hints and how-tos

Ecological Landscaping
Ecological Landscaping is a method of designing, building, and maintaining landscapes that considers the ecology of a site and creates gardens that enhance the surrounding environment for the benefit of humans and all other life in the ecosystem. When the earth is disturbed during the construction of buildings, homes, driveways, and roadways, the land is forever altered. Although the natural landscape can never be restored completely, with thoughtful attention to the site, ecological landscapers can create outdoor spaces that are practical, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing. Ecological landscaping strives to balance the building site with the natural environment. It draws upon the wisdom of natural systems.     Read Complete Article


How To Choose an Ecological Landscaper
Ecological landscapers are professionals who have an understanding of natural systems — geology, climate, soils, plants, and ecology. They incorporate this knowledge with landscape design, construction, and maintenance to make ecologically sound decisions for your property. An ecological landscaper differs from a conventional landscaper through the approach, techniques, and products used while managing the soil, plant life, and landscape. An ecological landscaper strives to create gardens in an environmentally responsible way with a goal to improve and enhance the site conditions for both humans and wildlife.    Read Complete Article

Use ELA's Find An Eco-Pro on-line nationwide directory to locate ELA members who provide ecological services or products in your area.

Selecting Plants
The first step to successful gardening is the selection of the right plants. Watch the following Ecological Landscaping Association (ELA) video to learn more. This video is an excerpt from an interview with ELA's Vice President, Kathy Sargent-O'Neill. The complete interview aired on Plymouth, Massachusetts PACTV (www.pactv.org) on the program, Seniority, which is produced and hosted by Robbie Haigh. Seniority is a Herring Swan Production and this video is shared with permission.    View a video on this topic

Soil Tips
Understanding your soil conditions and how to work with that soil is important to successful landscaping. Watch the following Ecological Landscaping Association (ELA) video to learn more. This video is an excerpt from an interview with ELA's Vice President, Kathy Sargent-O'Neill. The complete interview aired on Plymouth, Massachusetts PACTV (www.pactv.org) on the program, Seniority, which is produced and hosted by Robbie Haigh. Seniority is a Herring Swan Production and this video is shared with permission.    View a video on this topic

Soil Amendments and Soil Management
M.L. Altobelli
Goal: to develop healthy soils that persist beyond the current owner and landscaper soils that help to maintain diversity at all levels of the living community.     Read complete article (PDF).

Water Use
Water use awareness and conservation in the landscape is becoming an increasing priority. Watch the following Ecological Landscaping Association (ELA) video to learn more. This video is an excerpt from an interview with ELA's Vice President, Kathy Sargent-O'Neill. The complete interview aired on Plymouth, Massachusetts PACTV (www.pactv.org) on the program, Seniority, which is produced and hosted by Robbie Haigh. Seniority is a Herring Swan Production and this video is shared with permission.    View a video on this topic

Watering – A Short Primer
Proper watering techniques are essential to the health of plants in the garden as well as in containers. In general, it is far better to water less frequently for longer durations. Frequent drenches can result in root-rot and attract moisture-loving insects. Frequent, shallow waterings are deceiving, as the deep roots will die and leave the plant with no drought tolerance or long lasting endurance.    Read Complete Article

Mulch – A Short Primer
In the "original" natural systems of prairies and forests, what we would refer to as mulch is the accumulation of system litter – grass and plant stems, leaves and sticks, etc. The slow breakdown and eventual decay of this material is an essential part of these ecosystems and is crucial to their health and continued existence. This decaying material provides shelter and food not only for plants but also for myriads of other soil creatures all along the cycle of life.     Read complete article (PDF)

Lawns – A Short Primer
Spring – Gypsum is used in areas where snow has been piled, where salt has been used and where people or vehicles may have cut corners or parked on the lawn during winter. Gypsum relieves soil compaction and the effects of salt by chemical binding it. It is better to use calcium chloride rather than sodium chloride around any landscaping to melt snow in the winter. Gypsum and grass seed should be applied to any bare spots.     Read complete article (PDF)

Organic Lawn Care
Bruce Wenning
Cultural methods that promote turfgrass growth and establishment, reduce insect and disease problems, and conserve water.     Read complete article (PDF)

Pest Control
When pest problems occur in the landscape, an understanding of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can help to reduce the use of harmful chemicals that can be harmful to beneficial insects. Watch the following Ecological Landscaping Association (ELA) video to learn more. This video is an excerpt from an interview with ELA's Vice President, Kathy Sargent-O'Neill. The complete interview aired on Plymouth, Massachusetts PACTV (www.pactv.org) on the program, Seniority, which is produced and hosted by Robbie Haigh. Seniority is a Herring Swan Production and this video is shared with permission.    View a video on this topic

White Grubs in Turfgrass: Biology and Management
The term "grub" generally refers to the immature or larval stage of the beetle (Order, Coleoptera). White grubs are commonly referred to as pests of turfgrass. White grubs live in soil, are C-shaped, have six legs, chewing mouthparts, and feed on turfgrass roots and the roots of other plants. Contrary to popular belief not all turf-damaging white grubs are Japanese beetles.     Read Complete Article

Controlling White Grubs Without Chemicals
Bruce Wenning
White grubs are insect pests of home lawns, athletic fields, parks, gardens and anywhere their preferred hosts grow. They live in soil, are C-shaped, have six legs, chewing mouthparts, and feed on turfgrass roots and the roots of other plants. Lawns that are attacked by these pests show poor vigor, thin turf, smaller (or no) roots and bare spots susceptible to weed colonization.     Read Complete Article

Carpenter Ants … The Invasion of the Home Snatchers
Bruce Wenning
Many kinds of pests find their way into your home. Some you can tolerate, others you can’t. Carpenter ants and carpenter bees are insects that want to move in with you. When they invade your space, the damage can be extensive and costly.    Read Complete Article

Lawn and Garden Coneheads
Bruce Wenning
The Proturans are not your typical soil dwelling insects. They are in the Order Protura and are blind, slow moving, white colored, tiny (0.6 to 1.5 mm), and have no antennae. They are affectionately referred to as "coneheads" because of their uniquely shaped conical heads.     Read Complete Article