Did you read Martha’s post about Tweetups? Did you think she was a little crazy? Did you say to yourself, Yeah, right! Who would actually do something like a Tweetup? Ummm….ME! In the fall of 2011 I had the honor of listening to Laura Huffman, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy of Texas speak at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University. The topic of her conversation was “Water Is Not An Option: Texas’ Broken... MORE >
Previously in I LOVE WATER…FOUNTAINS (But Not Everyone Does) it was clear I have some favorite water fountains. So, who doesn’t love water fountains? Namely owners and here are three reasons why: Illegal Water Use – during times of drought municipalities often implement water restrictions which may require the fountains to be turned off. Power – water weighs 8.34 pounds per gallon, which means Buckingham Fountain moves about 3500 tons of water each hour which takes a lot of energy... MORE >
Unless your tree is flocked or a funky colored artificial (PVC) tree chances are your tree this year will be green. The question is how “green” (sustainable) will your tree be? Previously we covered the connection of trees to water so you already know the many benefits trees have on the environment, but what happens when millions of trees are cut for temporary holiday displays and could an artificial tree perhaps actually be greener? 40 million to 45 million trees are... MORE >
Ranger Rick or Landscape Larry? Last century and 5 decades ago when I was a senior in high school my recommended career paths (based on an aptitude evaluation) were Landscape Architecture or Forestry. I chose Landscape Architecture, but have always been a tree hugger at heart. In an Urban Environment, Trees and Water are intertwined mutually beneficial to each other as well as the Environment as a whole. Here are some of the amazing beneficial qualities of trees. Air Quality... MORE >
When 55 gallons are just not enough or when you have more than 8 pots to water, a cistern may be in order. A cistern is a really BIG Water Butt and provides a little more flexibility than just being able to water pots. However, cisterns bring on a whole new set of problems like: aesthetics, neighbor’s opinions and loss of municipal revenues. When placed above ground they can make quite the architectural statement or in the opinion of the... MORE >
“The Big Thirst” by Charles Fishman 1. References - on my Kindle the sources sited take up 40% of the book. In the print edition the references are in much smaller print so they take up less space, but they are still there. Unbelievably Fishman also makes them available on line. 2. Worldly Perspective - Fishman takes the reader on a journey around the world, into the galaxy and into the center of the earth. 3. Down to Earth -... MORE >
