Posted by Erica Williams on Mon, Aug 30, 2010 @ 02:33 PM
Fourth grade science class was—let's just say it was a long, long, LONG time ago. I was talking with a landscaper friend of mine about the condition of one of his clients' lawn. The grass was brown and ugly. Thinking aloud, he was brainstorming reasons, why he why he thought it was so unhealthy and we came up with lots of reasons and elements that could turn the grass brown. Then as a question to himself, he muttered under his breath “I wonder what makes grass green?”
I didn’t answer him. He wasn’t really talking to me.
And the fact that I did'nt know the answer off the top of my head, gave me pause too.
That seemingly simple question stayed on my mind for about 2 or 3 days before I started to do a little research. My first and only resource I checked was my little sister, she’s in the 5th grade. (yeah, the theme music from the game show plays in my head too)
The first thing she said to me was “Do you know what chlorophyll and photosynthesis is?” "Well of course I do", I lied, "But why don’t you tell me what it is and I’ll tell you if you’re right” I had to try and save face. Once upon a time, way back when I knew what chlorophyll was so technically, I wasn’t lying. Here are the cliff notes of her mini lecture. "Chlorophyll does not absorb the green spectrum of light so thats reflected back to your eyes which gives grass the nice green color.Then there’s photosynthesis. Photosyntesis “is a process that converts carbon dioxide into organic compounds using the energy of sunlight.
So there you have it folks! Combine chlorophyll with the process of photosynthesis and you get green grass. Now take this information and impress a kid! Just end the conversation before they ask you why the sky is blue! THAT deserves a separate blog post.
Posted by Sean Kennedy on Mon, Jan 04, 2010 @ 02:54 PM
Back in 1978 a new term was coined in Colorado that has a growing impact on the landscape business. As water conservation becomes more prevalent all over the world, EnviroColor® encourages the use of this landscape technique to keep "water wise"
Xeros from the Greek, meaning dry.
Xeriscape landscaping is a growing trend among individuals, organizations and corporations who want to do their part is preserving our environment. Through the use of low water consuming plants and gardening practices that support water conservation, we can extend the life of our precious clean water supplies.
Many pursue xeriscaping primarily as a means to lower their own water consumption. This practice has a "bigger picture" trickle down effect. Even if you are not thinking as much about "going green" or helping the environment, you inevitably contribute to building a sustainable future.
Xeriscape landscaping incorporates seven basic principles which lead to saving water:
- Planning and design
- Soil analysis
- Practical turf areas
- Appropriate plant selection
- Efficient irrigation
- Use of mulches
- Appropriate maintenance
By incorporating these seven principles, you can help preserve our most precious natural resource-water.
Mulching Conserves Moisture
Mulch is a layer of nonliving material covering the soil surface around plants. Mulches can be organic materials such as pine bark, pine needles, compost and wood chips; or inorganic materials, such as lava rock, limestone or permeable plastic, not sheet plastic.
Use mulch wherever possible. Good mulch conserves water by significantly reducing moisture evaporation from the soil. Mulch also reduces weed populations, prevents soil compaction and keeps soil temperatures more moderate.
If it is color you desire in your xeriscape, remember EnviroColor® Georgia Pine, Sierra Red, Cocoa Brown and Black Forest to enhance the color and extend the life of your mulch.
Posted by Sean Kennedy on Wed, Sep 09, 2009 @ 07:22 AM
My two dogs have ruined my backyard! I noticed at the local dog park they used a nice dark brown colored mulch and I knew this was the solution to my problem. I went to my local 'big box' home improvement center after I determined how much mulch was needed to turn my dilapidated back yard into a fun, save and aesthetically pleasing dog run. I figured I need approximately 50 cubic yards to get the proper thickness to deal with drainage etc. so each bag covers 2-3 feet at 1 1/2 inches thick at nearly $4.00 dollars per bag, whoa! Too expensive for this frugal consumer. I called a couple of mulch yards and still out of my budget. Now I Google colored mulch. Up pops "EnviroColor." This water-based, non-toxic solution is harmless to the environment, surrounding plants and wildlife. Cool! I called the local tree service and they dropped off a truck load of "free, yes free" hardwood mulch. I toiled with the wheelbarrow and pitchfork to fill my ailing back yard with the wood chips and then got out the old STIHL backpack sprayer and followed the instructions on the 64 ounce bottle of EnviroColor I purchased on line. I will admit it took me a while and a couple of coats to get my desired color, but wow what an great, inexpensive perfect solution to my situation. So after a $40.00 spent on EnviroColor and a wee bit of elbow grease, I have a beautiful back yard dog run that is safe for the pets and english ivy that is creeping through the fence. So, instead of spending hundreds of dollars, or maybe even thousands to have it installed I got exactly what my pups needed with the added benefit of fixing the erosion issue that had developed since the dogs had killed all the grass. I promise to post a picture of the end result. I really wish I would have done before and after to ensure everyone could see what a transformation was made. If you have the time and are interested in a inexpensive colored mulch alternative, free mulch from your tree service and EnviroColor is the way to go!
www.envirocolor.com