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

Creating Lush Streetscapes

After a trip to Portland, I fell in love with their streets. Flowers overflowing baskets and containers everywhere. It's really amazing what can be done with beautiful plants. If only Nashville's streets could look this good! For a better photo album click here.

Two in One Day

We'll, it's a first in Gardens of Babylon history. We made the Tennessean twice in one day, both times on a sections cover page. This article was posted yesterday in Life. 2nd Tennessean Article Matt has a interestingly concerned look on his face in the picture. Tygard has a great strategy for creating more dense tree canopies in Nashville.

It looks as though our attempts at more media attention are working. Stay tuned for more articles this spring.

Being Green in the middle of winter

People always ask.  What kinds of green "things" can we do in the winter? 

• Compost your veggies - Not as warm in the winter, and a little slower to breakdown
• Plant pansies and violas  - If you can obtain organic seeds, go all out and use the flowers on your salad, these are two of the many great edible flowers
• Get a local CSA - Find a great local farmer and see if he's growing in the dead of winter, if not two words Elliot Coleman
• Look for local Christmas Tree and poinsettia growers
• Shop local stores instead of big "eject money out of your community" stores

The Greener Side

As we've advanced over the years in slowly transitioning Nashville, one thing has remained the same. Our dedication to back to the earth landscaping and gardening has continued. In 2009, we will be phasing out of all garden chemicals, substituting them with only the cleanest solutions.

As spring 2009 nears, we're going to have many more green garden tips each week!

A little bit greener Christmas Tree

Gardens of Babylon at the Nashville Downtown Farmers’ Market has partnered with a local tree grower to provide a wide selection of Tennessee Frasier Firs grown using sustainable growing practices.

Wintergreen Farms, run by Simon and Vonnie Smith in Laurel Bloomery, Tennessee, was recently recognized by the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association for sustainable growing practices such as using natural fertilizer and cover crops to prevent soil erosion. They also practice a reduced mowing program on the tree farm to reduce carbon emissions.

Frasier Firs range from 4' -9' in height and from $29 to $99.  

Curbside tree pickup and recycling after the holidays is $10 with 100% of profits being donated to the Cumberland River Compact to support water conservation awareness.

Gardens of Babylon also has gifts by local artists such as birdhouses, dog soap, tree swings, cutting boards, as well as fair trade holiday ornaments, garden antiques, and eight varieties of poinsettias. They offer cider for shoppers Friday-Sunday during the holiday season. Customers can support the local economy, get a tree they feel good about, and find unique gifts all in one trip.

http://gardensofbabylon.com/

Back in Action!

After taking a hiatus in the blogging effort. We're coming back on better that ever and in full effect.  Our team will be posting their experiences in the world of green and sustainable living.    We're more dedicated than ever in prompting a local sustainable and empower community.  Stay tuned for the latest news from the Gardens of Babylon located in the heart of the Nashville.

Also, stay tuned to the website www.gardensofbabylon.com. Were about to be unveiling a completely revitalized and informative site around the middle of Jan. 09!

Enclave: Downtown and Greenway Snow

Lovely having a blanket of snow in March. We we're blessed to get one last hurrah from the snow gods! For some great pictures of downtown Nashville covered in sheet of white stuff, check out S-Town Mikes' Enclave.

Enclave: Downtown and Greenway Snow