|
  |
|
|
Tips and Tricks on Natural Land Management and Going Green
By Carol Gibson
A ten-acre yard and a sprawling ranch house inspired going green in a big way. But back then, it wasn’t called “green,” though it was green, and there was plenty of it. A tractor named Nellie Belle and a book called “Natural Land Management” were responsible for a new way of taking care of the land. Oh, also a little dog named Gerty was a good helper, too. Natural land management takes human energy into consideration, too. By the way, astronomers are arguing against global warming, saying that the sun goes through this cycle periodically, anyway. The interesting part of this natural land management theory, though, is that a plant which may be typically thought of as a weed in one location, is something that people pay forty dollars a flat for elsewhere. Is the light bulb coming on in the idea compartment, yet? Yes, the concept is to leave some things grow. A sprawling weed with coin shaped leaves, and little blue flowers that all of the neighbors thought of as a weed brings in the big bucks elsewhere according to the natural land management book, so it could be allowed to grow for free. After developing into fluffy mounds it looks really pretty, and it keeps out the straggly grasses. Looking for yesteryear’s popular flowers can be a boon, also. Some “weeds” will lie dormant in the ground for a hundred years. Tilling might resurrect one of these gems for modern day use in the garden. If it’s hardy enough to hide away underground for that long – it could be a good, maintenance free addition to a flower garden. After all, someone, long ago must have thought it was pretty. A good little watchdog does wonders, too. If he or she is doing the job right, there will be a barren path all around the house. A few doggie treats offer a little encouragement when found along the pathway. This beaten path serves as the edge of the flower garden, saving a lot of human toil and eliminating the need for grass killing sprays, as well as gas or electric trimming devices. After a while, the doggie will feel like a welcome participant in the gardening/landscaping endeavor. Everyone likes to feel included. Look closely at the so-called weeds that want to sprout in the lawn. It’s possible to discover volunteers that are willing to offer some great color. Blue-eyed grass is one of them. There are pussy toes in the springtime that actually look like upside down cat paws, a bit fuzzy with a subtle pink and lavender tint. Devil claws show up later standing about ten inches tall, in patches of fiery reds and yellows. This is where Nellie Belle, the tractor, comes in handy. She has an adjustable mowing deck, and she can gradually increase the height of the cut right up to the area where these wildflowers are allowed to grow and flourish. When their bloom time is finished, and seed heads start to develop, the spent flowers can be mowed to propagate the seed. For awkward areas like next to culverts, growing comfrey is a perfect natural weed blocker. It has huge fuzzy fronds and wherever it grows, it’s thick. Once established, it makes a stand of sculptural green spreads with dainty lavender blooms atop. Nary a one pushy weed will find it’s way through the colossal leaves. Actually, a weed is only a weed if you don’t want it there. So go ahead and be gracious to some of the unexpected visitors and let them stay awhile. Going green can be a harmonious event. "Green" is replacing the perfectly manicured lawn with flowers all in a perfect row which is fast becoming the history of a by gone day. |
Comfrey keeps out weeds and is a useful herb, too.
No reactions yet.
Please login or sign up to rate this intel.
Please login or sign up to add a comment.
The copyright for this content entitled "Tips and Tricks on Natural Land Management and Going Green" has been specified by the contributor as:
All Rights Reserved
This content may not be copied, distributed or adapted by anyone under any circumstances.
|
 |
May, 2012
2008
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2009
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2010
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2011
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2012
January, February, March, April, May
|
|
Not a member yet?
Qondio is a powerful network for making it online. If you have a website to
promote, we can help.
Sign up and get in on the action.
|
|
Welcome to Qondio! Discover the awesome power this network can deliver by going to our About page. Or you could skip straight to the Sign Up form.
|
|
