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With the public’s increasing awareness of pesticide misuse and a growing concern for the environment, working Earth has established itself as the primary source for organic landscape and gardening on the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick. There is an appreciation for using landscape tactics that do not harm the environment. The sentiment is particularly noticeable on the Vineyard.
Benefits
One of the best ways to practice organic landscaping is to make use of native plants. Native plants make it easier to promote a healthy landscape because they are well suited to the area. Exotic plants or non-natives from areas with conditions dissimilar to those of the Vineyard can produce frustration, which in turn often leads to the sue of chemicals to care for those plants. If you want a landscape that works with the natural setting, then native plants or those from similar habitats will help accomplish this.
Organic Lawns
Lawn is often the most visible part of a landscape. Many people are inclined to use chemicals to encourage growth and to keep pests from ruining the lawn. The truth, however, is that a healthier lawn is achieved by actively caring for the grass and the soil in ways that do not involve chemical, whic can harm the environment and your health.
One way is to use organic fertilizer. These fertilizers do cost more up front, but used regularly, their benefits accrue and reduce long-term costs. Chemical fertilizers, on the other hand, require more frequent application, which increases their long-term cost; and if they are used incorrectly, chemicals can damage a lawn rather than help it.
Aeration is another method that produces healthy soil and better grass roots. Punching holes in the soil loosens it, allowing grass roots to go deeper and earthworms to prosper.
A healthier grass withstands pests better.
Top dressing and over-seeding are other organic practices that improve lawn health. A top dressing made 1:1 of composted organic matter and sand, spread thinly over the lawn, improves grass rooting. Over-seeing by 50% more seed than recommended promotes quicker grass germination and results in a thicker lawn that fights weeds.
