18. January 2010 by Carol Whitaker.

Still watching the local media online and television looking for the reports that clarify just how much lead is in the drinking water and how many residences and businesses are affected. Nothing to date since I read the letter. I’m wondering now just how long this has been going on, as well.

I’ve phoned the port, the commission offices and emailed the mayor to make an inquiry and learn more about the situation. No answer at the phones as yet. No response to my email yet.

I am beyond surprised that this is not making the news. I keep watching. I’ll share what I learn with you, as soon as I know more.

Stay tuned.

This is the only info that I have found at the Port Authority site: check out the brochure at www.porteverglades.net/water.

Posted in Breaking Environmental News | 1 Comment »

18. January 2010 by Carol Whitaker.

Trees are royalty in the landscape. While palm trees are beautiful and provide great architecture and a tropical look, canopy trees are king.

Canopy trees supply oxygen, remove carbon dioxide (the major greenhouse gas), trace metals, and other industrial pollutants from the air we breathe.

Trees absorb rainwater from frequent intense summer storms. This holds moisture on your property and prevents storm water runoff which often carries pollutions such as fertilizers, and other chemicals we use on our gardens and lawns off our property down storm drains and into our bays and estuaries.

Proper tree shading can reduce air-conditioning costs and mitigate temperatures, even alleviating the island heat affect of cities when enough are properly planted.

Trees provide shelter, food and homes for urban wildlife. Many migratory birds rest and live in trees.

Trees are long-lived, the longest lived plant in a landscape so that planting one not only enhances your property and its value now, but has a positive aesthetic and ecological impact on your neighborhood and the overall environment far into the future.

So plant more trees. Make use of the swale in front of your home. Plant trees there. Plant small trees over the air conditioning unit rather than planting a tightly clipped hedge that screens the air conditioner but nothing to cool it.

When you plant a large growing long lived tree be sure to plant it a distance from the house so it doesn’t outgrow its space.

Plant smaller shorter lived trees closer to the house.

Watch for some of my favorite trees for south Florida landscapes.

Posted in Green Gardening | No Comments »