Plants of Care, the 21st Century Challenge

Glen Allen, VA, February 18, 2015 --(PR.com)-- The Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright, a hands-on landscape gardener who participates in nation-wide plant testing, has gained familiarity with programs such as the "Southern Living Plant Collection," "Proven Winners," "Plants that Work" and many more. Still, to inspire people to CARE – have an eco-connection of conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency, Wright spotlights plant material for its ability to connect people to living green that surrounds them. For example, she recently recommended Sweetbay (Magnolia Virginiana) also known as white-bay laurel for the fact that it is credited for the naming of her community – Laurel – located in central Virginia.

Whether experienced landscape professionals or novice homeowners, individual and/or community goals are not to simple identify plants that survive but thrive: create landscapes from a sustainable point of view, seeking to reduce carbon footprints as well as feed families pesticide free produce. As a result, Wright recommends a program such as American Beauties LLC to identify regional plants that work-well; and then, other plants such as those recommended by her Plants of CARE program to enhance a landscape. “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. Identified by Landscape Architect magazine as an Industry "mover and shaker," Wright urges all to become people who CARE - have a perspective of conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency. To inspire others to CARE, Wright 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: Recommended Plants/Plant Programs
American Beauties LLC, a partnership between Prides Corner Farms located Lebanon, CT, and North Creek Nurseries located Landenberg, PA is a team of experts dedicated to identifying plants which guarantee landscapes that provide food and habitat for a variety of desirable critters. For details, visit the American Beauties web site, www.abnativeplants.com.

Cucumber "Heirloom Armenian," known for its extra crispy crunch, is mild flavored skin, burp less, and always bitter free cucumber which is an eastern European heirloom that is extremely popular with home gardeners.

Luffa/Loofah Aegyptiaca, used for centuries by Asian and African cultures as a food source, sponge-like seed pod is also used in various applications such as soaps, mats; and, more commonly, a bath sponge.

Pumpkin “Hijinks Hybrid," bred by Sakata® Seed America Inc., is one of the 2011 All-America Selections vegetable winners. It produces fruit ranging in size from six to seven pounds with a uniform size and shape. Tested in gardens nation-wide, the Hijinks was observed to deliver high yields and have notable resistance to powdery mildew.

American Persimmon is recognized for its sustainable, drought-and-heat resistance attributes as well as viable food sources for people and/or wildlife. Native fruit trees such as persimmon can be grown to produce food for people and/or wildlife while protecting soil, water and air quality.

Annabelle Hydrangeas is recognized for its sustainable, drought-and-heat resistance attributes as well as awe inspiring blooms. Like most other hydrangeas, they prefer morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled shade all day, especially in the south.

Crape/Crepe Myrtle, common name for Lagerstroemia Indica, usually developed as a small deciduous shrub or tree, typically peaks at 30 feet in height and in bloom, boasts spectacular masses of fluffy red, pink, purple and/or white flowers throughout the summer season. Perhaps one of the more beloved trees in the South, crape myrtle trees were initially imported from China.

American Holly Ilex opaca, a small tree or large shrub, can grow up to 60 feet tall. It grows from Massachusetts to Florida, west to Texas and Missouri, and is adapted to a wide range of site conditions. While it grows best on well drained sandy soils, it will tolerate those which are somewhat poorly drained.

Meeker Raspberry, common name for Rubus "Meeker," is recognized for its sustainable, drought-and-heat resistance attributes as well as awe inspiring fruit. Developed by Washington State University and released as a new cultivar in 1967, Meeker is vigorous with long fruiting laterals.

Redbud, Cercis spp. Family Fabaceae (Pea family), is proven to be a plant that adapts to almost any landscape, through prolific self-seeding is renewable, contributes to critter and people habitats, is a relatively disease free minimal consumer of support resources; and perhaps more importantly, provides profuse spring bloom which inspires all to "dig in the dirt."

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.