Environmentally Sound Landscaping Program Planned

By Andrew Gorosko

The town will present an informational program on environmentally responsible landscaping for residential properties at a session scheduled for late this month.

The Inland Wetlands Commission and the Conservation Commission will present, “Sustainable Landscapes For Your Home,” a free workshop session slated for 2 to 5 pm on Saturday, February 28, at Booth Library, 25 Main Street.

“Our home landscapes have reflected a need to work with native species and minimal disturbance. Our local ecosystem is pressured by overclearing and monocultures, which can lead to pollution of watercourses and loss of habitats,” according to Rob Sibley, who is the town’s conservation official and its land use agency deputy director.

The workshop session will focus on environmentally sustainable landscaping and why it is essential to maintaining and improving water quality, wetlands, and wildlife habitat.

Also covered at the session will be: streamside buffer areas, organic lawn care, ornamental trees and plants for wetlands, and the use of compost teas. Compost tea is a liquid solution made by steeping compost in water. Compost tea is used both as a fertilizer and to prevent plant diseases.

Speakers at the workshop will explain how to keep down costs while gaining the environmental benefits of sustainable landscaping.

“This workshop will give homeowners some great landscape options besides clearing [land] and planting grass. It’s a great opportunity to learn about what is both environmentally sustainable and cost effective,” according to Ann Astarita, the town’s wetlands enforcement official.

Carl Salsedo, PhD, a horticulture extension educator for the University of Connecticut’s Cooperative Extension System, is scheduled to speak at the workshop.

Landscape designer Sarah Middeleer, who holds a master of landscape architecture degree, and Dan Holmes, principal, both of whom work for Holmes Fine Gardens, LLC, also will participate.

Landscape designer Brid Craddock and Dan Dalton, both of whom work for Growing Solutions, LLC, are scheduled to attend. Mr Dalton is certified as a master arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture.

Each landscaping presentation will last for about 30 minutes and allow time for questions and answers, according to Ms Astarita.

People who plan to attend are asked to register with the Inland Wetlands Commission, telephone 270-4350, or to contact Ms Astarita by email at ann.astarita@newtown-ct.gov.