Daily Archives: June 8, 2017

Saturday, June 17, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Lush, Lovely, and Lawn-Free Gardens

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There is an exciting new trend in ecological landscape design that goes by many names lawn-free, no-mow, or lawn-alternative gardens. The incentives are many: lower maintenance, water conservation, reduced fertilizer/chemical use, increased biodiversity/habitat, and the greatest incentive – the stunning diversity of gardens!

Carol Spitzer has been designing lawn-free gardens for many years and invites you to join her on Saturday, June 17 from 5 – 7 on a unique walking tour in Brookline Village. On this tour, we will walk through three different front yards where the existing lawns were removed and replaced with shrubs, perennials, groundcovers, and walkways. In all three projects, there were existing trees and plants that were incorporated into the new landscape.

Each lawn-free project is different and comes with its own unique set of challenges. One of Carol’s projects included side-by-side condos whose owners had differing opinions about plant materials. A second project required a more welcoming landing and front steps, as well as a new walking path to the driveway. In addition to these three gardens designed by Carol, we will walk down an adjacent street, to view several other examples of lawn-free front yards.

Lawn-free gardens require a fraction of the maintenance time of traditional lawns; provide a rich palette of color; introduce contrasting textures and fragrance; and increase curb appeal. Join us to explore lawn-alternative gardens and consider the rich tapestry that awaits in your own yard makeover.

If you toured these gardens with Carol a couple of seasons ago, join us again to view the changes taking place as these landscapes continue to grow and thrive. Registrations are limited, reserve your space today! Ecological Landscape Alliance members $20, nonmembers $30.

Carol Spitzer has been designing residential gardens in Brookline, Newton and greater Boston since 2002. She is a graduate of the Landscape Institute and has a commitment to use ecological design approaches and native plants whenever possible. Carol recently shared her landscape expertise in the ELA Newsletter article: Small Urban Gardens: Big Challenges, Greater Rewards. She may be reached at Carol Spitzer Landscape Design.

See more at: http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/lush-lovely-lawn-free-gardens-2/#sthash.LlUTIbXP.dpuf

Tuesday, June 27 – Thursday, June 29 – One Water Summit 2017

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Water touches everything we do: it drives our economy, helps communities thrive, and shapes our environment. The challenges facing our water supplies and systems are complex and immense, both in scale and importance. From aging infrastructure, to demographic and economic shifts, political uncertainty, climate change, inequality—water cuts across so many of our country’s most pressing issues. At the One Water Summit 2017, the nation’s brightest minds and most committed leaders come together to discuss solutions that can create a more sustainable water future for all.

Convened by the US Water Alliance, One Water Summit 2017 brings together hundreds of leaders from across the country to network, engage in thought-provoking dialogue, share best practices, set strategic priorities, amplify great ideas, and take actionable ideas back home. One Water Summit 2017 is a unique venue to craft innovative solutions, connect with influential leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and forge the alliances needed to advance sustainable water solutions.

Many thanks to the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans for serving as our local host for One Water Summit 2017. New Orleans is the perfect backdrop for a dynamic, solutions-focused conversation about how we view, value, and manage water—now and for future generations. The Conference will be held at the InterContinental New Orleans, 444 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, and is $595 for a US Water Alliance Member, $745 for nonmember.

Register today at http://www.cvent.com/events/one-water-summit-2017/event-summary-143e6507ae114e39b572c8c0c1eb1c0c.aspx. You won’t be disappointed.