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 Thu, Nov 12, 2009 @ 09:17 AM
With the recent flooding here the Metro Atlanta area some may consider this post unnecessary. Remember that our water is a finite resource and as individuals we need to take the steps to ensure future generations have the privilege we have enjoyed. I am stealing ideas from Southern California landscapers who are faced with difficult design decisions due to the lack of water available, plus several have joined the 20 Gallon Challenge and have provided great tips plus 50 of the best plants for drought conditions.
Since I like to talk about mulch these are my concepts on why mulch is good for your landscaping beds and a few myths I would like to dispel.
Mulching is one of the simplest ways to enhance your garden. It insulates the soil, protects it from erosion, conserves moisture, prevents weed growth, reduces soil compaction from heavy rain, provides a beautiful finishing touch to your garden, and may even improve soil quality. Mulching, or top dress, refers to covering the bare ground in your garden by spreading an organic material, or some sort of rock. Many materials have been tried and proven effective as mulches: compost, animal manures, ground bark, leaves, sawdust, straw, processed by-products (grape and apple pumice), lawn clippings, and old newspapers. Most medium and high water-use plants will benefit from a two-inch protective layer of organic mulch on the soil surface above the root area. Mulch will moderate soil temperature (keep soil cool), reduce water evaporation between watering, and reduce undesirable weeds. For plants that live in dry climates, substitute crushed rock as a cover for bare ground. It also reduces evaporation and weeds.
Mulch Myths
Myth No. 1: Mulch provides a permanent barrier to weeds. While mulch reduces the number of weeds, some pesky nuisances may still manage to grow through the mulch, or on top of it. Weeds will appear in new landscapes for the first year or two, even with mulch, because of the abundance of weed seeds in the soil. However, once the weeds are brought under control, fewer will follow. Organic mulch needs to be replenished when decomposed to less than 1 inch thick.
Myth No. 2: Mulch placed against your house will attract termites. In reality, it's moisture, not mulch, which attracts termites. So any landscaping, including shrubs, can lure the unwanted critters. Irrigation systems up against the house also create a termite-conducive environment. Even gravel or rocks around the base of a house can hold in the moisture attractive to termites.
Myth No. 3: There's no wrong way to mulch. When mulching, keep the bark or rock one to two inches away from stems. Mulch creates a warm and humid environment that is perfect for the establishment of various fungi that can injure or kill the plants. Also, avoid covering the crown of dormant perennials
Posted by Sean Kennedy on Mon, Sep 28, 2009 @ 10:10 AM
Joe's Gardening Blog has been a favorite read of mine ever since I first planted some catnip for my kitties. If you want some easy to follow advice on how to conserve water continue here....
We at EnviroColor® hope you enjoy expanding your gardening and lawn care knowledge. We look forward to you joining the dialog to create beautiful landscapes while continuing to conserve our natural resources.
Posted by Sean Kennedy on Tue, Sep 22, 2009 @ 11:19 AM
Mulch Madness
What is mulch? Mulch is a product used to cover the soil. It is often composed of tree bark, needles, wood, leaves, or grass. Sometimes mulch is made from gravel or pebbles or other inorganic materials such as recycled tires. Spreading mulch over planting beds helps conserve water and provides a beautiful uniform texture and color. Mulch is an essential component of any Florida-Friendly Landscape.
Why Use Mulch?
Mulch not only beautifies a garden, it benefits your plants and soil. Mulch protects plants' roots from extremes of heat and cold, by creating a buffer between the soil and the air. It keeps soil moist longer after irrigation, giving roots extra time to soak up the water. This saves you water and money.
In areas of deep shade, where turf and ornamentals won't thrive, consider mulch as a Florida-Friendly alternative to leaving the ground bare. Mulch can also be used as an attractive groundcover where it's difficult to mow or irrigate. And mulch doesn't just help your plants: it can add nutrients to the soil as its organic components decompose, increasing soil's fertility and improving its aeration, structure, and drainage. Mulch can even help reduce erosion and protect plants from certain diseases.
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