Green gardens for beauty flavor and fun

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Slide 1: Green gardens for beauty, flavor & fun Carl Grimm Metro Natural Gardening M N lG d i & Toxics Reduction Specialist Slide 5: Green gardens for beauty, g y, flavor & fun I. II. Why “green”? yg Principles of green or natural gardening g g III. Eye-catching and delicious plants Slide 6: What is “green” or natural gardening? tl di? ( (AKA sustainable, organic, etc…) ,g , ) …Gardening that’s safe f people, f for l pets and the environment. environment …Gardening for b od ve s ty, w e biodiversity, while reducing hazardous & polluting practices. Slide 7: Why natural l gardening? Slide 12: Principles of natural gardening 1. Soil organic matter matters 2. Biodiversity fosters stability 3. Non-toxic pest management protects 4. Wise t i 4 Wi watering saves Slide 13: Soil organic matter matters Organic matter and the dynamic soil organisms it feeds foster: • Crumb structure • Better drainage • Better water holding capacity • pH b ff i H buffering • Healthy plants! Slide 14: Soil organic matter matters One great g source of organic matter is mulch— like leaves Slide 15: Soil organic matter matters Another source is compost… Make home-made Mk h d compost from: • Yard trimmings and fruit & vegetable trimmings • NO meat, dairy, grease, grease grains or bread Slide 16: Soil organic matter matters g Steps to p composting: 1. Chop materials to speed the p process. Slide 17: Soil organic matter matters 2. Mix “browns” and “greens.” Slide 18: Soil organic matter matters 3. Maintain moisture damp as a wrung out sponge. sponge Slide 19: Soil organic matter matters Keep animals out of compost: • Rodent resistant bins Rodent-resistant have a lid, floor and no holes larger than ¼ inch • Buy the Earth Machine at MetroPaint Store on Swan Island for $35; floor $7. Slide 20: Soil organic matter matters • IF needed, my dd current favorite purchased fertilizer: Alfalfa Meal (2 parts) with t ) ith greensand (1 part) – (Applied at about ( pp ed a abou 20 cups or 8 pounds per 100 sq. feet for average soil.) Slide 21: Fertile soil Balance is key • A balance of nutrients fosters plant health • Over fertilizing can cause pest problems and pollute rivers and streams Slide 22: Biodiversity fosters stability Slide 23: Biodiversity fosters stability Slide 24: Biodiversity fosters stability • Diverse flowers feed beneficial insects who eat your pests while you rest Slide 25: Biodiversity fosters stability • Flowers also support diverse pollinators essential to our food supply and to natural areas Slide 26: Biodiversity fosters stability • N ti plants, Native l t trees, and noninvasive exotic plants provide varied habitats for people and wildlife Slide 27: Biodiversity fosters stability •D Damselflies, lfli dragonflies, birds, birds beetles and more eat p pests Slide 28: Biodiversity fosters stability • Si l Simple water features quench dragonflies, g birds and butterflies Slide 29: Biodiversity fosters stability • Symbiotic bacterial in legume-root l t nodules make fertilizer from thin air! Slide 30: Non-toxic pest management p g protects Prevention is the best cure • Plant natives and others that resist pests • Enhance plant health • Foster diverse insects and birds Slide 31: Non-toxic pest management protects • U mulches and hand Use lh dh d pull weeds (and don’t worry about a dandelion or two!) Slide 32: Non-toxic pest management protects • If necessary, many non-toxic y and less-toxic products now available il bl Slide 33: Wise watering saves • Level your beds • Use compost p and mulch Slide 34: Wise watering saves • Select drought tolerant plants Slide 35: Wise watering saves • Disconnect your downspouts if your site allows for it Slide 36: Wise watering saves • Use efficient irrigation techniques like drip systems, soaker hoses and timed shutoff valves Slide 37: Eye-catching and delicious plants Slide 49: Resources • Demonstration gardens: – SE Portland – Bl L k P k i Blue Lake Park in Fairview – Oregon Zoo g – Starting in July: Cooper Mountain Nature Park in Beaverton B t • Publications, programs & information (503) 234-3000 www.oregonmetro.gov/garden Slide 50: The future is in your hands – garden naturally!