Enhance Your Environment

Who You Are Determines How You Should Live

Tonight I was running with my Golden Retriever Jackson.  It was getting late and a beautiful full moon was rising over the prairie. I had to stop and appreciate this moment - watching the bright light cascading off the tips of the numberless blades of prairie grass.  If these kinds of things are important to you, then your landscape should incorporate planning so you can appreciate the light of the moon on clear autumn nights.  I'm always amazed at how gorgeous a full moon is in Autumn or early winter.  Then I had another thought  -- some people don't care a thing about this!

Yes, it is true that we all have different affinities for nature, just as we do for music, food, and art.  I for one consider the expressions of nature to be some of the most beautiful forms of art. Nature is one of those things that changes and expresses itself differently as time and seasons pass.  Fortunately, there are rhythms to this expression and you can take advantage of that to maximize your enjoyment of your outdoor environment.  You don't have to have the hot western sun beating down on you when the filtered shade of a Kentucky Coffee Tree could easily provide welcome cooling, interest from the light dancing through the movement of the uniquely shaped leaves, and the security of having the vertical space brought down to a  comfortable scale that is appropriate for any number of family activities.  Or not. 

You see it became apparent to me today as we worked with several different clients at Treemendous Landscape Company that studying and understanding the person is probably the most important thing we can do to ensure their environment enables them to live in a way that is right for them.  If you absolutely enjoy being outdoors, regardless of the season, then a firepit may have a great deal of significance for you.  If you are someone that likes things tidy and neat, then the maintenance of a perennial garden or pond may exceed your tolerance level.  How do you know what you like? The only way I know is to try things out, ask yourself WHY you enjoy certain spaces or materials or plants, and remember that your landscape is never done.  Just like Nature, it should evolve with the changes and rhythms of your life and lifestyle.

Harvest Moon image courtesy of Brian Neudorff.

Now is the Time to Learn Your Micro-Climates

Now that the seasons are changing again, it's a great time to tune in and learn a few things about the micro-climates in your garden that may not be as discernible when the temperatures are more extreme.  What are micro-climates?  Here's an example.  Today, just before the sun was setting, I left my house on a bike ride.  Thanks to the little gadget on my bike that tells me how fast I'm going and what time it is, I'm also able to monitor the ambient temperature.  It was 70 degrees when I left my suburban home.  I noticed a definite chill when I arrived fifteen minutes later at the prairie where I like to ride.  Before long, the temperature was dropping into the 60's and even the 50's!  This all happened in a span of 45 minutes.  When I left that frigid prairie it was 54 degrees.  Yet, within ten minutes of returning to the predominantly asphalt, concrete and brick of the subdivision, it was back up to 61 degrees.  What does this tell us?

Well, asphalt and concrete and brick absorb and hold heat.  This is not necessarily a good thing in drought situations.  Though you don't notice it then because it's so blasted hot everywhere!  Today I was doing a Quality Audit at one of our client's whose property we maintain in the TallGrass subdivision in Naperville.  We were trying to determine why the dwarf lilacs along the southern facing brick wall were displaying the effects of drought stress.  Aloha!  This just might be a little micro-climate situation.  Heat is reflected off that wall - onto the lilacs - and that heat continues to radiate from the wall long after the sun sets.  We believe this ultimately caused the decline of these plants, especially considering the plants facing due south were suffering the most.  Can we be certain this is the source of the problem?  Of course not - there are countless variables such as the condition of the soil, the watering history, and certainly the quality of the plants.  Considering the quality of the plants, one thing we discussed is plants grown out of state are typically not as well suited to our soils and climate because they have not acclimated to it like those that "grew up here."  Makes sense, doesn't it! Setting that aside, we come back to the original conclusion regarding the micro-climate created by the wall.

Working with Nature is an interesting endeavor.  You have the opportunity to think, probe, and test your theories.  Sometimes the solution you are looking for is right under your nose, but the problem may have preceded it by a period of time.  In other words, the symptoms show up after the conditions that caused it have subsided.  Keep studying and reconnecting and the pieces begin to add up.  Tune in to how Nature works to understand it's Intelligence.  If gardening was easy it wouldn't be as much fun.  The challenge is finding the next level - or at least sustaining the one you have discovered.

Keep The Path Clear!

What are the benefits of your environment?  For some reason I like to think of my personal environment as a microcosm - a garden - of the macrocosm - the larger environment.  To experience any garden you need a pathway.  You need a way to experience it. If your garden, your world, your ideal life as defined by you is cluttered, then you need to clear that path.  Life is more challenging and more stressful when you have to deal with unnecessary "stuff."  Life didn't used to be this way for most of  us.  Yet, progress and prosperity have changed that.

I've become more aware of the stuff in my life since moving into temporary housing - an apartment.  We'll be here for a couple of months until our new home is ready.  You know what, it's kind of nice!  Because most of our belongings - our stuff - are in storage.  The result is we have just a few possessions and the company of each other.  Conversations are easier.  Everything is simple.  We are more connected.  Interesting isn't' it?  When you clear the path of life - your environment is much more manageable.  Why?  You are managing the stimuli in your world.  Your response to life is likely to be much more favorable when you trim everything down to what matters to you.  If you don't do this, then you are subject to the uncontrollable influences that surround you.

So what does your 'garden' look like?  What does it feel like?  Most importantly, what is all of this telling you?  Don't ask what is happening in your world -- but why!  Why are you surrounded by the environment you find yourself in?  Only you can get what you want out of life by surrounding yourself with what energizes you!  Anything is possible within the space you create.  This is the key to enhancing your environment.  Make the right choices - keep that path clear - and let in the good stuff that really matters!

Futurgen? - Watch Out for the Hidden Footprint

The excitement of clean coal is getting attention here in Illinois!  The name of the project is Futurgen.  This will bring us jobs, put us on the cutting edge of new technology, and even make us the envy of our neighbors who struggle to be green.  That's right, Illinois is actually competing with Texas for the privilege of hosting  'an environmentally friendly way of burning coal', as reported in my local newspaper, The Naperville Sun.  For some reason, environmentally friendly burning of coal just sounds like an oxymoron - something like 'safe dog-fights.'   A little research indicates this project has been in the works for some time, and surprisingly, won't likely produce a watt of electricity until 2012.   I wonder what will be going on in the geo-eco- socio-political environment then?  Never mind, back to the point.

The problem I have with this venture are the incentives being offered to pollute our environment.  Did I say pollute?  Well, you see, despite what the MIT experts behind this project say, my intuitive knowledge of nature tells me there will be a price to pay.  Who will pay?  You guessed correctly - the future generations that are ironically implied as the beneficiaries.  The gist of this clean burning coal process is the CO2 and other combustion by-products will be stored ....  "deep"....underground in sandstone deposits.  Sounds like we are just burying our carbon footprint to me!  Anyone with a modicum of knowledge about open systems in general would understand that our eco-system will eventually re-establish its balance and these gases and other pollutants will find their way to the surface - to the environment we all use in our day-to-day activities.

So why are we really doing this?  For one thing, old habits die slowly.  55% of the electiricty in this country is generated by burning coal - clean or otherwise.  Instead of stepping outside of that box, we're just going to polish it up a bit.  Why?  Because we have lots of coal!  I dunno, is that a good thing?  We're just postpoing the inevitable - instead of finding a solution that works - long term.   Coal will eventually run out, just like oil - and both will continue to destroy our environment in the meantime.  Nuclear power on the other hand, provides hundreds of years of efficient and clean burning power.  Yes, there are by-products to contend with as well - yet, at least they are much, much more stable in their composition.  We definitely have choices to make.  Clean burning coal?   You wouldn't even be hearing about this if there wasn't so much federal money behind it - which is exactly why Illinois is matching that with their money - or should I say our money.  Illinois is even offering to insure those facilities against accidents!!  Why are they doing that?  I'm sorry, when something is right, it has to be right for everyone.  You shouldn't have to subsidize it in any way.  Who pays the price for all this - those little 'future gens' that we should be protecting with our foresight and wisdom.   

Home to Environment - "You Complete Me!"

The United States is presently experiencing a slow real estate market.  Yet, we just sold our home at full asking price - in one week!  How did this happen?   There is no doubt in my mind that having a well designed and maintained landscape that complements the home and integrates with the interior spaces dramatically helps to make 'a house a home.' A home is more than the physical structure - it an intimate combination of the structure carefully sited and appropriately enhanced to capture the best qualities of that site.

Every homebuilder knows you sometimes have to build a spec home so that potential buyers can experience their product - because most can't do this from drawings and plans.  The physical structure is tangible - people can relate to it.  Moreover, if you have a home with poorly enhanced outdoor spaces, it is a distraction from what may otherwise be beautiful home.  Offering choices of outdoor spaces with different personalities - sometimes referred to as outdoor rooms - fully immerses the homeowner in their environment where they can envision themselves relaxing, rejuvenating, enjoying family and friends, or otherwise experiencing their home - and life more fully.   I imagine homes with great landscapes might feel as Tom Cruise did for Rene Zellweger in the film Jerry McGuire when he proclaimed to her - "You Complete Me."

Celebrate Rain - It's Anything But Lonely!

It's raining in Chicago at the moment.  As a landscape architect in the Green Industry, this is a celebration to the end of a day of planting.  This should also be a celebration - and likely is - for just about anyone.  Rain nourishes, replenishes, and rejuvenates the environment which sustains us.  I always find it interesting that rain is a common metaphor for the opposite of celebration - for sorrow, regret, and lost love.  Remember the lyrics from Jackie Wilson's classic, Lonely Teardrops - ...   My Heart Is cryin', cryin - Lonely Teardrops (fallin' like rain) - My pillows never dry off - Lonely Teardrops."

Somehow I feel Jackie may have been at least celebrating his feelings for someone special - hoping to transform his feelings into a hope and a dream.  Someday we may too be 'cryin, cryin' if we don't begin to "celebrate" - that is, if we don't protect and preserve our natural resources - and water should surely be near the top of the list.  Water should also be a metaphor for good health and vitality.  Water sustains us - as the human body is nearly 2/3 water - depending upon your age.  We are a mirror of our larger environment, which itself is over 2/3 water - interesting and ironic, isn't it - and thankfully a reality! 

There are not too many things more enjoyable than the fresh, captivating air that accompanies an evening rainstorm.  And the morning often brings the bright sunshine that transforms this resource into the life of flora and fauna.  O.K., maybe I am 'fawning' a bit here - though I hope I'm reminding you and me of how our natural environment enhances the quality of life we all enjoy.  Let it rain. Yes, life is full of ups and downs - but there are more ups if we all appreciate what we have and enjoy ever moment - rain or shine!

It's All Green To Me

A friend of mine has asked me on several occasions what it means to be green. He knows I'm part of the 'green industry' and that I speak professionally to 'green' associations and to organizations that are interested in learning more about being green. It seems you can't turn the corner today without some mention of the environment, which is one connotation of green - and rightfully so.  No doubt green means something to just about everybody. Some take it literally - green pastures, getting the golf ball on the green, etc..  Others recognize that the color green signifies life, the abundance of nature, or even the Irish.  I'm going to let that one go, because while I am 50% Irish by birth - I don't care much for "The Irish" --  my true loyalty lies with the Scarlet and Gray -- The Ohio State Buckeyes -- and on occasion the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers.  Am I 'turning red?'   Let's move on.

What does this have to do with green?  There is a connection.  Everything is connected. You see - green is the most predominant color - and therefore - energy - in the universe (check your physics).  You could say there is a green 'thread' that connects all of us - an energy that we all share.  Does this sound too 'woo-woo?'   If you spend any time in nature at all you know it energizes you - it gives you creative thoughts - it nourishes you.  I just can't believe this is an accidental thing.  We ARE creatures of nature and when we become more aware of that we realize green is about awareness.  It's about who we are, what we do during our short time on this planet, and why we are doing it.  Green is the awareness that we have a responsibility to ourselves and everyone that is connected to us, which is why the current green movement to save the planet makes perfect sense. 

If you aren't buying -- try this -- maybe you like the thought of spending your green!  Oh, now there is a concept that connects most of us!  Money is a good thing, isn't it.  It enables us to accomplish what we want, and hopefully that includes taking the high road and helping others - which of course makes another connection.  These connections are unavoidable - which is why it's all green to me.

Get Fired Up About Your Environment!

Years ago it was considered a symbol of success to be fully employed.  This meant there was a steady paycheck that provided the resources with which to enhance your lifestyle - whether for taking a vacation or investing  in your home or landscape.  The word fired or laid-off had an extremely negative connotation.  Today it's a punchline - thanks in part to Donald Trump.  Being fired isn't a big deal today?  Why is that?

The reason is there is so much wealth today -- such an abundance of resources of virtually every kind, such that being without work is just a minor inconvenience -- even if it lasts for months.  We have so much abundance today that it's a challenge to really appreciate everything.  Now too much work is not only not appreciated - it's described with a new word - stressful! 

This brings me to your environment.  In many cases you probably take it for granted too.  Fresh air, the cool shade of a beautiful tree, the glorious color of summer flowers - these are all things to celebrate.  This appreciation and celebration redefines your environment.  It makes it better because you are part of it.  It comes alive!  You really can change your environment by infusing it with your attention, energy, enthusiasm and appreciation.  Bring your attention to your environment and it will continue to reward you with countless benefits - like, well...hmmm.... like a steady paycheck:).

Your Plants Know What's Right

A client recently asked me why her Rhododendrons didn't bloom this Spring.  The answer to her question is quite simple and logical if you understand nature.  There is an Intelligence to Nature that always results in the right action.  Plants inherently adjust to changes in their environment.  In this situation, the Rhodos did not bloom for a reason.  We can debate those reasons specifically; however, given the understanding that pushing out a Spring blossom takes a tremendous amount of energy, we come to a logical conclusion.

When a plant flowers the energy required is substantial - not unlike blowing up a balloon.  My client's Rhodos adjusted to conserve that energy - of which they have a limited supply stored from the photosynthesis process of the previous season.  The natural Intelligence kicks in to sustain the vitality of the plant for the demands of the oncoming growing season.  If you are fully aware, don't you forgo strenuous activity when you are aware of oncoming obligations and responsibilities?  It's the same here.  Most of us occasionally override these natural impulses.  The result is fatigue and somtimes illness.  Your plants are conditioned to do the right thing.  They understand that sometimes you must forego 'the party' to show up to work on time and perform to your responsibilities.  The right way works - and your plants - Nature - give you clues to right actions.  People complain about stress because they fight the natural course of events.  Tune into nature and you'll minimize the stress in your life and make more of the right choices!

Vastu for Balancing Your Environment

Years ago I began my study of the discipline of Feng Shui at the encouragement of one of my clients.  Back then I hadn't even heard of Feng Shui, while today many of our clients at Treemendous request Feng Shui for their homes and their outdoor environments.  True Feng Shui requires calculations - which doesn't happen to be one of my skillsets.  I am intuitively connected with nature and resist things like calculations to help me work with and understand it.  This is one reason I have learned to also apply Vastu as an adjunct to Feng Shui when working to balance a space or enivronment. 

What is Vastu?  It is a very similar to Feng Shui and originated in what is present day India; whereas Feng Shui comes from China.  However, Vastu is more intuitive in that it follows patterns many of us understand.  The sun rises in the east and this orientation is where we look to for enlightenment - or in today's society - it's the direction you want to face when you are doing creative work such as writing.  Guess which direction I'm facing right now? 

The sun sets in the west and that is where you naturally adjust your activities toward the end of the day.  We all love to watch the setting sun in the west.   This activity grounds us.  And, if you are developing your landscape, you'll want to enhance the earthy qualities of the western portion of your property by 'weighting' or grounding it with soil, organic gardens, or articles such as clay planters.  These treatments anchor the space and those that use it.  They also serve to help retain the creative energy that flows from the east.  However you approach the balancing of your environment, it's interesting to discover that when properly applied, both Feng Shui and Vastu deliver similar results.  This only proves that these systems are both valid as much today as they were thousands of years ago.