The following article is reprinted with the author’s permission from the UMass Amherst Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry Program website. by Craig Hollingsworth We are seeing a lot of ticks…
Gardening Basics
Creative Uses for Invasive Plants
The positive results of removing invasive plants are often evident in the return of native species to the area. But what happens to the plant material that has been removed? Does it have to be destined for the incinerator or landfill? Apparently not: artists and others are finding responsible ways to utilize the invasive plant material they remove.
Nature Abhors a Garden
by Peter Del Tredici Homeowners and horticulturists alike use the term ecological landscaping to express an awareness of the importance of environmental issues. Unfortunately their awareness does not extend into…
Eco-Marketplace Sneak Preview
ELA Conference & Eco-Marketplace – March 3, 2011 – MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA
Getting Started with Sustainable Landscaping: Tips from the Field
by Gary Krause Sustainability in Landscape has many different meanings. Some define a sustainable landscape as a discipline that emphasizes plant health, soil condition, water quality, and resource conservation. To…
The Basic Principles of Organic Lawns
by Frank Koll Maintaining organic lawns and gardens is based on some key principles that guide land care professionals to manage and take care of your landscape.
What is a rain garden?
by Ed Himlan A rain garden is a small natural area that helps to cleanse stormwater before it flows into brooks and ponds. Rain gardens, also called bioretention areas, allow…
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…