All In Preparation for Spring

The obelisk conversion continues (see picture above) with the efforts of Marv, Dick W., Maury and Dr. Gredler. They all have different approaches to painting but the end result is looking very nice. Jerry is out in the gardens pruning while Larry has been hauling things back and forth between our buildings and continues to help organize and clean both facilities. Jenny came in to get more information for label creation (she produces 3,000+ labels each year) and Janice has been working on the last of our plant sale labels. Good crew, lots accomplished.


As I prepare for my last dozen presentations I'm struck by the number of handouts that I'm producing. I probably prepare over 2,000 handouts each year, many of which are multiple pages. We all feel good recycling but I think our consideration and use of all materials should consider minimizing that initial purchase or use, not just relying on recycling as the "feel good" option (not that recycling should ever be minimized). Wisconsin is the number one paper producing state in the nation. The paper industry also represents the largest manufacturing sector in the state as well. I use plenty of paper but would like to pass along a couple sites of interest for readers to consider. See www.wipapercouncil.org/fun3.htm for some facts on what can be produced from a certain volume of wood. However, understand the environmental impacts of paper production and see www.cwac.net/paper_industry/ for information on some of the negative impacts of this industry. It's important to note that half of the worlds' paper production is "wood-free", meaning it's produced using quickly renewable materials such as sugar cane and other fiberous crops. See www.rainforestinfo.org.au/good_wood/wfr_papr.htm for some basic information. This article mentions that traditional wood pulp processes require 5 times the expense and 10 times the energy than the equivalant wood-free products. Purchase wood-free products when possible! Please note that the commentary above is a personal opinion and does not represent Rotary Gardens in any way. The wall planting below from 2008 will have our "ornamental edible" display this year.