THE SWITCH IS ON – ORGANICS IN THE HOME AND GARDEN

My inspiration this week comes from a half-eaten Newman’s Organic Dark Chocolate bar. (I don’t think that my wife reads this so I feel somewhat comfortable confessing my dietary sins). Anyway, I began to take inventory of the many ways that organic products have found their way into our home. Everything from the foods we eat, to laundry and cleaning products, to skin care; Americans are waking up to the simple fact that less chemical exposure is better for us!
This “new” attitude, (not - for us aging Hippies) is now making its way outdoors into our lawns and gardens. Not only are we giving our kids and pets a less toxic lawn to play on, but the storm water run-off carries less chemicals into our recreational waters, and yes, municipal and ground water too. Then there are the beneficial insects; ladybugs, fireflies spiders, praying mantis, and wasps that combat the destructive insects that devour our plants. It seems that it would be better if we weren’t poisoning these ‘little buggahs’. Recently there is news on the un-explained disappearance of whole colonies of bees. Although many theories are circulating, we shouldn’t rule out environmental pressure and the effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. And finally, we eliminate the exposure to ourselves from mixing, broadcasting and spraying of chemicals. That means less dust in our lungs and toxins through our skin. Now, I am not advocating the elimination of one of the American Male’s great spring rituals, as we all have a bit of “The Tool Man” in us. I am simply suggesting that we consider a better approach.
Too often we are treating symptoms that could be prevented by better preparation. Compacted, dry, or inorganic soils give off signals that we often misinterpret. Our typical response is to run down to the home improvement mart and begin throwing chemicals on the problem. Very often, non-chemical solutions such as de-thatching, core aeration, and simply starting with adequate organic based soils (4 to 8” for a healthy lawn) will correct the situation and produce a lush green turf and abundant blooms.
Last week I was speaking with Jeff Nowak; Living Color’s Landscape Management Director. He told me that he made the switch to organics early this year and his clients are seeing dramatic results in just a few short weeks. Nowak said; “You have to see it to believe it. We are getting six weeks of growth from our annual plantings in only two weeks”. “We are now using non-salt and low-salt based fertilizers and the results are significant. At this point, my curiosity began to peak. What is it? And where can I get it?
“We are using Green Guard Plant Starter Plus for shrubs, ornamentals and vegetable gardens and Green Guard 17 – 9 – 7 Low Salt Turf Builder for lawns. These are available, easy to use and virtually fool proof. This is truly a win – win solution with outstanding results. Seems like a great idea to me!
James Merritt / Landscape Designer
www.livingcolorlandscapes.net