Wright Scoop Urges Value Heirloom Plants

Richmond, VA, May 08, 2011 --(PR.com)-- "The term heirloom," says the Wright Scoop –Sylvia Hoehns Wright, recipient of the ‘Turning America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic’ award sponsored by Hines Horticulture, Project Evergreen and Today’s Garden Center magazine, "as it relates to a plant is associated with its proven history of sustainability." For examples, in Williamsburg Virginia, there are crape myrtle shrubs which are estimated to be 400 years old; and, in Fredericksburg, in a garden once tended by George Washington’s mother, peony and iris plants more than 200 years old. So, not only do heirloom plants have proven sustainability but generational connections to people and events that produce folklore stories.

Recently, Wright opened her central Virginia garden for a walk-about. As guests walked the space, she shared stories of plant origins, some native and others either heirloom or vendor supplied regional test plants. Pausing to draw attention to an array of colored violets, Wright pointed out and introduced native white blooming violets, previously located on her grandparents’ farm, had cross pollinate with regional purple blooming violets to create a rainbow of varied colors. Next, she focused attention on an herb, feverfew. Named for its medical purpose, these plants were brewed for their ability to lesson the affect of fevers. Again, pausing, guests experienced the wonder of towering ‘snow ball’ shrubs covered with blooms and the smell of ‘mock orange’ shrubs.

Carefully stepping around beds of plants, Wright lifted leaves to expose seedlings. Helleborus, peonies, iris and Japanese maple trees supplied by vendors as test plants were producing volunteer seedlings. Still, perhaps the more impressive planting was a massive mound of heirloom roses. Clippings most likely transported by her immigrant homesteading family presently interwoven as a blend of pink and white blooms. While the guests and Wright discuss stories connected to these generational plants, she said she was reminded of the lyrics of a song.

In the song - Be the Hands, the Heart of God – a phrase is repeated: ‘save a little bit, then pass it on’. While the song refers to the concept of saving peace, love, and light Wright added heirloom plant clippings. For, it is a connection with plants that enables the ability to sustain. "So," said Wright, "as we celebrate spring, a season of plant renewal, let’s reflect on what each of us can do to adopt lifelong habits of environmental stewardship, ‘save a little bit then pass it on’. Let’s make choices that insure the survival of heirloom plants, creating a legacy of healthier urban/suburban communities."

About Wright – Recipient of the Turning America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic Award, Sylvia Hoehns Wright challenges all to move their life-styles from eco-weak to eco-chic – ‘green’ life’s garden, one scoop at a time! Her books are available at Sylvia Wright's Storefront - Lulu.com and activities at web site www.TheWrightScoop.com . Contact Sylvia@TheWrightScoop.com or follow Wright’s activities through facebook group The Wright Scoop or twitter ID WrightScoop.

Side-bar: Heirloom Roses

Arm and arm like sisters,
ramblers intertwine
Linking generations,
patience grew the vine.

Gardener shared the clippings,
homestead beautified.

Joining families together,
tradition glorified.

Arm and arm like sisters,
gardeners did commit
To a family’s heritage,
for their benefit.

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