Interview with Amanda Sloan Introduction Along the north shore of Lake Massapoag, a 350 acre natural lake in Sharon, Massachusetts, the public beach was in need of restoration. “A labor…
Developing Healthy Landscapes
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.
Pest Control Basics
When pest problems occur in the landscape, an understanding of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can help to reduce the use of harmful chemicals that can be harmful to beneficial insects….
Lawns – A Short Primer
Spring – Gypsum is used in areas where snow has been piled, where salt has been used and where people or vehicles may have cut corners or parked on the…
Mulch – A Short Primer
In the “original” natural systems of prairies and forests, what we would refer to as mulch is the accumulation of system litter – grass and plant stems, leaves and sticks,…
Organic Lawn Care Basics
by Bruce Wenning Take a look at this grid that shows cultural methods that promote turfgrass growth and establishment, reduce insect and disease problems, and conserve water. Click here for…
Watering Your Landscapes – A Short Primer
Proper watering techniques are essential to the health of plants in the garden as well as in containers. In general, it is far better to water less frequently for longer…
Watering Your Landscapes
Water use awareness and conservation in the landscape is becoming an increasing priority. Watch the following Ecological Landscape Alliance (ELA) video to learn more. This video is an excerpt from…
Soil Amendments and Soil Management
by M.L. Altobelli, owner of M.L.’s Greenery in Motion in Westminster, MA The goal in healthy landscapes is to develop healthy soils that persist beyond the current owner and landscaper…
Basic Soil Tips
Understanding your soil conditions and how to work with that soil is important to successful landscaping. Watch the following Ecological Landscape Alliance (ELA) video to learn more. This video is…
Selecting Plants
The first step to successful gardening is the selection of the right plants. Watch the following Ecological Landscape Alliance (ELA) video to learn more. This video is an excerpt from…
How to Choose an Ecological Landscaper
Ecological Landscapers are professionals who have an understanding of natural systems — geology, climate, soils, plants, and ecology. They incorporate this knowledge with landscape design, construction, and maintenance to make…
The Basics of Ecological Landscaping
Ecological Landscaping is a method of designing, building, and maintaining landscapes that considers the ecology of a site and creates gardens that enhance the surrounding environment for the benefit of…
