DID YOU WATCH ‘HARMONY,’ AN NBC SPECIAL that aired November 19? I just did (thank you, streaming technology) and wanted to say that it’s a must. Prince Charles, whom the British tabloids dubbed the “tree-hugging prince” when he began talking about threats to the environment in the 1980s, is the principal narrator, threading together an impressive range of interviews from farmers, scientists, environmentalists and more. You can watch it here.
I WATCHED A ZOOM lecture the other day that really put into words a lot of the ways my own deepening understanding of ecology is shaking up the way I practice horticulture—from spring cleanup, right on to the last chore of the active year. The lecturer was Rebecca McMackin, director of horticulture for Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City, where she leads the team that manages 85 acres of diverse parkland with a central focus on habitat creation of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows to build soils and support birds, butterflies, and other organisms.
We talked about the dynamic tactics they use and when and why–a whole different approach to spring cleanup, where the life cycles of animals (from insects on up) dictate what happens when, garden maintenance-wise. Like why some things don’t get cut back, and others that are still seed-laden when they do have their seeds collected and set aside, then returned to the spot after whatever cleanup is needed there.
(Stream it below, read the illustrated transcript or subscribe free.)
I’ve started watching just now and will finish later when I’ve the time to focus on it completely. thanks for the link, I wouldn’t have known about this otherwise.
Thanks for the link. I’ve just started watching it and it’s fantastic.
Hi Margaret ~
Thank you for passing this along. I don’t have a TV – haven’t had one for over 40 years – so I truly appreciate your putting this up on your equally wonderful blog. I’ve already passed the link (and your blog) along to friends (in the chorus), as well as others.
Also, thank you for your beautiful Thanksgiving message. How timely when my big grey feral cat has also finally decided to sleep in my bed.
~ Abbie
Thank you for the link, I had missed the prgram when it was on TV and have been looking for it since.
Also love your blog I will be back when I have a bit more time to study it in more detail.
Just caught the end of it the other day. Thanks for the link and reminder.
Just watched the show. Nice.
I first became aware of the Prince’s organic methods and farms in a National Geographic magazine article. Sorry, I don’t have the issue information. but that led me to reading his book, _The Elements of Organic Gardening _
For some good winter listening on sustainability, check out this podcast: Mind Over Matters Sustainability Segment (a web search of those words will bring you to the podcast links)
Thanks again Margaret! :-)
oh, found the NatGeo article:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2006/05/duchy-cornwall/mitchell-text.html
Thanks, TomW! Glad you enjoyed the show.
That was wonderful Margaret. I wouldn’t have known about it if not for your mention. I needed that. Thank you.