Save your garden, save your planet at the D2E Green Living Festival at the Hynes Convention Center, Boylston Street, Boston, April 9, 10 and 11.

Kermit the Frog is fond of saying “It’s not easy being green.” But thanks to the interactive Eco-Garden Pavilion, sponsored by Mahoney’s Garden Centers, and a number of eco-gardening workshops visitors will learn how easy it is to be eco-friendly as they head into their gardens this spring.

According to Eco-Garden Pavilion Designer Risa Edelstein, an Arlington-based ecological landscape designer, “Becoming sustainable in our yards and landscapes is a matter of changing some of our old habits and rethinking how and why we do things the way we do. If we look to Mother Nature for guidance and our best example of sustainability, we will not go wrong.”

In describing what visitors can expect, Edelstein continues, “The Eco-Garden Pavilion was designed to have a somewhat natural aesthetic. Birch trees that have not leafed out yet are under planted with native perennials and everything is mulched with minced leaves. Loose branches, twigs and pine cones are sprinkled throughout as people become accustomed to messier gardens that more closely resemble the way Mother Nature operates. Pristine lawns, sheared shrubbery and perfectly edged beds will represent gardens of the past that were chock full of chemicals, invasive plants such as burning bush and barberry and created more maintenance than was necessary.”

Lazy Hill Farm Designs has donated birdhouses that are being decorated and embellished by Edelstein and a group of her friends who are artists and designers. Instructed to be as creative as possible, these designers will only be using recycled materials. Given that recycling is such a key element of being eco-friendly, this principle is reflected in this art
project.

Local artist and crafts person Ruth Hanlon, will be exhibiting her exquisite handmade collection of more than 35+ miniature birdhouses. Each one is unique, made with an amazing attention to detail with embellishments that include beads, bark, paper wasp “paper,” eucalyptus leaves, dog hair, old hankies, buttons, pine cones, a clementine box and
old jewelry. The idea of a bird sanctuary is meant to remind people that our backyards have to become extensions of our wild places, friendly habitats for bees, butterflies, bats and birds who so desperately need it.

Some of the ecological practices on display in the Eco-Garden Pavilion will be:

Native Plants – Plants native to our area are better suited to handle our weather and can be more durable and require lower maintenance. Since they have evolved over thousands of years with the local wildlife, they are better choices for habitat creation than exotic and foreign plants.

Edible Gardening – From vegetable gardens to fruit trees, people are interested in harvesting fresh food from their yards. Food often travels more than 1500 miles to get to us so local production helps to save energy and also provides us with healthier and tastier food.

Composting – Recycling is a key principle in being eco-friendly and composting is one of the best ways to do this.

Rain Capture – Using rain barrels to capture our water for irrigation is a way to limit the amount of treated water we use in our backyards. It also helps to keep water on site instead of heading into the sewers and then into our rivers and lakes, taking all of the pollutants and chemicals with it.

Leaf Mulch – Using the mulch that Mother Nature chose for a New England garden is the way to go. Donated by Cambridge Bark & Loam, leaf mulch will decompose and add nutrients back into the soil making it the best way to fertilize your garden and create the healthiest environment for your plants. It is also another way to recycle on site.

Wildlife Gardening – Our development has displaced so much wildlife that we must make our backyards wildlife-friendly places. Birds, bees, butterflies, amphibians and reptiles are struggling to find shelter and food and our backyards have become important sanctuaries for them.

Green Roof & Green Wall – Urban gardening is on the rise and green roofs and living walls are ways to help a city green-up and reduce the heat island effect. A small example of both of these will be in the Pavilion.

D2E GARDENING WORKSHOPS

SATURDAY, APRIL 10

Safe Lawns
Time: 12:30pm
Want to manage your lawn organically but not sure where to start? Mahoney’s Safe Lawns will be hosting a workshop on managing your landscape without the use of chemicals. Participants will learn the important role soil micro-organisms play in an organic program with emphasis on how to support and enhance the natural biology in the soil to build a more sustainable landscape. Topics covered will include soil testing, proper cultural practices, organic fertilizers, applying compost tea, managing pests and more.

Rain Water Capture
Time: 2:00pm
Rain happens. Rain is free. A 60-gallon rain barrel can fill in less than ¼” of rainfall (depending on the size of your roof and gutter system). Rain barrels can go a long way in offsetting your domestic water needs: including gardening, car washing and pool topping. In turn, the burden on the local water system or your well will diminish and ultimately save you money. Collecting rainwater has become as typical as recycling bottles, cans, newspapers and composting. Link two or three barrels together, and you can save up to 180 gallons of precious rainwater. Help prevent future water shortages and protect the environment. Beverly O’Keefe of The Great American Rain Barrel Co. is the featured speaker.

Worms! Worms! Worms!
Time: 4:00pm | Location: Kids Block
Did you know that worms can live many many years if they have the proper nutrients both in an open field OR in a worm bin? Earthworms in nature play an important role in recycling organic nutrients from dead tissues into living organisms. In a worm bin, you will see worms “at work.” You will see heaps of kitchen waste converted effortlessly into materials you can use directly on houseplants as supplement food and in your garden. In a healthy acre field, earthworms (weighing approximately 5455 lbs.) will burrow up to 350 miles of tunnels in one year!

SUNDAY, APRIL 11

Edible Container Gardens
Time: 1:00pm
If you think container gardening means a few pansies in a pot, think again! Today’s container gardening incorporates a variety of species, even if you don’t have room for a garden! You can be as creative as you want, whether you’re a city dweller and pressed for space, or you’re simply looking to dress up a patio or entryway. By planting your choice of great plants into a container you can get the effect of a vibrant garden on a smaller scale without the demands of a large garden. We’ll focus on edible plants and what you can grow in containers at your home.

WHEN:
Friday, April 9 — 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, April 10 — 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday, April 11 — 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

WHERE:
Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02115

HOW:
Tickets can be purchased online at www.d2eboston.com
Adults: $10.00
Students & Seniors: $8 (with ID)
Weekend Passes & “Local Bites” Preview Party: $25.00 ($20 online)
Children 12 and under are free.
Discounts available online.

For more information, visit www.d2eboston.com or call 617-266-6540.