Boston Flora

Tag: ELA

  • Wednesday, March 24, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Growing & Greening Your Landscaping Business

    The Ecological Landscaping Association Roundtable presents “Growing and Greening Your Landscaping Business, Even in This Economic Climate!” on Wednesday, March 24, from 4 – 6, at Nordic Hall at the Scandinavian Living Center, 206 Waltham Street, West Newton, MA.  $20 for ELA Members and $25 for Non-Members.

    This ELA Roundtable presentation offers a unique perspective on growing a landscaping business in the midst of uncertain economic times. Jackson Madnick will discuss his approach to organic lawn care in combination with the new drought tolerant, ultra deep-root grass seed options. Working with the results of a recent state wide survey, Jackson will present strategies to reach the 91% of the public who are not currently using a landscaping company – a large untapped source of clients. Another highlight of this discussion will be Jackson’s methods for producing the ultimate “Green” Lawns; lawns that are not just green in color but are water saving, run off preventing, carbon foot print lowering, and more profitable for you!

    Walk-ins Also Welcome! For more information: ela.info@comcast.net or (617) 436-5838 Jackson Madnick is an environmental, water-energy, and turf expert. He is currently on the Board of Directors of the Congress of Lakes and Pond Association (COLAP), was the former Chairperson of the Wayland Surface Water Quality Committee, and was instrumental in the successful efforts to renew the National Clean Water Act. Jackson lives in a sustainable house that he is renovating to produce 95% of its heating, cooling, and power from the sun and earth.

    http://www.wildaboutflowers.ca/Misc%20Imagaes/Grass%20Seed%20Bags.jpg

  • Friday, March 12, 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm – Managing Fruit Trees in the Edible Landscape

    Join tour guide Nick Novick on Friday, March 12, from noon – 3, to visit a small orchard and learn the ecological care of fruit trees using a holistic approach. Until fairly recently, producing a reliable fruit crop required the use of a number of synthetic chemicals with troubling health and environmental profiles. By changing the way we think about “pest control” and utilizing innovative approaches along with improved materials, good results are now possible without the use of environmentally damaging chemicals.

    You’ll visit a home orchard at 393 Estabrook Road in Concord where you’ll discuss care throughout the year, including pruning, spray materials and timing, and discuss other, practical considerations. The focus will be on apples, but some other fruits will be discussed.

    Nick Novick owns and operates Small Planet Landscaping, which, since 1997, has provided environmentally sensitive landscaping services including lawn fertility and weed management, low-impact orchard care, and installations emphasizing native plant communities. He has a B.S. in Environmental Conservation, attended UMass Extension’s Green School, and has served on the Board and edited the newsletter for the Ecological Landscaping Association. His company currently cares for almost 80 trees on six different properties.

    Fee is $20 for ELA members, $25 for non-members, and walk-ins are welcome. For more information email ela.info@comcast.net, or call 617-436-5838.

    Directions: From the center of Concord, take Lowell Road (heading northwest toward Carlisle) for just over a mile. At the four-way stop/intersection, take right onto Barnes Hill Road. Go 1/2 mile, and take left onto Estabrook Road. Number 393 is the last property on the left. Following the parking signs, proceed through the two, stone pillars, go a few hundred feet, and take a left just past the small, brick house. Someone will point out where to park. Call Nick directly if you have difficulty finding the site: 508-308-4960.

    http://www.treehugger.com/the-apple-orchard-photo.jpg