Gardening

The new organic vegetable garden at the White House may be only 1,100 square feet in size, but this small plot has fast become the “shot heard round the country.” It is awakening Americans to the benefits of adding fruits and vegetables to their diets, eliminating processed and sugary foods, and seeing immediate results.  more »

Applying pesticides to residential lawns and landscapes has become a seasonal ritual for many American homeowners, as common as pruning the hedges or raking leaves. But, according to Patty Wood, of Grassroots Environmental Education, “in light of the ever-growing body of scientific literature linking pesticide exposures to a myriad of human health problems and environmental degradation, it’s time to take a serious look at the unintended damage we are doing,” Wood spoke a few months ago to a packed Parish Hall at St. Barnabas Church in Irvington. The event was sponsored by the Garden Clubs of Irvington, Dobbs Ferry, Philipse Manor and Sleepy Hollow, along with Sustainable Hastings.  more »

Hiding in plain sight, in the courtyard surrounding the Visitor Center of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, is a cacophony of colors ranging from pure white to lipstick pink to a deep red mahogany. This delightful treasure is the meticulously maintained peony garden – Japanese Tree Peonies to be exact. To the hikers, equestriennes, birders and nature lovers visiting the park this magnificent display might seem a bit odd and out of place. But their placement in the Preserve is a symbol of international solidarity and compassion.  more »

With Michelle Obama starting an organic garden at the White House, shouldn’t we all care about being eco-friendly in our own gardening practices? Why? In order to protect the health of our families, friends and future generations; to safeguard our native plants and animals by protecting their habitat and food supply; to improve the overall quality of our local environment by preventing excessive soil erosion, ensuring a healthy tree canopy to combat global warming, and reducing the risk of water contamination by fertilizer and pesticide runoff.  more »