by Allison Houghton Fruit has traditionally been in gardens or orchards separate from the yard, but this does not have to be the case. Many perennial fruits do well in…
Designing Ecological Landscapes
Landscapes that mimic natural systems deliver important ecosystem services and are also aesthetically pleasing. Guided by principles that reduce resource consumption, ecologically designed landscapes provide natural solutions when land is disturbed by the construction of buildings or roadways, and they support landscaped communities from tiny rooftops to grand urban parks.
Roadside Beach Plums
by Tricia Diggins I garden on a yard that is about one third of an acre. Most of the land is in the back yard and is maintained as a…
DVD Review: Holistic Orcharding
with Michael Phillips Chelsea Green Publishing, 2013 Reviewed by Penny Lewis Generally when you’ve read and enjoyed a book, the movie version is a disappointment. But the recently released DVD,…
Beginner’s Mind
Starting an ecologically-based farm business on marginal lands in the highlands of western MA by Kate Kerivan The rough-mowed trail led through an old field of asters and goldenrod edged…
Diversitree: Polyculture in Action
by Rebecca Leung Reprinted with the author’s permission from the Spring 2013 Wellesley College Botanic Gardens News. During the summer of 2012, one of the projects undertaken by the Environmental…
Pawpaw Asimina triloba – Native Tree for Residential Landscapes
by Karyl Seppala This article first appeared in Volume 96 of Wren Song. Pawpaw Asimina triloba is a lovely little understory tree I would not be without. I first discovered…
Living Walls Shine on Today Show
Earth Day 2013 was a special day for Trevor Smith, ELA’s VP and owner of Land Escapes. After 10 days of intense activity, six living walls designed by Trevor were…
Make a Splash with Native Wetland Perennials
by John Mark Courtney Plants are a key element to a balanced pond ecosystem. No matter how big or small the body of water may be, plants play an essential…
How Site Considerations Drive Landscape Design
by Lauren Lautner I am typically introduced to a project over the phone. I love to listen to clients’ descriptions of their property as I develop an image in my…
Book Review: Paradise Lot
Paradise Lot: Two Plant Geeks, One-Tenth of an Acre and the Making of an Edible Garden Oasis in the City Written by Eric Toensmeier, with contributions from Jonathan Bates Published…
Late Blooms in the Landscape
by Kathleen Salisbury As you spend the winter planning additions for your landscape and troll through the countless catalogs you have been getting in the mail, it is easy to…
Meeting the Challenge of Protecting Edibles
by Michael Genthner Growing fruit and vegetables can be a satisfying and rewarding pursuit. First of all, there is the satisfaction of cultivating delicious and wholesome food. Second, there are…
