[SLI-public] Sustainable Landscaping

[Susan Santa]

Hi,
I know the community and love it there.  I'm sure you've already thought of
this, but what about crops of some sort, maybe something that can go to
a food pantry/cooperative.
Warwick is a beautiful farming community that is gradually being taken over
by housing.
Growing crops would be a lovely nod to the history of the town.
A big undertaking and just a thought.
All best,
Susan

Susan Santa
Library Director
Plainedge Public Library
1060 Hicksville Road
North Massapequa, NY 11758
516-735-4210


On Tue, Aug 22, 2023 at 4:02 PM Lisa Laico - WAR via SLI-Public <
sli-public at lists.suffolknet.org> wrote:

> Hello, everyone -
>
> Crowd-sourcing this question.  Our library is fortunate enough to be
> situated on a couple of acres of property, with rather extensive lawns.
> For three years, we did not treat the lawns with any kinds of fertilizers,
> herbicides, etc.  It was an environmentally-minded choice.  The result
> after 3 years was that the grass was decimated - huge patches of mud and
> weeds caused by a grub infestation.  It was really unattractive and as a
> practical matter, not something you'd want to have a picnic on, or even
> stroll around.  So we resumed treatment and after 2 seasons, the lawn is
> back.  However,  patrons are beginning to complain.  One advanced the
> theory that peppermint oil is the cure for all our lawn problems.  I'm not
> so sure.
>
> The State DEC has provided me with a list of "reduced-risk" pesticides,
> such as microbial treatments, bio-pesticides and horticultural oils, but
> explicitly declined to comment on their efficacy.  They also provided the
> EPA's list of more conventional reduced-risk pesticides.
>
> Our pest control company does have some organic treatments but says they
> are not for commercial applications and that we would not be happy with the
> results.
>
> So:  if your library has extensive lawn and you've encountered the same
> issue -- balancing aesthetics against the concern about safety and impact
> on ground water, etc. -- what solutions have you found effective?  I would
> love any feedback from anyone who's successfully navigated this.  Thank you!
>
> Lisa
>
> Lisa Laico, Director
> Albert Wisner Public Library <https://www.albertwisnerlibrary.org>
> 1 McFarland Drive
> Warwick, NY   10990
> 845.986.1047, ext. 102
> AWPL Sustainability Team
>
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