Vous êtes sur la page 1sur 14

Price $2.

00
Because land doesn’t come with a manual. . . ISSN 1554-656X

The Newsletter of the Ecological Landscaping Association Vol. 14, No. 2 Summer 2007

Don’t Bug Me! If all mankind were to disappear, the world would regenerate back to the rich state of
equilibrium that existed ten thousand years ago. If insects were to vanish, the environment
would collapse into chaos.
– E. O. Wilson
The Invasion of the Home
Snatchers
• Bruce Wenning

M any kinds of pests find their


way into your home. Some you
can tolerate, others you can’t. Carpen-
ate in raising their young, finding
food and defending the colony. They
exhibit a caste system comprised of a
damaged. When Carpenter ants
invade a home or other wooden
structure and establish a colony
ter ants and carpenter bees are insects queen, males and workers. The division with a queen, it is usually bad news.
that want to move in with you. When of labor in the colony is an integral Carpenter ants can be found
they invade your space, the damage condition of group living. Queens fly around the periphery of your home
can be extensive and costly. to mate with males, and once mated, in moist foundation mulches, piles
Ants are the most recognized in- a queen will remove her wings and of damp leaves and branches and
sects on earth, with many subfamilies, remain dedicated to egg laying for the woodpiles. The best approach to
genera and species worldwide. They are colony. Males have wings and die soon the carpenter ant problem is pre-
in the Order Hymenoptera (bees, ants, after mating with the queen. Workers, ventive: eliminate damp habitats
wasps, sawflies and parasitic wasps). as their name implies, do most of the around the exterior of your home
They have three distinct body regions; colony’s work; they are sterile wingless (as well as inside).
head, thorax, and abdomen, and their females. Large colonies can have over Carpenter ants are frequently
antennae, which are usually elbowed 3,000 worker ants. confused with termites, which
(bent), function as chemical receptors. There are many ant species found are also wood-destroying insects.
Ants nest in colonies and cooper- throughout the United States. The Termites are soft-bodied and usu-
most destructive Eastern species is ally white or cream colored; they
contents Camponotus pennsylvanicus, the black are sometimes called, erroneously,
1 The Invasion of the Home Snatchers carpenter ant, which is common in “white ants” although they are
3 From the President New England. These ants are attracted more closely related to cockroaches
6 Better Grub and Insect Control to damp wood caused by leaking roofs, than to ants. Carpenter ants, in
8 Book Review wood in contact with soil, leaking contrast, are hard-bodied and black
9 Insect Factoids, Gleanings plumbing fixtures, insulation, blocked or dark brown in color. Termites
10 Events, Announcements gutters, poorly ventilated attics and (which are in the small order
11 Unclassifieds crawl spaces, and other wooden struc- Isoptera, meaning equal wings)
12 Discover Eco Landscaping Bulk Order Form tures (supports, walls, pillars, siding, have fore and hind wings that are
13 Discover Eco Landscaping Sample pages joists, sills) that are rotted or water- nearly equal in size and which fold
— 1—
at rest close to the body. Carpenter ern species, Xylocopa virginica. They can
The Ecological Landscaper is pub-
ants, whose fore wings are larger than cause significant damage by boring into
lished by the Ecological Landscaping
Association (ELA). Subscriptions are
their hind wings, usually extend or hold and excavating wood year after year. You
a benefit of membership in ELA. For their wings above their body at rest. may see this species flying near window-
information about ELA, contact: Termites do not have a “waist” (con- sills, eaves, wooden siding, fence posts,
striction between the thorax and abdo- railings, and other very dry wooden
men), whereas carpenter ants do have structures. An infestation is first detect-
this constriction. Termites have bead- ed by finding large amounts of sawdust
ELA like antennae while carpenter ants have below half-inch diameter entrance holes
1257 Worcester Rd., #262 their antennae in segments resembling a in wood. Applying linseed oil to dry
Framingham, MA 01701
short “arm” and “elbow.” Unlike termites, wood can reduce the attractiveness of
(617) 436-5838
www.ecolandscaping.org carpenter ants do not eat or digest wood, such wood to these bees.
but instead excavate mostly moist and Carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and
Write to us! We welcome comments,
soft wood (and sometimes dry wood) termites utilize trees and other woody
letters, articles, topic ideas, and opin-
ions. Send to:
and deposit the resulting “sawdust” plants and materials as part of their life
ELA
cycle. Each is important in its respective
niche, but when they invade our domain
Newsletter Editor
they become pests. Homeowners who
1257 Worcester Rd., #262
Framingham, MA 01701 find it necessary to control or eradicate
them should consult a certified pest
Send all other ELA business, includ-
control company and request that they
ing address changes, to the Framing-
ham address listed above. deal with the problem in the most envi-
ronmentally benign way possible.
The ELA board meets throughout the
year in various locations in eastern For more information see Arnold
Massachusetts. All members are A carpenter ant
Photo by Clemson University USDA Mallis, Handbook of Pest Control;
welcome. Contact us for specific dates
Cooperative Extension Slide Series Hansen & Klotz, Carpenter Ants of the
and locations.
United States and Canada, and www.
ceinfo.unh.edu.
ELA Board of Directors outside their colony, while keeping their
Bruce Wenning is a horticulturist
President: Dennis Collins galleries clean. Wood digesting termites,
working at Land Sakes in Newton and
Vice President: Sandy Vorce on the other hand, line their galleries
Treasurer: Sue Storer serves on the Board of Directors of the
with moist soil. Carpenter ants are both Ecological Landscaping Association.
Recording Secretary: Owen Wormser
predators and scavengers, feeding on This article originally appeared in
live and dead insects, plant sap of certain The Newton TAB in 2006.
Members at Large
plants, aphid and sap sucking insect
Donald Bishop Bob Levite
Joanna Campe
honey dew, and various food scraps.
Chris O’Brien
Karen Dominguez- Cathy Rooney Another type of wood-destroying
Brann Kathy Sargent- insect, sometimes mistaken for bumble
Peter Hinrichs O’Neill bees, are carpenter bees, also in the order
William Jewell Maureen Sundberg
Andrea Knowles Bruce Wenning
Hymenoptera (like carpenter ants). They
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
differ from bumble bees in their body
Executive Administrator: Penny Lewis markings. Carpenter bees have black ab- ELA has a new
Each author appearing herein retains domens while bumble bees have yellow mailing address . .
original copyright. Right to reproduce or abdominal markings. Carpenter bees tend
disseminate all material herein is other- to fly and hover high up against buildings 1257 Worcester Rd, #262
wisely reserved by ELA. Please contact
the Editor for permission to reprint.
and windowsills to excavate their galleries Framingham, MA 01701
in dry wood. Females have a stinger but
Mention of products is not intended to con- rarely sting. Males do not have a stinger
stitute endorsement. Opinions expressed in Please be sure that all future
this newsletter do not necessarily represent and are harmless to humans. correspondence is sent here.
those of ELA’s directors, staff, or members. The US has seven species of carpen- Thanks.
ter bees. The most destructive to homes
©Ecological Landscaping 2007
and other wooden structures is the East-
— 2—
professionals and the general public to the message than ever before.
about the ecological and human health Obviously, the stakes are high.
hazards of some conventional land- Development and population growth
scaping practices. present some sobering statistics. The
Only time will tell if I have what EPA suggests that 8 billion gallons
is necessary for this job. Other than a per day (about a third of residential
willingness to serve, my experience in water use) is used in residential lawn
landscaping and horticulture (about 25 and garden irrigation, a figure that will
years) and in another professional or- vary significantly in dry regions and
ganization, the American Public Gar- during droughts. Worldwatch Insti-
dens Association, make up my quali- tute, a Washington-based think tank,
fications. My “real job” is with Mount estimated that our roughly 18,000 golf
Auburn Cemetery, a botanical garden courses use another 4 billion gallons
and cemetery founded 176 years ago of water per day for irrigation. Recent
by the Massachusetts Horticultural surveys by the National Gardening
Society, where we are trying to move Association and the Garden Writers
towards an ecologically sustainable of America Association (2005-2007)
From the President: horticulture program. present an attention-grabbing picture
As luck would have it, this seems for residential landscaping. First, there
Checking the pulse of ELA like an interesting time for me to be are 82 million Americans who have
• Dennis Collins serving in this role. This organization, at least a garden or a lawn. While
and the American landscaping/garden- 78% of American homeowners claim

I t is an honor for me to address the


membership of ELA and readers of
the newsletter as the incoming presi-
ing public as well, seem to be in rather
critical states of transition. ELA recog-
nizes that educating about the environ-
to do something in the way of work
in their yards, just over a third of all
households hire a professional con-
dent of the ELA Board of Directors. mental costs of conventional landscap- tractor to do some sort of landscape/
I had earlier volunteered to write an ing practices, and offering alternatives lawn service. Thus, the majority of
article for this issue about how mem- to it, will not have the desired impact residential landscaping (more than
bers and colleagues, and the ecological until a critical mass of public awareness 54 million homes) is still being done
landscaping industry in general, are is reached. Since most of our problems by nonprofessionals. We know that
faring in various parts of the country. arise from the sheer number of people most Americans choose to have lawns,
As it also seemed appropriate to intro- overtaxing water supplies and misusing though the number of lawns, and their
duce myself and share a few thoughts pesticides and fertilizers, the solutions sizes, are declining. Figures for corpo-
with you on how I see the organization lie in reaching the largest possible audi- rate landscapes are more elusive, yet
at this point in time, this effort became ence with the message. Fortunately, our most of us are familiar with typical of-
a hybrid. membership is growing and members fice park developments that rely heav-
Although my family may have are coming from diverse geographic ily on large-scale turf. Finally, the US
good reason to question my sanity areas. ELA is coming to terms with Fish and Wildlife Service announced a
for voluntarily serving in this role, I how best to serve its members nation- few years ago that homeowners use 10
think most people who are aware of wide (and there is good news on that times more pesticides per acre on their
the need to change the way a lot of us front). Also, due to a convergence of lawns than farmers use on their crops.
approach landscaping/gardening, who factors including climate-change, a rise Personally, as a food consumer, I don’t
see the stakes involved, want to help in petroleum prices and headline news know whether this should make me
when and wherever they can. This is about soil and water contamination, the happy or not.
just my chance to help in a small way. I American public seems more receptive
say “small” because, unlike the national
presidential candidates, I have no po-
litical platform or agenda to pursue. 2007 Membership Directory Supplement
ELA already has a mission and I see The printed supplement to the 2007 Membership Directory will be mailed
my role as simply helping the orga- out shortly to ELA members. It will contain the contact information of
nization achieve it. That mission, in a members who joined after the Directory was produced in April 2007.
nutshell, is to educate both landscape
— 3—
common expres- ing community’s attention toward
sion for describ- ecological practices, the widespread
ing a “perfect” attitudes about residential lawns might
lawn is to say eventually be changed as well.
it’s like a golf Other types of large-scale land-
course. Perhaps scape managers are also playing a
the overzealous role in changing to non-conventional
pursuit of perfect practices, especially botanic gardens
lawns during the and college campuses. In southern
past twenty years California, where everything revolves
is related to the around water use, three notable ef-
millions of people forts are underway to find suitable
spending time on lawn substitutes. Leaning Pine Arbo-
golf courses (that, retum, on the campus of California
and of course, Polytechnic State Institute, is test-
peer-pressure and ing a turf of Carex praegracilis (Dune
multi-million Sedge) with promising results. At the
dollar market- Charles Lummis Home and Garden,
ing budgets). It’s an historic property owned by the
possible that this city of Los Angeles, a lawn of Achil-
relationship with lea millefolium (Yarrow) is now well
golf might some- established. [See Alex Feleppa’s article
day lead many in the previous issue of the Newsletter
people towards for a similar testing in Oregon.] The
more ecologi- Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden,
cally responsible in Claremont near the San Gabriel
landscaping in Mountains, has installed a new lawn of
Rather than be discouraged by all their homes. After being a favorite Koeleria macrantha ‘Barykoel’ (a culti-
this, we could consider that there has target of environmentalists for many var of Prairie Junegrass).
actually been improvement in recent years, golf courses are beginning to On the opposite coast, Brookside
years. An organization called Beyond change. There are still very few strictly Gardens in Silver Spring, MD is in its
Pesticides (formerly National Coali- organically managed courses today, 11th year of producing and using high
tion Against the Misuse of Pesticides) but an impressive number of courses quality compost. This 50 acre garden
notes that 5 million homes now use are exploring alternative management processes 300-400 cubic yards of raw
only organic lawn treatments and an- practices that include integrated pest material annually, yielding about half
other 35 million use a combination of management, reduced irrigation, bio- this volume of finished compost. This
organic and conventional treatments. logical controls for disease and insect is then used for topdressing beds in
They cited a Wall Street Journal article problems and more restrained use of the garden, amending soils in garden
from 2006 as evidence that the issues chemical pesticides. More than 2,000 renovation projects, and makes up part
have finally become mainstream in the courses are participating in the Audu- of the potting media in the garden’s
public’s consciousness. bon Cooperative Sanctuary Program production greenhouse. Bert Zeitler,
The golf industry, and its contri- where changing maintenance practices who oversees the composting opera-
bution of $49 billion annually to the can lead to certification. Clearly, the tion, says that in addition to water
US economy, is a force to be reck- industry is responding somewhat to conservation, the most noticeable ben-
oned with. The sport saw a dramatic negative publicity when it launches efits are reduced amounts of fertilizer
construction boom during the 1980s and promotes its green initiatives. The and fungicide in the greenhouse and
and 90s and a corresponding number trend in this direction might continue nursery program.
of avid golfers took up playing (now if the public supports those courses Residential landscaping is where
estimated at 26 million). I think there that embrace environmental steward- ELA members tend to be found. Be-
is an interesting dynamic at work ship, thereby creating more demand fore writing this, I conducted an in-
between golf courses in general and for more of them. What is even more formal survey with 18 of our members
Americans’ love affair with the lawn. A promising is that by shifting the golf- scattered around the country and with
— 4—
they got the plant selection wrong, but to be in the habit of expecting instant
it was nice to see the concept used”. results in landscape renovation as well
The obsession with lawns can still as in projects that happen inside their
be found in most parts of the country. homes. From what the people I polled
Celia Ryker, in Ortonville, MI, thinks indicated, most of them being ecologi-
“...it will be a long time before we cal landscape professionals, teaching
see fewer lawns, but my hope is that the client is a large part of the jobs
we can make them less chemical they do. Most say it has always been
dependent”. However, Michael Kusiak that way for them, and that they are
reports that his clients in the Santa used to it by now.
The early stages of compost production at Cruz, CA area are now more willing Somehow it seems about right that
Brookside Gardens in Maryland. Differ-
ent raw materials are mixed together and to reduce the size of their lawns, if not so many members of ELA, an orga-
allowed to mature (with occasional turn- abandon them entirely. Yet a curious nization established for the purpose
ing) for a little more than a year. contradiction can be found in the de- of educating, are finding themselves
Photo: D. Collins bates about whether to have a lawn or teaching as much as they do. There is
not have one. While Terry Childs in a symbiotic and radiating progression
some people from outside the organi- Gananoque, Ontario says people really at ELA with members learning from
zation. Their comments seem to sug- like their lawns because of their low programs, teaching programs, and also
gest that public demand for ecological maintenance, Bill Jewell in Brattle- teaching the public through their cli-
services, while still relatively small, is boro, VT says he has the most success ents (a sort of private tutoring?). Ul-
nonetheless growing. As col- timately, the work of this organization
leagues from various places is done by individual members who
note similar challenges and contribute time and energy to it. If it
report stories that seem famil- seems unbalanced that they should
iar to all of us, we get a sense also have to spend so much time
that while plant palettes and teaching on their own, then it’s my job
climate may differ, the eco- to point out that as ELA succeeds in
logical landscape movement its mission, their jobs will become eas-
is truly a national effort that ier. That elusive “critical mass of public
we’re engaged in. awareness” that we need will radically
Water use is the biggest change the way ecological landscap-
A new landscape in Santa Cruz, CA with no
issue that we share in com- lawn area. Note the retaining wall built from
ing is practiced in America, once it is
mon. Whether from dire need recycled pavement fragments. reached. Meanwhile, the contribution
in places where water is scarce, Photo: Michael Kusiak © 2007 of time and energy from all of ELA’s
such as in the west and south- members is sorely needed.
west, or from a sense of responsibility convincing people to forego lawns If you’ve offered to volunteer for
in those places where more rain falls, with older folks who no longer want projects in the past, but have not been
people are trying to build landscapes the trouble of maintaining them! How called on, then it’s my job to say we
with lower water needs. Yet other as- can it be both ways? will try harder to match volunteer of-
pects of rainfall are also prominent. I suspect the answer lies in public fers with tasks that are needed. I urge
In the mountains of North Carolina, perceptions about what constitutes you to get involved in any way you
landscaper Thomas Young reported “low maintenance”. They must vary as can. As the organization enters a new
that a severe thunderstorm drew in- much as people’s expectations about growth phase, there will be no short-
tense media coverage on flooding how long it should take for new land- age of those tasks. At the ELA board
caused by improper sediment control scapes to look good following instal- meeting, held on July 25th, the process
by developers. Sadly, public aware- lation, which was another common for forming ELA regional chapters
ness often lags until a disaster calls response to my question on the biggest took a step forward. After receiving
attention to a problem. Rain gardens challenges people faced. All Landscap- an informative analysis conducted by
are starting to become more common. ers, no matter their methods, have to the law firm that was retained to help
Ken Christensen, from Kent, Ohio, contend with that one, though some draft the chapter documents, the board
was astonished to find one recently at a have the quick-fix bluegrass sod avail- re-affirmed its final vision for chapters
Sheets Gas Station. He noted that “... able in their toolbags. The public seems which was the result of several years of
— 5—
planning. The lawyers will now finish
drafting the chapter policy and legal The Ecological Landscaping
papers. The board also agreed to pro-
ceed with plans to upgrade the website Association Wants You!
by providing expanded content and
interactivity. There will be more an- Once again, we want to let you know that we welcome motivated,
nouncements as the site nears comple- energetic individuals who support our mission and purpose to join us in
tion this Fall. developing and administering the programs and initiatives of our orga-
My willingness to serve as presi- nization. Our past success and the ability to improve and expand ELA in
dent is based on the hope that you the future depend on the support and involvement of many people. Your
will help me. I welcome and encour- interests, enthusiasm and talents may be just what are needed. Different
age your comments and suggestions opportunities for participation are available:
because I believe that if we know best Board of Directors – The board is a core group of volunteers who
how to improve ELA specifically for do the month-to-month work to keep the organization healthy, growing
you, we will know how to make it bet- and vital: policy setting, program development, strategic planning and
ter for those members we anticipate financial management. We’re especially looking for people with some ex-
joining in the future. perience in finance, grant writing and fundraising, computer technology,
marketing, public relations and organizational development. The board
generally meets once per month between September and March.
Committees – The various committees play a vital role in car-
rying out the work of the organization. Participation on standing com-
Better Grub and Insect mittees or helping with specific projects might be something you could
offer. Opportunities are available in conference planning, fundraising,
Control:
publications, national governance, public relations, board recruitment,
Combining pesticides and membership services, and on ad hoc committees. Creativity, enthusiasm,
nematodes improves results writing/communication skills, dedication, and of course, a little free time
are what we need. Do you have any to lend?

W hat do you get when you mix


certain pesticides and insect
parasitic nematodes? The perfect killer.
Getting involved is as simple as calling us at (617) 436-5838, or dropping
us a line at ela.info@comcast.net. Let us know how and when to reach
you and we will get in touch.
According to Parwinder S. Grewal,
an entomologist with the Ohio Agri-
cultural Research and Development
Center (OARDC), some insecticides tural pests. Several species have been Grewal discovered that he insecticide
can increase the effectiveness of ento- successfully used for pest control in imidacloprid and the nematodes Het-
mopathogenic nematodes, which are citrus, cranberries, mint, strawberries, erorhabditis bacteriophora and Stein-
used to control pests such as white mushrooms, nurseries, greenhouses, ernema glaseri interact synergistically
grubs and fungus gnats. and turfgrass in North America, Eu- against turfgrass’s biggest nemesis:
“While some pesticides can be rope, Japan, and Australia. Grapes are white grubs.
toxic for the nematodes, others en- expected to join the list next year. White grubs are the root-feeding
hance their parasitic effect,” Grewal “We’ve been studying the com- larvae of scarab beetles (such as
explained. “The pesticide and the patibility of nematodes with other masked chafers, the Japanese beetle,
nematodes act in a synergistic way.” pest control sources over the last few and the oriental beetle), which cause
Which means the pesticide does not years,” Grewal said. “This is a very nice significant damage to many agricul-
turn nematodes into mutant killers, discovery because the lack of compat- tural and horticultural plants.
but rather works as a loyal sidekick ibility information has been a major One of the most widely used
while the nematodes combat harmful impediment to further expansion of agents to destroy white grubs is
insects. the [nematodes’] use.” imidacloprid–an insecticide found in
Found abundantly in the soil, Together with colleagues from products such as Admire, Condifor,
nematodes are microscopic worms that Rutgers University, New Jersey, and Gaucho, Premier, Premise, Provado,
kill many insect and mollusk agricul- the University of California at Davis, and Marathon. However, the efficacy
— 6—
of this insecticide declines as the white which fungicides were safe.” 50,000 acres each year to help control
grub develops, so it has to be applied Grewal concluded that Nimbecid- the citrus root weevil. Unlike pesti-
preventatively to large turf areas that ine, Cinnamate, and ZeroTol were tox- cides, nematodes continue working
may or may not be infected. ic to nematodes. Meanwhile, Abound for quite some time after the first
Entomopathogenic nematodes, on and neem (the active ingredient in application–a single host can produce
the other hand, are effective against Nimbecidine, used in this case as pure 300,000 to 400,000 new nematodes,
the later stages of the white grub. Af- oil without any additives) caused no which then seek additional victims.
ter entering the body cavity of insects harmful effect on the nematodes. Grewal’s research on the compat-
through a variety of openings, nema- “The more we learn about the ibility of nematodes with pesticides was
todes release bacteria that multiply interaction of nematodes with agro- funded by an OARDC grant. OARDC
and kill the host within three to four chemicals, the better we are equipped is the research arm of Ohio State Uni-
days. The nematodes then feed on the to offer safer and more cost-effective versity’s College of Food, Agricultural,
dead insect, reproduce, and migrate in insect management methods,” Gre- and Environmental Sciences.
search of new hosts. wal remarked. “With this knowledge,
Nonetheless, white grubs have nematodes are more likely to be ac- - from News and Media Relations,
developed a series of behavioral, mor- cepted by growers as an effective way College of Food, Agricultural, and En-
phological, and physiological barriers to fight pests.” vironmental Sciences, The Ohio State
to infection during their co-evolution Entomopathogenic nematodes University; Columbus: (614) 292-
with nematodes, which makes it hard- have been mass-produced since the 2011; Wooster: (330) 263-3775.
er for the worms to penetrate their mid ‘80s, and their use is becoming
hosts. That’s where imidacloprid comes more popular. Florida orange grow-
into play. ers, for instance, apply nematodes to
“Imidacloprid disrupts white grubs’
normal nerve function, breaking down

the defenses that they display in re-
sponse to nematode attack,” Grewal ELA’s 2007 Annual Meeting Recap
explained. “This helps the nematodes
The recent ELA summer Annual Meeting provided an
get inside the grubs and start the para-
opportunity to celebrate another successful year as a leader in
sitic cycle.”
environmental education and stewardship. In addition to the
Since the later white grub stages
annual business meeting and report on the annual ballot results, an
are easier to detect, Grewal suggests
appreciation potluck dinner was held to thank the many volunteers
applying an imidacloprid-nematode
that have contributed to the ELA efforts throughout the year.
mix to infected turf. This combination

reduces costs and provides a safer and
Thanks to Andrea Knowles and Kathy Sargent-O’Neill for
more environmentally friendly alterna-
helping to organize this year’s Annual Meeting at the Wolbach
tive to more hazardous agro-chemicals
Farm in Sudbury, Massachusetts, the permanent home of the Sud-
used for turfgrass pest control.
bury Valley Trustees, www.sudburyvalleytrustees.org.
Grewal has also studied the resis-
tance of the nematode Steinernema
feltiae to fungicides such as Nimbeci- 2007 Ballot Results
dine, cynnamaldehyde (Cinnamate), The slate of ELA officers for the upcoming year is: Dennis
ZeroTol, and azoxystrobin (Abound). Collins, President; Sandy Vorce, Vice–President; Sue Storer,
Steinernma feltiae is used for the con- Treasurer; Owen Wormser, Secretary. Incumbent Board members
trol of fungus gnats. elected to serve additional terms are: Dennis Collins, William
“It is usually more economical Jewell, Chris O’Brien, Kathy Sargent-O’Neill, and Robert Levite.
to tank-mix nematodes with one or Newly elected to the Board are: Maureen Sundberg and Peter
more inputs for application,” Grewal Hinrichs. Board members serving existing terms are: Sue Storer,
said. “Nematodes are tolerant to short Cathy Rooney, Bruce Wenning, Donald Bishop, Owen Wormser,
exposures of most fungicides, but in Andrea Knowles, Karen Dominguez-Brann, Sandy Vorce, and
some cases these chemicals can re- Joanna Campe.
duce nematode viability and virulence.
That’s why we needed to know for sure
— 7—
BOOK REVIEW
Welcome to New
The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes ELA Board Members

Text and photography by Rick Darke We are delighted to have two


Published by Timber Press outstanding additions to the ELA
Board: Maureen Sundberg and

R
Peter Hinrichs.
ick Darke has created a very informative, photographic
tour of the world of grasses. This book is a comprehensive As ELA continues to expand its
resource for anyone, from landscape designer to home gardener, outreach to the homeowner com-
who is interested in using grasses in ecological landscaping. The munity, it is with great enthusi-
photos, ideas, and references, presented are quite varied from re- asm that we welcome Maureen
gional to world landscapes, rural to cityscapes, diverse habitats to Sundberg as our first homeowner
representative to the ELA Board.
seasonal displays, and small backyards to sprawling open spaces.
Maureen is a passionate gar-
The book is hefty at almost 500 pages and at first glance, with dener, environmental advocate,
and active community volunteer.
over 1000 pictures would appear to be solely a rich photo refer-
As a Girl Scout leader for more
ence. Delving into the book reveals a more intricate relationship than 10 years, Maureen has
between the author and his subject. Darke’s depth of experience been instrumental in introducing
and expert knowledge of grasses unfold with both sensitivity and environmental awareness and
detail. He allows for the reader to enter a worthy conversation ecological gardening practices to
and gain perspective from looking at grasses and landscapes from countless young girls. Recently,
Maureen helped girls organize
many different angles.
and run a Green Power Day for
The first several chapters draw you into a display of aesthetic Andover/North Andover children
and construct Barred Owl houses
and design possibilities, while exploring the relationship between
to be installed at local conserva-
grasses, native habitats, and human culture. Chapter five provides
tion properties. Maureen lives
practical information on cultivation, growth and maintenance, and gardens with her family in
and Chapter 7, still replete with photos, delivers a comprehen- Andover, MA.
sive, alphabetical, encyclopedia of the plants themselves. One can Peter Hinrichs comes to ELA
choose to bask in the images taking in the beauty of grasses or with an extensive background
flip directly to an entry for a particular plant to learn its habitat, in gardening and a degree in
landscape architecture. With
behavior and hardiness. The grasses presented include True grasses
many years work experience in
(Poaceae), sedges (Cyperaceae), rushes ( Juncaceae), restios (Res- horticulture and landscaping in
tionaceae), and cattails (Typhanceae). both the private and nonprofit
worlds, Peter’s background and
This work includes a dialog around the concept of Livable interests are quite diverse. Peter is
Landscapes. “Livable landscapes are gardens that are personal, currently the Gardens Curator at
intimate spaces that simultaneously celebrate community and the Massachusetts Horticultural Soci-
joy of the connected landscape. They include local approaches that ety where he is involved in many
are cognizant of global realities and trends.” Darke uses grasses as aspects of garden education for
both adults and children. Earlier
a lens to explore issues of sustainability and ethical approaches to
in Peter’s career, he worked for
landscaping. More about the book, its author and concepts can be
Treefrog Landscapes, Inc. on eco-
found at http://www.livable-landscapes.com/ . Contact the pub- logical designs and educational
lisher at www.timberpress.com for availability of this book. Tim- programs.
ber Press is a Portland, Oregon, publisher of books about garden-
ing, horticulture, and botany. Please join us in welcoming
Maureen and Peter!

– Review by Sandy Vorce


— 8—
INSECT FACTOIDS ð CT DEP Advises Anglers and Boaters
The Ecological Landscaping to Take Precautions to Prevent Spread of
“Didymo” Into Connecticut Waters
• Insects can be distinguished from Association would like to thank
other small animals by their six legs, the following for their generous
three body parts (head, thorax and Highly invasive alga found in Vermont in
help in sustaining our mission the Connecticut and White Rivers
abdomen), antennae, compound eye,
and wings (usually, but not always). through the Annual Appeal: The Connecticut Department of Envi-
ronmental Protection today is advising
• 95% of all the animal species on the anglers and boaters to be on the lookout
earth are insects. Nancy Askin for the highly invasive freshwater alga
• Over one million species have been Seymour Askin Jr. Didymosphenia geminata, known as
discovered by scientists. “Didymo” and to take precautions to pre-
Bernadette Bailey vent its spread into Connecticut waters.
• Insects eat more plants than all the The call was prompted when the Vermont
other creatures on earth. Jonathan Bransfield Agency of Natural Resources recently
Jake Clapp confirmed that the alga has been found in
• Insects are incredibly adaptable
the northern reaches of the Connecticut
creatures and have evolved to live Elkhorn Native Plant Nursery River near Bloomfield, VT, and at several
successfully in most environments
sites along the White River, a tributary of
on earth, including deserts and even Cliff Fountaine
the Connecticut River in central Vermont.
the Antarctic. The only place where
insects are not commonly found is in Cathy Miner Hartenstein This is the first official report of Didymo
the oceans. in the northeastern United States.
Dave MacDonald During blooms, didymo can form
• Grasshoppers can jump 40 times the Elizabeth Newell thick mats of cottony material (typically
length of their body gray, white and/or brown, but never
Sue Storer green in color) on the bottoms of rivers
• Ants can carry objects that weight and streams that can potentially smother
100 times the weight of their own Roger Sturgis aquatic plants, aquatic insects and mol-
body.
Katherine Udall lusks, destroy fish habitat, and negatively
• There are more than 300,000 species
Bruce Wenning
affect existing food webs. Didymo is
most frequently found in relatively shal-
of beetles, making them the largest
low streams and rivers having a rocky
order of insects in the world. Camilla Worden
substrate. Didymo is not expected to be
• A species of Australian dragon fly has problem in the lower Connecticut River
been clocked at 36 MPH. Thank you as well to our many or in lakes; however, it could have a large
valued ELA supporters who impact on fish and other aquatic organ-
isms if introduced to the state’s smaller
wish to remain anonymous.
gleanings rivers.
Humans are the primary vector re-
sponsible for the recent spread of didymo.
ð Landscaping at the Water’s Edge: An
Anglers, kayakers and canoeists, boaters
Ecological Approach, a new book from Climate Change on March 21, 2007.
and jet skiers can all unknowingly spread
UNH Cooperative Extension, explains To learn more about the New England
didymo. This microscopic alga can cling
how landscaping choices affect ground Wild Flower Society and to read the
to fishing gear, waders (felt soles can be
water and demonstrates how, with simple policy in its entirety visit their web site at
especially problematic), boots and boats,
observations, ecologically-based design, www.newenglandwild.org and click on
and remain viable for several weeks
and low-impact maintenance practices, the word “Conservation” or call 508-877-
under even slightly moist conditions. It
you can protect–even improve–the quality 7630 or visit New England Wild Flower
is recommended that water recreational-
of our water resources. Call 862-1564 or Society at Garden in the Woods, 180
ists practice CHECK, CLEAN, DRY
order online at: Hemenway Rd., Framingham, MA 01701.
http://extension.unh.edu/Pubs/Pubs.htm. procedures:
Applicable to all of New England. ð Green Tips are now available on the
website of the Union of Concerned Sci- • CHECK : Before leaving a river or
ð Policy on Climate Change entists greentips@ucsaction.org. A large stream, remove all obvious clumps of
The New England Wild Flower Society’s range of topics are covered from global algae and look for hidden clumps. Leave
Board of Trustees adopted a Policy on warming to bottled water. them at the affected site. If you find any
— 9—
gleanings con’t. ð 2007-2008 ELA Roundtables Sept. 16 – Annual Fall Plant Sale
The first of three roundtables has been Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, MA
later, do not wash them down drains; scheduled for December 1, 2007. 617-524-1718
dispose all material in the trash. Please check the ELA website www.arboretum.harvard.edu
www.ecolandscaping.org and the Fall
• CLEAN : Soak and scrub all items newsletter for information about the Janu- Sept. 21-23 – Common Ground Country
for at least one minute in either hot (140 ary and February 2008 roundtables. Fair
degrees F) water, a two percent solution Main Organic Farmers and Gardeners’
of household bleach or a five percent Saturday Dec. 1, 2007 Association, Unity, ME
solution of salt, antiseptic hand cleaner or 9:00am-12:00pm – Bio-control in the 207-568-4141
dishwashing detergent. Garden: New Research and Techniques www.mofga.org
for Invasives
• DRY : If cleaning is not practical, after Co-sponsors: Arnold Arboretum and the October 28-31, 2007 – Ecological
the item is completely dry to touch, wait Ecological Landscape Association Landscaping Conference: From scientific
an additional 48 hours before contact or Fee: $35 member, $40 nonmember principles to public policies and prac-
use in any other waterway. Co-presenters: Lisa Tewksbury, Manager, tices, Cleveland, Ohio. The Ohio State
Biological Control Laboratories, University University Urban Landscape Ecology
Thought to be native to far northern re- of Rhode Island; Bruce Wenning, Land Program announces an interdisciplinary
gions of Europe, Asia and probably North Stewardship Manager for Land’s Sake, Inc. conference and is soliciting abstracts for
America, the geographical and ecologi- Invasive species are here to stay and contributed oral and poster sessions.
cal range of this freshwater alga has been their numbers will only rise with increas- More information visit the official
expanding in recent years. Didymo has ing globalization. But this doesn’t mean conference website:
been spreading to diverse areas including defeat for landscapers and gardeners. www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/ulep/Conference.htm.
British Columbia in Canada, the western What it does require is considering the
US (especially Montana, South Dakota, dynamics of ecosystems and develop- November 3, 2007 – Connecting Chil-
Idaho and Colorado), New Zealand, and ing methods for keeping aliens in check. dren and Nature: Exploring New Avenues
then into the southeast US (Arkansas, In this program on problem insects and for Environmental Education
Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia and weeds of New England, Lisa Tewksbury, Wheelock College, Boston, MA
West Virginia). Didymo, a microscopic an entomologist and manager of the Uni- Conference sponsored by Mass Audubon
alga, has also begun developing massive versity of Rhode Island’s Biological Control and Wheelock College. Keynote Speaker:
blooms that can sometimes extend for Laboratories, will present a variety of Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the
several kilometers of river. bio-control techniques, including her lab’s Woods. For information visit ,
current work with lily leaf beetle, birch http://www.massaudubon.org.
The above procedures will also be leaf miner, Cyprus spurge, purple looses-
effective against other unwanted trife, common reed, swallow-wort, as well November 7-9, 2007 – U.S. Green Build-
organisms. as hemlock woolly adelgid. She’ll update ing Council Conference
us on success stories and challenges and Chicago, Illinois at the new McCormick
For more information on Didymo, visit when we can expect to see the results of Place West Building (2301 S. Lake Shore
the US EPA Region 8 website: some of the newly introduced “fighters”. Drive, Chicago, IL 60616). For informa-
http://www.epa.gov/region8/water/didymosphenia/ Bruce Wenning will present various meth- tion visit U.S. Green Building Council ,
or the Biosecurity New Zealand website: ods used and the successes and failures http://www.greenbuildexpo.org
http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo he experienced in removing invasive
plants at an urban wildlife sanctuary.

(Although the preceding press release is events


from the CT Department of Environmen-
tal Protection and Vermont Agency of Sept. 2 – Champion Tree & Garden Tour announcements
Natural Resources, this algae has been Bartlett Arboretum, Stamford, CT
found in British Columbia in Canada, 203-322-6971 ELA-CALIFORNIA
the western US (especially Montana, www.bartlettarboretum.org
South Dakota, Idaho and Colorado), the September 11, 2007; 6-8pm. Monterey
southeast US (Arkansas, Tennessee, North Sept. 7-9 – Nasami Farm (NEWFS) Fall Sale Bay Working Group Regular Meeting.
Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia) Whately, MA Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave., Santa
and New Zealand, so we all need to be 413-397-9922 Cruz, CA 95062. This meeting repeats ev-
aware: anglers, boaters, hikers.) www.newfs.org ery other month on the second Tuesday.

— 10—
SAVE THESE DATES! March 6-8, 2008
Ecological Landscaping Association’s
2008 Winter Conference & Eco-Market-
place. Great speakers, cutting-edge topics
and a chance to network with like-mind-
ed individuals!
• MassMutual Center, Springfield,
Massachusetts – a spacious, easy to
reach, state-of-the art facility.
• Thursday, March 6: Pre-Conference
Keynote with John Todd
• Friday & Saturday, March 7-8: Three
GEI’s Blower Service
Educational Tracks, demonstration
workshops, live exhibit displays, and
Erosion Control • Ecological Work
the 5th Annual Eco-Marketplace Topdress • Seeding • Mulching

Visit www.ecolandscaping.org for up- GEI’s Compost Blends


dated vendor and attendee information
starting October 2007 and look for more EarthBoost™ FilterMitt Mix™
information in the Fall and Winter Issues PowerBoost Mulch™
of ELA’s member quarterly newsletter the GEI’s Compost Tea Blends
“Ecological Landscaper”. See you there!
Organic Maintenance Programs
http://www.groundscapesexpress.com
unclassifieds
P.O. Box 737, Wrentham, MA 02093
WELL WATER CONNECTION, INC. Office (508) 384-7140 Fax (508) 384-0571
Well Water Connection, Inc. provides
practical, cost-effective, and environmen-
tally conscious solutions to water-related
problems experienced by green industry
professionals and their clients. Our unique
approach combines professional project
management with water, well, pump, Newsletter Editor Position Available
filtration, and stain removal services. For
immediate service or more information, ELA is looking for an Editor for the
contact John Larsen at (978) 640-6900 or
Ecological Landscaper, our quarterly publication
jlarsen@wellwaterconnection.com.
• Duties: Sourcing and procuring articles, excerpts, and other content
that may be of interest to our newsletter readers. Securing appro-
priate permission to reprint articles when necessary. Develop and
procure other content including events listings and resources.

• Work with Newsletter liaison to ensure all material is suitable for


printing in the areas of grammar, coherence, style consistency, and
content.

• Salaried position. Position available immediately.

Send resume or contact ELA, 1257 Worcester Road, #262,


Framingham, MA 01701 or call the ELA Message Center at
617-436-5838 or email us at ELA.info@comcast.net.

— 11—
LANDSCAPERS \ EDUCATORS \ LANDOWNERS

Order Discover Ecological Landscaping


As part of ELA’s outreach efforts, we are offering an opportunity to purchase the Discover Ecological
Landscaping booklet in bulk. ELA members and professional colleagues have expressed interest in
purchasing the booklet for distribution to their clients, workers, and attendees at their talks. We have
heard your requests, and now the Discover Ecological Landscaping booklet is available to you!

Discover Ecological Landscaping is a 12-page booklet that will help you and your clients discover how
easy and fun it is to landscape with ecology in mind – you may learn that you are doing some of these
things already!

Bulk orders are sold in bundles of 100 booklets at a cost of $110 (includes sales tax, shipping, and
handling). To order, please mail the completed form, with your check, payable to Ecological Land-
scaping Association, to:
ELA
Attn: Discover Program
1257 Worcester Rd., #262
Framingham, MA 01701

X $110.00 = $ (enclosed)
# of Bundles


Name


Company Name


Address


City State Zip


Telephone – (so we may reach you if there are delivery problems)


E-Mail address – (so we may reach you if there are delivery problems)

ADD ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST m YES m NO



m PLEASE DO NOT SHARE MY CONTACT INFORMATION.

Thank you for your continued interest and support of ELA’s mission to educate,
collaborate, and network. (revised 8/07)

— 12—
SAMPLE

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. By studying the inter-relationships between living
things, non-living things, and the environment, ecological landscapers can
create a landscaped community that will conserve natural resources,
preserve biodiversity, and protect the environment.With proper design and
implementation, a healthy pattern begins to form with each component in
the landscape; people, animals, plants, water, soil, insects, and wildlife, all
interacting in a sustainable way.

Conservation is an important part of ecological landscaping.The


objectives of an ecological landscaper are to reduce water consumption,
preserve water quality, prevent soil erosion, protect biodiversity, diminish
the use of toxic pesticides, and minimize the use of non-renewable
resources. By striving toward these goals, the ecological landscaper can
create gardens that are both environmentally responsible and enjoyable
to experience.

“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging


to us.When we see land as a community to which we belong,
we may begin to use it with love and respect.”
— ALDO LEOPOLD

— 13—
SAMPLE
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.They strive to create gardens in an environmentally responsible way
with a goal to improve and enhance the site conditions for both humans and
wildlife alike.

An ecological landscaper begins with a study of the entire site…


PLANT INVENTORY — Cataloging the plants that exist on the site
SITE LOCATION — Hardiness zone, topography, microclimate, exposure
to wind and sun, and availability of water
SOIL SAMPLES — pH test, soil composition, texture, moisture retention,
and fertility
SITE HISTORY — Recurring problems in the landscape, wet areas, stressed
plants, erosion

Ecological landscapers use data from their site analysis to provide a design that is
appropriate for the site.They will build healthy soil and choose plants that will
grow and thrive, selecting for disease resistance, drought or wet tolerance, and
non-invasiveness.

To minimize the use of toxic chemicals, an ecological landscaper will proactively


monitor plant material and soils for key pests and diseases that arise in stressed
situations. Problems are addressed on a case-by-case basis using the solution with
the least environmental impact.

Listen for these terms when Products used by an


interviewing a landscaper… ecological landscape
Soil tests professional…
Site analysis Insecticidal soap
Integrated pest management Horticultural oil
Compost as soil amendment NEEM
Endophytically enhanced grass seed Bt
Mulches of leaf mold or compost Compost tea
Low impact solutions Beneficial nematodes
Least toxic pesticides Low nitrogen fertilizer

— 14—

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi