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The Words We Use |
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 "What a beautiful garden," the passerby suggested, "but it must take a lot of work."
At first, I agreed, but upon reflection, I decided I should not have.
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Getting More Green - Your Return on Investment in Plants
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By Evelyn Alemanni, AIB Judge and Board Member High return investments have been hard to find these days. The stock market tanked and housing prices are diving to lows not seen in years.
Turns out we've been searching for green in the wrong place. Turn your sights to the garden and you'll see a much higher return on your investments.
Plant a $2 dollar pack of tomato plants and reap $25 or more in delicious, sun ripened tomatoes ready for salads and sandwiches. One of my favorites is the $2.25 packet of basil seeds that will yield flavorful leaves for more than $50 in pesto!
Dollar for dollar, investments in plants yield high returns. Short term return - food on the table, flowers for your home. Long term? Studies tell us that landscaping can add value to your home or business property, even in a declining market. Studies show how plants add "green" to your life... financially, physically, emotionally, intellectually. |
| Thwarting Thieves with Flowers |
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 After learning that burglars were less likely to target homes on flower-lined streets, neighbors in the Tokyo district of Suginami launched Operation Flower in their community, and burglaries plummeted almost 80 percent. Read full article. |
| Green Roofs Required in Toronto |
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The recently adopted Green Roof Bylaw requires a green roof for all new development that measures at least 21,500 square feet.
The Bylaw will go into effect next year for new residential and commercial buildings, and in 2011 for institutional buildings.
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| Have a Story or Photos to Share? |
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We would love to hear from you! Tell us about AIB activities in your community, or let us know about a community you have visited that should get involved with AIB. E-mail your story to Laura Kunkle, LKunkle@ofa.org. |
