An unhealthy environment should not be the price of a beautiful landscape. Inappropriate plant choices and inadequate soil preparation can lead to a reliance on excessive use of water and on toxic chemicals to resolve problems. Ecological landscaping encourages practices that promote a healthy environment through conservation of resources, respect for biodiversity, and ecologically-sound techniques.
by Sandy Vorce
“Gotta get a goat” was the author’s mantra a decade ago as she struggled against bittersweet, buckthorn, and multiflora rose to regain a portion of meadow at Mass Audubon’s property in Belmont, MA. Her wish was granted, and the property now successfully utilizes a four-hoofed crew for control of invasive plants. Read the article.
by Krissy Boys
Four years after replacement of a streambank water control structure, native grasses, sedges, and forbs planted at the site have become well established. Most species are thriving and have propagated themselves by self-sowing in the streambank gardens. Only two species out of 58 genera completely failed.
Contributions by Julie Snell and Ellen Snyder
Invasive plants can cause significant challenges at restoration sites. We asked ELA two members to share their experiences managing invasive plants and to offer tips for success.
by Maureen Sundberg
A campus wildflower meadow tucked onto a slope at Greenfield Community College was designed as part of a larger outdoor learning lab that includes a botanical garden, wetland garden, permaculture garden, and raingarden. Two years after planting, the meadow has become an oasis of learning for students across the academic spectrum.
by Angela Laws
Why is photosynthesis relevant to climate change? Because it is the process by which plants remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it – a process known as carbon sequestration – and they’re very good at it, especially trees.
by Bethany Bradley
Humans are very good at introducing new invasive plants and spreading them far beyond their native ranges. Given the expected pressures of climate change on native species, what role might humans play in assisting native species that will need to migrate further and faster than natural dispersal will allow?
by David Atha and Brian Boom
The New York Botanical Garden is documenting the flora of New York City using all available tools from traditional botanical techniques to modern technology and broad community participation. The goals of the project: document the spontaneous flora of NYC, enhance botanical and ecological understanding, and conserve the native biodiversity.
by Darrah Cole and Anthony Ruggiero
In 2016, The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy began an exploration of leaf much, or leaf mold, as an alternative to the bark/compost mulch blend previously used. They found both positive results and a few concerns over the course of two years.
by Maureen Sundberg
In March, crocus pop up from a warm spot in the garden while snow and ice patches still cover the lawn and beds. You’re anxious to get out into the yard, but that melting snow and ice has saturated the soil. Your best course of action? Stop yourself.
by Ian A. Smith and Lucy R. Hutyra Constraining the global average temperature rise to below the targeted 2°C (3.6°F) will require both a reduction in greenhouse gas emission rates and natural climate solutions through land stewardship practices that remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere (1). Forest management is at the heart of many natural…
by Tara Mitchell A Need for Change Wood-inhabiting fungi are at the core of forests’ ability to regenerate and provide habitat for wildlife. They are the primary agents of wood decomposition and are the only species that can break down lignin, the tough material that gives trees and vascular plants rigidity and structural strength. By…
by Judy Beaudette If someone offered you a pill that would make you feel more optimistic and peaceful, would you take it? And suppose this medicine was free and had no side effects. Sound too good to be true? But wait—there’s more! Robust scientific studies show that this “pill” can lower blood pressure. Boost mental…
