White House Vegetables!!!

This is Change Ladies & Gentleman... right before our eyes. Many may not realize, or care of the implications of this momentous occasion, but oh how I can assure you...it is quite momentous. This event coupled with the growing trend of edibles in our industry will soon create a thunderstorm of recognition. A recognition that how we viewed food and nutrition for the last 2 generations was very skewed. The importance of locally grown food which would combat many issues from oil dependence to lessening nutrition, to food scares, will begin to take center stage in how Americans can help rebuild their country. It is very encouraging to see a president and his family doing all they can to establish a new paradigm for our country.

Now where am I gonna put my asparagus?

Save our Ancient Forest

After having the opportunity to walk the "Hill Tract" this past weekend, I was amazed at such a pristine piece of land in the middle of Davidson County. Friends of Warner Parks has been working tirelessly trying to raise a little under 11 million to purchase this old growth forest. It is well worth the money, too. There are said to be very few pieces of land in the southeast with the density of diversity. I would urge you to look more into this as an investment in our future generations. As farmland after forest is bought up, cleared and developed without a true understanding of the footprint we leave behind, we must see ourselves as stewards and not only owners of this very diverse land. For more information on how you can contribute to this cause, please visit http://www.friendsofwarnerparks.com/ht_index.html

Story of Stuff

(Click Image to View)
A friend of mine recently told me about this little movie found on the internet that is a quick look into our current commerce situation. Upon finishing the film, I admit I wasn't completely shocked at some of the main issues being discussed. I had heard "snippits" of similar information in my time, however, I must say I had never heard them all laid out in such a simple fashion. Simply put, our world is operating on a broken system. We are obviously witnessing the breakdown right before our very eyes in this country with all the bailouts, credit implosions, and environmental issues. Clips like these are gaining greater attention as light begins to dawn on the people of this world. Unfortunately, the issues discussed in the film are quite magnanimous and, like large giants, take time to change direction. The first step is always to enlighten, the next is to begin taking steps in the right direction, no matter how small. As a business owner and inhabitant of our one planet, I know I must find ways of continually lessening both my environmental impact as well as that of my customer who is inherently my "consumer." My livelihood depends on my commerce counterpart for whom I will be forever grateful. My ultimate hope is that Gardens of Babylon can make an honest future teaching our community the importance of organic growing and sustainable landscape practices, no matter their "budget." Rest assured, I will do my best, but for now, enjoy the show.

Lawn Mowers of the Stone Age

Many people are unaware of the pollution caused by the common mower. The truth is many mowers are still in the stone age. There has been very little regulation when it comes the small engines. This oversight has cost us dearly. One mower running for an hour produces as much CO2 and chemical emissions as 40 cars on the road. A bit disturbing, I will agree.

This is a great site that lays out the harmful effects of inefficient mowers on the environment.

http://www.peoplepoweredmachines.com/faq-environment.htm