Posts Tagged ‘Green living’

It’s funny I watch the news and all you here about is companies “going green” or “reducing their carbon footprint.” Whether global warming is fact or fiction makes no difference. We need to be good caretakers of our planet. We must hand down to our children and grandchildren a planet Earth that is better in better shape then what we received from our parents.

Who does not enjoy and appreciate those bright sunny spring days in the Sierra Foothills. Clear blue skies, clean air and the clear waters of our lakes and rivers. People all are aware of the impact that we each have on the environment.I hear people all the time say, “I’m driving less” or “I bought a hybrid car.” This is all helpful but as I walk around the nursery I realize that our industry refering to the nursery industry is without a doubt the most “Green Industry” around. Plants, trees and shrubs all create oxygen as well as clean and filter the air. Plants provide food and nutrition for people throughout the world. Plants provide renewable resources for building, and in some cases plants will remove toxins and pollutants from soils.

So with all that said would it not just make since to start thinking about “Going Green” right there in your own garden? Reduce your personal carbon footprint by planting a tree or two in your yard. A single mature tree can absorb carbon dioxide at a rate of 48 lbs./year and release enough oxygen back into the atmosphere to support 2 human beings.

Then if each of us thought about thinking green when it came to the fertilizing and care of our yards we would significantly reduce the chemical exposure to the soil and the run offs into our water supply. How many of you went out there and fertilized your lawn with a popular weed and feed last spring and summer? Do you realize that the runoff from your sprinklers is loaded with residue from your fertilizer and that run off ends up in our storm drains that feed into small streams, lakes and rivers? Polluating not only the water, but the fish and the wildlife that rely on the water supply.

So how can we be green without costing us a fortune?? Its simple, first off look at your yard and garden. Ask yourself” can I plant another tree or shrub in my yard.” Look at the edible option, a fruit tree can not only help reduce your carbon footprint by creating oxygen it will produce fruit for you and your family. Take a good look at your shed or garage, what are you using to fertilize, what kind of pest and weed control products are you using? Be a good steward of our Earth, go organic.

In the past organic products may have not been as effective as today. Plus they were extremly pricey but There are several awesome organic soils and fertilizers on the market such as Fox Farm. Montery makes incredible organics for weed and pest management and Serenade is a great product for fungus and molds. If we all reduce the amount of chemicals we are using in our gardens we can significantly reduce the damage done to our environment.

Ok, with all the heavy winds we are receiving in the foothills this week I’m sure several of you have experienced some broken limbs and branches on your trees. The inportant thing now is to safely remove those limbs. If tangled in power lines call in a professional to remove do not attempt to remove yourself.

For those limbs you can deal with on your own, create a clean cut on the tree. We recommend sealing the cut/wound with a pruning seal to prevent any infestation come spring. Nowe maybe the time you may want to shape the tree as well, more often then not the branch that breaks effects the cosmetic look of the tree. Seal the additional cuts you make with pruning seal as well, a little effort now may safe you a big hassle come spring.

Now is also time to start thinking insect control for those beautiful maples, ash and evergreen trees. Basically any non fruiting tree in your yard is subject to attack by a wide variety of insects come spring. One of the most effective products we have found for insect control is Bayer 12 month Tree and Shrub. Not only is this a simple product to use it provided that protection systemically for up to 12 months.

For those of you with Japanese Maples, though these are beautiful additions to any garden they also are very prone to borers. A borer infestation can slowly kill your beautiful maple in a season. Bayer Tree and Shrub provides 12 month protection from borers and other harmful insects. Just one application per year can provide adequete protection to ensure that you have a safe healthy tree.

As mentioned this product is safe to use on all non fruiting trees and shrubs. Easy to apply and very user friendly we think its a smart addition to your gardening routine!

Go GREEN Instead of Red This Valentine’s Day
We Urge Consumers to Give Sustainable Gifts Rather Than Traditional Items That End Up in the Trash

While Valentine’s Day is often associated with gifts of fresh roses, balloons, cards and boxes of candy, we are urging local customers to think “green” by considering more durable and sustainable alternatives for their Feb. 14 gift-giving. The idea of the holiday is to share your sentiments with those you care about – not to create additional waste that ends up in a landfill. There are a number of gestures you can make to celebrate the holiday without generating additional waste … it truly is easy to think green. Here are some “green” alternatives to traditional Valentine’s Day gifts:

Instead of… …
Fresh Cut Flowers…..Give Potted plants, flowers or trees that can be transplanted into a garden. Remember a living gift is not only earth friendly it is a gift that will give enjoyment for years to come. Did you know that two simple houseplants in a room can increase the air quality significantly in your home?

Instead of… …
Valentine’s Cards….Give E-mail greetings or a photo with your message written on the back

Instead of… …
Boxes of Candy….Give a beautiful blueberry plant or dwarf citrus plant. Either of these gifts are health heart friendly alternatives that will lasy years longer then that box of chocolate.

On any gift-giving occasion we always encourage giving gifts that aren’t disposable – whether it’s a durable,re-usable gift, a gift card or an activity.By thinking creatively you can come up with the perfect gift for your sweetheart and also for the environment.

Decrease your carbon footprint this Valentines Day and let us show you how!!!