‘Hakuro-nishiki’ dappled willow in my landscape. Last year I remember cutting into it and feeling a bit guilty. I do not like removing healthy trees or shrubs unless it is absolutely necessary. Therefore, I kept reminding myself that I had spent way too much time trimming, pruning, bagging, and tying up unwanted branches!
My small suburban yard does not allow me to grow trees or shrubs that require constant pruning. But more importantly, it was the sustainability factor that finally pushed me and the small overgrown tree over the edge. The amount of waste this willow produced in one season was exhausting and goes against everything I believe and stand for–sustainable landscaping and gardening practices.
When I drove into the local waste and recycle management facility to dispose of the wilted willow piled in my trailer, I knew my decision was for the best. Tons and tons of waste is poured into this facility on a daily basis; it is beyond comprehension. I visit the site often to dispose of yard waste for Two Women and a Hoe® and appreciate everything the facility offers, contributes, and is committed to.
Fortunately, our individual practices can play a major role in a vital process, too! One rather simple element of sustainability is creating as little waste as possible. As gardeners, there are opportunities to achieve this goal during the planning process by selecting the right plant for the right place. Educate yourself on the growth habits of new shrubs and trees before deciding to plant them! Shrubs that require constant pruning create a lot of unnecessary waste. I can attest to that! The next time you go plant shopping, pay close attention to plant specifics so that constant pruning does not become a constant practice.
Remember, a carefully thought out garden design and making informed plant selections will reduce the amount of waste your landscape and gardens generate through maintenance. In the end, sustainable practices in the landscape and garden will save you time and money, and serve our planet well!
Two Women and a Hoe® is passionate about sustainability and believes that together we can make a difference! When we know better, we do better.
Recycle in the Garden!
RECYCLED toolbox creates an INTERESTING planter! For more gardening FUN, visit our Facebook Fan Page! ✿✿✿
May all your gardens grow,
Jan ✿✿✿
2013 Garden Resolutions
May all your gardens grow,
A Green Hoe™ Give-Away
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we are excited to offer our first Green Hoe™ Give-away! Please share YOUR favorite ‘GREEN‘ eco-friendly practice in the home or garden by leaving a comment on this post! Examples: mulch leaves, use vinegar on weeds instead of chemicals, use natural cleaning products in home, etc.!
Using a random number generator on March 23rd at 12 midnight EST, one lucky ‘GREEN’ Hoe will select one Green Hoe™ product below from our Boutique! The Winner will be announced March 24th at 9:00 a.m. EST!
Happy ‘GREEN’ Hoeing, Friends!
May all your gardens grow,
A Guest Post by Lori Williams: The Water Project
I’m not an environmentalist. I’m an Earth warrior.
~Darryl Cherney, quoted in Smithsonian, April 1990
When my friend Lori shared her passion and commitment to The Water Project, I knew we, as gardeners, could help, too. Before we hear from Lori about her incredible journey to make a difference in many lives in Africa, I wanted to first share ways we can begin a personal Water Project in our own backyards.
Gardeners know all too well that water for our crops, landscapes and gardens is a precious resource. And, as we create more sustainable landscapes and gardens, we help conserve natural resources, like water. Following are sustainable practices to consider as we kick off the 2012 Gardening Season:
- Water harvesting by attaching a rain barrel to a downspout
- Thickly planted garden beds with trees, shrubs, and ground covers
- Beds planted along the edge of the road to slow and filter runoff
- Terracing to slow runoff and encourage infiltration
- Plant trees to create microclimates which reduce water usage
- Learning good soil management which encourages rainwater infiltration
- Mulching around tree trunks
And now, here’s Lori’s very compelling challenge and commitment to Africa.
The Water Project
By: Lori T. Williams
Imagine if you had to walk for six hours just to get a couple gallons of water, and had to do it again the next day. We take for granted all the clean water we use each day to drink, bathe, and wash our clothes, dishes, and cars.
On average, The Pokot women in Africa carry 40 pounds of dirty water for six hours each day to bring the water back to their village so their families can drink it and live. Without the dirty water, they die in a few days. With the dirty water, they die years later of various diseases.
Facts:
- There are 1 million people in need of clean water in Kenya
- It costs $21,000 per well, which provides clean water for 400 people for about 20 years
- This breaks down to a cost of $52.50 per person for a community of 400 to enjoy water from one well
- People in third world countries live on $2 a day or less
I have been moved beyond words, and into action. As a community, we can make a difference and provide CLEAN water to the residents.
I am part of Kensington Community Church and attend the Birmingham Campus. As a church, we are raising funds to install clean water wells for residents of the Pokot Tribe in the Republic of Kenya, Africa.
It is exciting for me to be able to partner with friends, family members, my business community, my church community, and my local and “virtual” community to truly make a difference to others and give the gift of life through water.
If you wish to learn more about this cause, please contact me through my website, Your Legal Resource. I’d love to hear from you!
Thank you,
Lori T. Williams, Owner/Managing Attorney of Your Legal Resource, PLLC
Pedal For Your Health and Pay It Forward!
One of my favorite summertime activities besides gardening is riding my tricycle to our local Royal Oak Farmer’s Market! I am especially fond of my bike because it was my mother’s AND it is very chic – three wheels and all! However, my cycling trips to the market would not be successful without a stylish basket to hold my goodies!
Even if you don’t own a bike, you may be inspired to buy one after you check out these way COOL basket options from Adeline Adeline. According to their website, Julie Hirschfield founded her company “after seeing her sister riding around the city on a vintage Schwinn.”
I can’t think of a more delightful way to exercise and support my local farmer’s market while reducing my carbon footprint? Pedal for your health and pay it forward! It’s simply a WIN-WIN!
May all your gardens grow,
Dig, Plant, Mark, Grow!
Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Brilliant! Imagine purchasing organic seeds packaged in snazzy bold colors with corresponding wooden spikes identifying its contents! An innovative student at Vancouver Island University designed these very COOL plant markers that scream TURN-KEY operation! I love how growing for home gardeners keeps getting easier and easier!
May all your gardens grow,
A Little Pot of Green!
Two thumbs up for The Growing Jewelry House collection by Hafsteinn Juliusson!! This unique silver pot pendant is filled with real growing moss! Simply water every five weeks and this potted plant can last up to 8 months!
May all your gardens grow,
‘Edible’ Head Dressings!
‘Hanayui’ is a HOT new fashion trend for Eco-friendly enthusiasts! These stunning pieces are created by the Japanese artist Takaya Harayuishi. A collection of vegetables, fruits and flowers serve as hats or hair adorns for any occasion! One can’t get much closer to nature than this!
Which one suits your fancy?
May all your gardens grow,
