Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Aargh!  It really gets my goat when the landscape we strive to protect, enhance and revitalize overcomes the maintenance plans we THINK will control the project.  I admit that I get frustrated when plant material proves its superior advantage over human order and most of all, I just hate it when the best laid plans lack appropriate funding or adequate human resources to complete the task.

The Friends of Easton Public Gardens have been working like dogs to add that extra edge to the Department of Public Works.  They maintain a number of historically significant landscape treasures around the town of Easton including The Rockery, Queset Garden, Short Street Cemetery and Swift’s Park – just to name a few.  While volunteer efforts and civic support have been slowly increasing over the last couple of years, the amount of time and effort required to keep these landscapes in check never diminishes. 

I recently learned that a herd of ten goats can clear an acre of land in about a month.  They consume invasive species like a dietary staple and eat poisonous varieties like a gourmet treat!  What I wouldn’t give to get my own herd of goats - I would happily extend membership advantages for their professional landscaping experience and while discounts at local nurseries may not feed their hefty appetites – you can bet I would recommend installing a sign if they adopted a site!  Check out the recent cost savings they afforded in the clearing of a Potomac Congressional Cemetery – not to mention the environmental impact of avoiding the need for herbicides and chemicals http://potomac.patch.com/groups/animals/p/goats-fight-invasive-species-at-congressional-cemetery_055...

While they may not clear our landscapes one bite at a time, you can be sure this town is full of its own herd of environmentally friendly supporters.  I extend countless thanks to the tireless volunteers who donate their time, energy and resources to protect the landscape heritage of our unique town.  From Conservation Commission, to Historical Commission, from National Honor Society to Girl and Boy Scouts and from Easton Garden Club to your very own neighbor – thank you for supporting the mission of the Friends of Easton Public Gardens.  I encourage you to consider to contacting FEPG through their website at www.friendsofeastonpublicgardens.org to preview their volunteer schedule or consider making a donation.

Landscape preservation, education and beautification is yours for the taking – one square foot “bite” at a time!