Who we are and what we do
Shades of Green Horticulture strives to provide education and guidance, and to create optimal, sustainable plant health in your garden, woodland, orchard, or landscape. Based on firm tenets of organic gardening practice, using absolutely no toxic chemicals or inorganic fertilizers, we will assist all those desiring our expertise to become better stewards of their own piece of Mother Earth. Our professional staff is passionate about creating healthy, vibrant ecolandscapes by offering, and openly sharing, the best 100% organic management practices for trees and shrubs, food gardens, or open spaces. Whether your green space is large or small, the principles are the same--a healthy soil food web means healthy plants. We are here to answer your questions and solve the problems you have in your garden naturally. It is as simple as that.
On the wall of my office hang several brightly colored posters from the International Society of Arboriculture that demonstrate how to prune, plant, choose and correctly locate trees in the landscape. They are simple, easy to understand and offer sound advice. I’m amazed at how many people look them over and then exclaim cheerfully, “I like this one best!”
They are talking about the poster titled “HOW TO KILL A TREE”, depicting a miserable specimen in great distress. The picture illustrates what people do, not usually on purpose, that not only injure and wound, but also stunt, drown, weaken, poison, torture and eventually destroy trees. Yes, it is a cartoon but these things happen for real–every single day. Read the rest of this entry »
“The symbolism-and the substantive significance-of planting a tree has universal power in every culture and every society on Earth, and it is a way for individual men, women, and children to participate in creating solutions for the environmental crisis.”
Al Gore, Earth in the Balance
It can be difficult to write new things about oaks, for they have fascinated humanity since the beginning. They were sacred to Zeus and Jupiter; the Druids revered and worshipped them-I think with good reason. Their size can be humbling and their longevity is legend. They stand for dignity and loyalty and strength. So why then are the native oaks disappearing? How can it be that we, mere humans, are managing to destroy vast stands of California’s native oaks, living and thriving long before we arrived? Read the rest of this entry »
Talking about trees is one of the most joyful things I do and helping people learn more about how to care for them is my passion. There are many misperceptions about what an arborist does or does not do, and Tree Clinics can help. This time I will be discussing general tree care using organic methods and will include watering, fertilizers, pests, pruning, planting, tree selection, mulching, staking and more. You can bring your questions and any concerns you may have about your trees and join us for a casual but informative session in the historic persimmon orchard at Cold Spring Ranch in Newcastle.
The 100 year old trees offer cool shade and respite from the summer heat and they are managed without chemicals pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. There is a large population of bluebirds hanging around right now as well as many other delightful birds. You can also see the organic vegetable garden plots, all in raised beds. Please bring drinking water with you and wear a hat! There will be many helpful (free) handouts available and you may register for a free 1 hour Arborist consultation at your home or business. I hope to see you there and I know you will enjoy this friendly gathering of tree lovers, tree huggers and those wanting to learn more about our leafy friends. The class will be held across the street from A&A Stepping Stone at 10240 Ophir Road, Newcastle on Saturday, July 18, 9am-11am. Look for the big blue house!
Please contact me at (916-663-2872) or email me at vickypepper@att.net for further information.
