National Register of Big Trees
The nonprofit conservation group American Forests has released this year's additions to the National Register of Big Trees. The list has a new online format, which is searchable by species and location, among other categories. This is the 70th anniversary of the list, which now has a total of 733 individual "champion trees." Trees receive a point total based on their height, circumference and 1/4 of their crown spread. The top champion is "General Sherman," a sequoia that also happens to be the Earth's largest living thing. For more details, including how to nominate a tree, click here.
Demand for organic lawn services is up
Converted Organics, a Boston-based manufacturer of all-natural, organic amendments and fertilizers, reports that its sales to professional lawn-care companies are up 200 percent over such sales in 2009. Several national companies are ordering their fertilizer in bulk as more customers are asking for organic programs rather than synthetic chemical fertilizer treatments. Converted Organics makes its products from biodegradable food waste obtained from food manufacturers, supermarkets, hospitals, airlines and other places were food is handled and prepared in bulk. Learn more about the company at their site.
Longwood Gardens to get a makeover
Longwood Gardens, one of the leading horticultural centers in the United States, has commissioned a master plan to guide its future growth. West 8, an award-winning international landscape architecture firm, will create and oversee the plan, which will project the next 40 years. It will address physical developments as well as the evolving needs of visitors. Longwood, in Kennett Square, Pa., began as the farm of industrialist Pierre S. du Pont. Today it is a showcase of plants and design, and offers many educational and cultural programs. Visit longwoodgardens.org for more.
