Going
Organic in Charlestown
Food
for the Birds Becomes Long-Term Sustainability for RI Couple
By
Kathy Litchfield
CHARLESTOWN, RI
– Mike Divney believes in healthy communities. As a land planner, LEED
professional and site engineer, it was important for him to find a
knowledgeable professional to partner with when he was ready to alter the
landscape surrounding his coastal Rhode Island home.
The one-third of an acre he and his
wife Jean own now boasts an organically maintained lawn, a rain garden full of
native plants, a thriving blueberry bush that feeds the birds, pervious grout
on the patio to direct stormwater runoff and an organic herb kitchen garden
growing mint, basil, chives and parsley.
The couple eats organic and locally
grown fruits and vegetables and is exploring the use of red wiggler worms for
composting their kitchen waste, to then use as rich fertilizer in their yard.
Divney wasn’t always savvy on
employing sustainable landscape practices. He credits the 9-year NOFA
accredited organic land care professional he has partnered with - Frank
Crandall - for being an excellent teacher as well as a constant student which
he greatly respects.
“Years
ago, (Jean and I) had worked with other landscapers who really took a narrow
view. It was, ‘what plant do you want and where do you want it,’ rather than,
‘what is it you’re looking for on your property long-term, what matters to you
and how would you like to practice this,’ “ said Divney.
“When we started looking around and asking for
references we found Frank and were very impressed with his knowledge and
professionalism. He not only had the horticultural background and an artistic
discipline, but he is an encyclopedia of knowledge. There’s been a lot of collaboration in our
professional relationship and that’s why it’s so treasured by us.”
It
all started with a blueberry bush. When the Divneys bought their property,
there was a decades-old blueberry bush which was in the way of alteration plans.
According to Divney, Crandall carefully excavated the bush, took it away,
stored and nurtured it for two years, then brought it back and replanted it.
“It
is a very important source of food for the birds. We never get any of the
berries and that’s ok,” Divney said.
Crandall
also advises the Divneys on how to protect the trees around the house during
alterations, and on regular maintenance of their perennial beds including
pruning and mulching techniques that minimize water inputs.
Divney
is excited to share the beauty and efficiency of his rain garden, filled with
native plants, and the new pervious grout on his patio, which directs rain
water to run beneath the patio onto a gravel base rather than into stormdrains,
which delights the engineer within him.
Through
his work, Divney had watched the trends in sustainability over 30 years and
knew that he was inclined towards organic land care, but didn’t know about the
NOFA program until he met Crandall.
The
fact that Crandall was accredited meant a lot to Divney – that he had done his
homework, was always learning new things and was tied into an organization
dedicated to the ongoing education of land care professionals.
“We’ve
made a few mistakes of course, but we’re trying to do things the right way,” he
said. “Obviously most people who know anything about health and nutrition are
purchasing organically grown fruits and vegetables and trying to get them from
local farmers when possible. It’s important to tell your friends and neighbors
about this. With someone like Frank to help me here in Rhode Island, we can see
the fruits of what we’d like to accomplish and do a great deal on our own. It’s
important in our small community to get everyone to realize our water supply is
provided from surface runoff from land and streams. We have to protect the
aquifer. This isn’t just for now -- what we do has an effect for future
generations.”
Divney
likely sounds like an AOLCP’s dream client. He is educated, understands what he
wants and enjoys being an active partner in the organic land care of his
beloved home. He enjoys learning new things and loves sharing what he has
learned with others. He is also invested in his community, believes that what
he does on his property affects his close-by neighbors and makes decisions
based on what is best for the land, wildlife and water into the future.
“If you start with sustainable
processes, you can save the expensive use of chemicals, you can reduce the
amount of water you require and discover more economical ways of doing things.
It’s important to work with a professional to help you optimize the most cost
effective and sustainable ways to do these things. You start with your
microenvironment. If you keep your microenvironment healthy, you’ll be a
healthier person, and can help create healthier communities,” he said.
The Divneys are very pleased with
the results they’ve achieved using organic methods. After a one or two growing
seasons’ transition, the Divneys are enjoying the landscape they helped to
design and are grateful to Crandall for helping them achieve their heart’s
desires.
“We are delighted with the results.
Our yard looks great!” said Divney.
