Lawn is not simply grass. It is a relationship between grass plants, soil conditions, and a complex soil ecology. This ecology is known as the soil food web. A handful of healthy soil has billions of microflora and fauna, fungi, earthworms, micro and macro arthopods, etc. Not every green lawn is a healthy lawn. This living system is in stark contrast to a chemical lawn care system. Whether home-owner or professionally applied, chemical based fertilizers and pesticides destroy the delicate soil food web, killing the soil, creating a breeding ground for pest and weed problems. This creates a downward spiral of chemical-dependency to maintain a green-looking lawn, and to address the problems that chemicals have caused in the first place. What is the organic approach? A holistic approach to plant health care that includes soil health, regeneration, and appropriate cultural techniques. Through working with the elements of a healthy soil, instead of against them, it encourages greater soil health and, over time, conditions the soil to a nearly self-sustaining level requiring few, if any, added inputs.

with Andrew Hatfield, Pioneer Valley Organic Landscaping
Saturday, April 21, 1-2pm
Donations and registration appreciated