Join the Ecological Landscaping Association on Saturday, May 21 at Look Memorial Park in Florence, Massachusetts from 10 – noon, and then move on to Rocky Hill co-Housing in Northampton, Massachusetts from noon – 2 pm, for an informative walking tour of two successful, ecological lawns, with co-hosts Bernadette Giblin and Julie Meyer.  Look Memorial Park is a 157 acre private park, one of two organic lawn demonstration projects in Western Massachusetts.  The Pines Theater is being transitioned from a traditional turf management program to organic, non-soluble, slow release fertilizers and organic pest management strategies.  Bernadette will explain the organic cultural practices that promote beauty, environmental efficiency, and cost effectiveness being used on the Pines Theater lawn.  She will also discuss what organic products are most effective in working with nature to achieve greater soil stability while lowering ecological and human health threats on lawns.

Rocky Hill is a thriving community of neighbors committed to living lightly on the earth.  This mission led to the choice to plant low-mow turf.  This tour will include discussion about low-mow grass including why it might be a good choice for lawns, where this lawn alternative is used, what species were selected, and research findings on new cultivars.  Julie Meyer will also share residents’ evaluation of its aesthetics, maintenance, and performance ov er time and across micro-climates.  Visitors will review the planting plan of the property, and visit areas of the neighborhood where low-mow turf is growing.  The Eco-Tour begins at Look Memorial Park, located at 300 North Main Street, Florence, and then will continue on to Rocky Hill, where guests should park on Black Birch Trail, not the parking lot.  The tour will meet at the Common House entrance at 100 Black Birch Trail.  Registrations are limited.  Call 617-436-5838 or email ela.info@comcast.net.