Category: Gardening

SAY YES TO THE TREES

7/13/2015

TREES are essential to us - mankind would not be able to exist without them and the oxygen they produce for life on this planet.

Did you know that a mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year?

Trees and their impact on the quality of life on Earth are invaluable.

Most of us tend to take things for granted when we look at trees and a forest, we admire the optical beauty while forgetting the fact that ...

Trees also act as filters, cleansing the air that we breathe and the soil from pollutants and chemicals.

Trees shield us from the noise we produce.
Trees provide us with natural shade.
Certain trees like Colorado blue spruce can make all the difference in flash flood endangered areas as the roots absorb water from the soil. By holding the soil in place, the movement of sediment and erosion is reduced.

Trees are Nature's windbreaks which help in preventing soil and vegetation from drying out.

So next time you plan on cutting down a tree in your yard because it looks messy later in the year, remember that each one of those fallen leaves had a purpose and did a great job: It helped you breathe.

When it looks like there already are plenty of excellent reasons for maintaining and planting trees, there is the value that trees add to homes with all the benefits for human development and lifestyle: a soothing and relaxing green ambiance, lowered energy costs for air conditioning by up to 30%, reduced particle and sound pollution, protection from UV-B exposure by about 50% and the opportunity to plant fruit trees and grow food for humans, birds, insects and wildlife.

Last but not least, the monetary value. Mature trees - planted in the right location - increase a home's value by 7 to 19 percent and help selling properties more quickly as well.
Forget the lawn - the value is in the trees.

And when it comes to selling properties nobody knows better than Real Estate Professionals about the impact that trees, well chosen plants and landscaping have. "What you plant now, you will harvest later" ~Og Mandino, words that inspire agents to sow the seeds of their business by handing out TREE SEEDS for green marketing and as a memorable message of appreciation, reminding home owners to start growing their property value today.

Links:

http://www.realty101.com/value-of-a-tree-in-your-yard
http://whyfiles.org/107flood/3.html
htttp://chemistry.about.com/od/environmentalchemistry/f/oxygen-produced-by-trees.htm

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putting lawnmowers out of business

2/5/2015

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Thinking GREEN is more important than ever and growing herbs, veggies, fruit and flowers at home is not the latest hype but essential for environmental change and for improving the future health of our planet and its inhabitants.

People are beginning to second guess the all American symbol of proud home ownership - the forever green lawn.

The resources needed for its care can be considered wasteful, after all the prettiest lawn has nothing more to give back than the image of a well groomed property, when that very same space and irrigation investment can be used to create food for people and nourishment for nature's winged pollinators, which are declining at a disturbing number and speed.

Drought issues and the concern over genetically modified produce, and commercially grown fruit, vegetables and herbs that are treated with pesticides and fungicides motivate many to recreate their backyards, porches, decks and balconies into functional gardening spaces, enjoying the experience of working with nature while growing plant based foods for healthy family meals.

The fact that gardening and growing vegetables and herbs is not limited to the outdoors and to the warmer seasons at all, makes SEEDS ideal for gift giving at any time of the year; what can be more inspirational and meaningful than something that symbolizes good things like Growing, Nurturing and the endless cycle of Life itself.

Links:

http://www.seriouseats.com/2009/07/serious-green-turning-lawns-yards-into-edible-gardens.html

Seed Gifts: http://www.welcometoplanetvegan.com/seed-products.html

Sowing thoughts, inspiration and plant food with SEEDS.

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LEMONS, cabbage and birds at the bay

1/19/2015

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Off the beaten path in San Francisco is a true green jewel, a peaceful oasis hidden in the Marina District and only visible to those who are on the look out for places to experience beyond Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square.

The lovely Fort Mason Community Garden caught my forever searching eye on the way back from a city hike to my hotel, and I just couldn't resist adding time to explore the unexpected find with its organized chaos of the garden layout, plants, gardening tools, recycled household items, figurines and beautiful birds. The warm and gentle late afternoon sun was my perfect partner for catching the spirit of this retreat.

A delightful blend of fruit trees, vegetables, herbs and flowers awaits the senses and one wants to linger under in the calming ambiance of ripe lemons, gorgeous cabbage and fragrant rosemary, and simply absorb the beauty of the moment under the watchful eye of the Garden Buddha and the kind bee.

The garden is also a paradise for many bird species, including a number of nesting birds, some of them living there all year round, such as the community of House Finches and the Lesser Goldfinches. One can find Mockingbirds here, Ravens, Hummingbirds and many other winged friends, and in Spring the bird lover's eyes and ears can welcome the Hooded Orioles back, which only reside during the warmer months and after their return from their winter retreat in Mexico.

Wish I could have stayed longer but then again ... there is always a next time in San Francisco - with a visit of Greens Restaurant at Fort Mason Center.

Links:

Photography Susan Placek @ http://www.cocoonworx.com/

The rules for playing in the dirt : http://playndirt.com/listings/fort-mason-community-garden/

Fort Mason Center http://fortmason.org/

Greens Restaurant - http://www.greensrestaurant.com/the-cuisine/the-cuisine

For more than twenty years, San Francisco's beloved Greens Restaurant has been in the avant garde of the cooking revolution in America. Through its endlessly inventive, ever-changing menus and bestselling cook-books, Greens has introduced millions of delighted fans to a sophisticated, meatless cuisine packed with transcendent, satisfying flavor. The heart of Greens cookings to use the best, freshest ingredients.

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SAY YES TO THE TREES

putting lawnmowers out of business

LEMONS, cabbage and birds at the bay

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