Backyard Transformations
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Grist Interview ; Alternative Lawns
Learn about the evolution of the American lawn!
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A great pollinator plant, black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is native to Eastern and Central North America, although it has naturalized in the Western part of the continent (and in China). Other nicknames for it are brown-eyed Susan, gloriosa daisy, English bull's eye, brown betty, yellow daisy, and golden Jerusalem (in addition to regional names). It's found in all of the 48 contiguous US states and in 10 Canadian Provinces. It's also the state flower of Maryland! Traditionally, it has been used as a Native American medicinal herb by several tribal nations. Its use (especially the roots) was widespread as a remedy, for such things as colds, flu, infection prevention/immune system stimulation (similar to echinacea), and as a topical poultice (it was sometimes used for snakebites). It is also a diuretic. Not all parts of the plant are edible, but the parts that are have nutritional value (particularly anthocyanins, the natural pigment flavonoid and class of antioxidant that is responsible for the blue in blueberries). They are generally treated as annuals or short-lived perennials and are typically grown from seed, though there are some named cultivars. Usually the petals are yellow, but due to extensive breeding you can also find them in ranges including browns, reds, and oranges. 🌱🌿☀️ ________________ #blackeyedsusan #medicinalplants #Rudbeckiahirta #seeninseattle #bloomingMore progress at Highland Park Elementary in West Seattle! These #raingardens will receive mulch now, and more plantlife in September, where students will participate and learn how to plant! We can't wait to see what an awesome job they'll do, and can't wait to show you the lovely color scheme they've picked out. 🙌🌿🌎 _____________ #highlandparkelementary #hgo #greeninfrastructure #rainwise #homegrownorganics #educationSeptember workshop alert!🙌 There's still time to sign up, on Brown Paper Tickets or though our Facebook page. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ HOW TO: CHICKENS AND DUCKS, THINGS TO AVOID, WAYS TO CREATE YOUR OWN POULTRY OASIS This workshop will cover the basics of bird raising for eggs, meat or companionship and will be relevant for those just starting out and those who have experience but want to learn more. John's approach to raising poultry is inspired by permaculture: allowing chickens to most fully express their "chicken-ness" while also being simple, relatively low-maintenance, and integrated within the rest of the garden. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Saturday, Sept. 14th 10am - noon Classes will be held at HGO's Vashon branch, Vashon Homesteads; maximum 12 people. 🐣✨🦆 __________ #vashonhomesteads #hgo #homegrownorganics #poultry #freerange #chickennessConstruction underway on a new rain garden at Highland Park Elementary School in West Seattle. The pipes on the left will no longer dump straight into the sewer, but will instead be run through a mini wetland, to clean and absorb rainwater from the roof.Green walls and roofs are another great way to get plantlife into urban spaces that might otherwise seem to have limited planting potential. Check out this great green shelter roof at this bus stop!🙌 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ From @greenarchitecturenow: Small green roofs! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This bus shelter green roof offers a unique space to hang while waiting for public transportation. Sustainability 2.0! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🌱Working with our trusted partners @zinco_canada we design, install, and maintain intensive and extensive roofs 🌿🌎💚 ______________ #greeninfrastructure #gogreen #verticalgarden #livingwall #greenerySuch an interesting plant! This is Sweet Amber, also known as Shrubby St. John's Wort or Tutsan (hypericum androsaemum). Tutsan comes from the French toute-sain meaning "all heal" due to its medicinal uses. This berry producing shrub is common in the Mediterranean basin where it has been traditionally used as diuretic and hepatoprotective (liver protecting) herb. In the Portuguese ethno-medicine, the plant is locally known as ‘Hipericão do Gerês’ and it used as diuretic, hepato protective and antidepressant. In Spain, the infusion of the flowering aerial parts is used as an antidepressive and anxiolytic. In England, Tutsan ointment is used to dress cuts and wounds. The berries turn from white/green, to red, to black. All parts of the plant, particularly the fruit, are toxic due to the presence of hypericin, causing nausea and diarrhea in humans. On the other hand, Tutsan berries contain numerous organic biologically active compounds. Pollinators certainly love it! 🐝🌼🌿 ____________ #sweetamber #stjohnswort #medicinalplants #tutsan #themoreyouknow #invasivespecies #notnativePast Rainwise Project: 34th Ave SW Block Cluster, Westwood
Check out this great RainWise Virtual Tour!
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