by Maureen Sundberg A few months ago, ELA posed the question “What’s your favorite source for native plants?” A lively discussion on LinkedIn generated a list of favorite sources for…
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.
Invasive Pests: Coming Soon to a Tree Near You!
by David A. Orwig New England has an expansive landscape filled with a wealth of almost 33 million acres of forests. The trees that comprise these woods, wetlands, town forests,…
Actively Aerated Compost Tea and Trees
by Carl Brodeur For years I was unhappy with the results of our tree fertility program using available fertilizers on the market. Then, after attending a talk by Dr. Elaine…
Designing Winter Landscapes, Part 2
In the second of two articles, Scott LaFleur focuses on great New England native plants that introduce wonderful colors and textures of bark into the winter landscape. Incorporate his recommendations…
Human Nature
Linking natural systems with human ecology to develop sustainable and meaningful landscapes. by Ann Kearsley Evidence of the history of human habitation in New England surrounds us, knit seamlessly into…
Designing Winter Landscapes
by Scott LaFleur Tired of a bleak view of winter out the window? This first article in a three-part series starts you planning this spring for a garden with interest…
Tantalize Your Butterflies (or How to Make a Container Garden a Habitat)
by Nanette Masi Invited to submit an entry for the Container Garden Invitational Display at the 2011 Boston Flower & Garden show, ELA put out a call to members for…
Habits of Observation: Letting Site Inform Design
by Lindsay Knapp I had dinner with an artist friend years ago and, still chatting in the parking lot of a favorite restaurant, the conversation turned to the difference between…
If You Plant It, They Will Come…Monarchs (and Milkweed)
by Louise Barteau There is a special feeling that comes from planting a tree and watching a bird land in it for the first time. Or planting milkweed for monarch…
Going Native: the Sustainable Choice
by Scott LaFleur and Tom Smarr A sustainable landscape preserves and protects nature’s balance. To develop a sustainable landscape requires a well-planned design that addresses all aspects of environmental processes.
Transforming a Storm-Damaged Landscape
by Martha Coutts-Eisenberg In January 1998, Randolph, in northern New Hampshire, experienced a once-in-a-hundred-year ice storm. Nearly three-quarters of the large trees lost their crowns, covered by 6 inches of…
Transplanting Trees Using Air Spading
by Sonia Baerhuk Successfully navigating the challenges of large scale construction projects while creating and preserving ecological landscapes, involves considerations beyond typical landscape design. Recent construction projects at the Perkins…