Magnolia Virginiana, Selected Plants of CARE

Richmond, VA, January 31, 2015 --(PR.com)-- Across the Nation, climatic shifts occur. “Challenging,” says Glen Allen, VA based The Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright, founder of the Plants of Care plant recognition program and recipient of the Turning America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic award, “all to identify plants which enable eco sustainable urban suburban landscapes." As a result, Wright has recognized Magnolia Virginiana as a ‘plants of CARE’ for its eco sustainable characteristics and ability to connect people to living green that surrounds them.

Magnolia Virginiana, Sweet Bay –
Sweetbay (Magnolia Virginiana), also called swamp-bay, white-bay, laurel, swamp, or sweet magnolia, and swamp-laurel, is at times confused with loblolly-bay and redbay, since "bay" is the term commonly used in referring to any of these three species. Sweetbay, readily distinguished from the others by the white pubescence of its lower leaf surfaces, is a slow-growing small to medium-sized tree found on wet, often acid soils of coastal swamps and low lands of the Coastal Plains. The soft aromatic straight-grained wood is easily worked and finishes well, so it used for veneer, boxes, and containers. Its flowers and foliage make an attractive landscape tree. In addition to its sustainability, what makes the Magnolia Virginiana different? These plants flourish in multiple climate zones, are recognized to enable eco sustainable habitats; and through their vibrant characteristics, have intrigued mankind for centuries.

Plants of Care, plant recognition program –
Whether experienced landscape professionals or novice homeowners, Wright’s advocacy challenges all to not simple identify plants that survive but thrive; and then, create landscapes from a sustainable point of view, seeking to reduce their carbon footprint as well as feed their families pesticide free produce. “For,” says Wright, “any style landscape should not simply reflect traditional design concepts but be a result of the right plant, installed in the right place at the right (optimal) planting season - creating a legacy of green, healthier urban/suburban communities. The 21st century challenge is to create landscapes from a “waste not, and want not” eco logical commitment: become caretakers for the environmental community.”

To encourage all to ‘dig in the dirt’, a ‘plants of care’ plant is recognized quarterly.

About the Wright Scoop –
Spotlighted by Landscape Architect magazine as an Industry ‘mover and shaker’, the Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright urges all to become people who CARE - have a perspective of conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency. As founder of the Plants of Care plant recognition program and recipient of the Turning America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic award, Wright challenges all to select and install plants that work-well for their region. To inspire others, she offers one-on-one consulting, speeches and workshops and has published a series of eco books. For details, link to web site www.TheWrightScoop.com or contact Sylvia@TheWrightScoop.com or follow her activities through facebook group The Wright Scoop or twitter ID WrightScoop.

Side-bar: Tips for Creating Landscape Gardens of CARE
• Hitch hike onto seasonal cycles.
• Conduct a site analysis.
• Develop a master landscape plan.
• Create bio-diverse landscapes (blend of native and non-native plants).
• Be water wise.
• Create layered tree/shrub shelter.
• Enable ‘critter’ and ‘people’ habitats.
• Create a garden of CARE, a space that reflects a naturalist ‘waste not and want not’ perspective