Espalier Pear Tree, Cordon Pattern
by Catherine Haug, April 18, 2012
(photo fromWikipedia)
Espalier, though originally developed by the Romans for fruit trees, was perfected in France; hence it’s French name (pronounced es-PAL-yay). From Better Homes & Gardens, “An espalier is a living fence created by training small trees into decorative patterns.”
There’s lots to like in a fruit tree espalier: (more…)
by Catherine Haug, March 30, 2012
“The Greenest Building is Almost Always the One Already Built,” is the conclusion of Preservation Green Lab: a National Trust report, It offers statistical evidence that preserving or restoring existing buildings typically results in less negative climate impact than building a new green building.” Here are some highlights from that report (based on data from 4 US cities representing 4 different climate zones): (more…)
Honeybee
by Catherine Haug, March 24, 2012
(photo, right from BugGuide.net)
The Bigfork Eagle included a great article in their Living Green supplement this week: “Tips for an eco-friendly garden space.” I’m sorry I cannot give credit to whomever wrote it, because the article doesn’t include the author’s name. Read on for my take on the three ideas, one of my own, and links to other articles on this subject. (more…)
Honeybee
by Catherine Haug, February 28, 2012
Perhaps one of the most important things we can do to honor Earth Day (which is coming up on April 22), is a small thing: sign the pledge for honeybees, to save them from Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), and then take the appropriate actions in your yard.
There has been a lot of research about CCD, and a lot of debate as to its cause, whether pesticides or pests (pathogens). But one thing is certain: pesticides play a very important role in CCD.
Sign the Pledge for Honeybees, and see below for more info and links to other articles on bees and CCD. (more…)
by Catherine Haug, January 9, 2012
I just happened upon an interesting website: Landscaping Revolution. It is primarily about permaculture, but has a section on Growing Your Own Food All Year Long. Here’s a list of topics discussed, by page: (more…)
by Catherine Haug, November 14, 2011
Last month I posted Taming Stormwater with Trees; this month I want to talk about use of trees and shrubs around your home. Did you know that trees around your home can increase your property value by 15%, and improve your odds of a sale? Why would this be?
Properly maintained trees and shrubs add to curbside appeal because of their beauty, but they also provide the following benefits:
Read on for information on: Siting a tree; Planting a tree, and Tree care. (more…)