Much land care 'education'—for homeowners and landscape pros alike—comes from trial and error. Another big source is word-of-mouth, which results in myths. And, of course, product manufacturers offer their own spins on how to get things done.
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The widespread practice of mounding mulch volcanoes around tree trunks is no longer considered best practice, but it remains widespread. Thanks to Nancy DuBrule-Clemente, retired owner of Natureworks, and Anne Rowlands of Connecticut Gardener for the door-hanger artwork. It is based on a public service message from Texas A&M University.
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Here’s the good news: The local and online learning opportunities are many.
Start with our state’s sources of free call-in and email assistance. The scientists at Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station offer advice on weeds, plant diseases, wildlife, pollinators, ticks, and other insects from offices in New Haven and Windsor. They offer free soil tests that include basic fertility recommendations and, if requested, soil organic matter and textural analysis. See www.ct.gov/caes for contact information, research reports, and fact sheets.
Next, the extension specialists at UConn Home and Garden Center provide multiple sources of public education and individual assistance. Call (877) 486-6271 any weekday, or visit http://ladybug.uconn.edu with questions about land care, plant care, insects, pests, and food safety.
UConn Extension also offers the Master Gardener, Advanced Master Gardener, and Master Composter certificates. (You don’t necessarily have to be part of the certificate program to take classes.)
Connecticut College Arboretum in New London offers public tours and hands-on workshops. (https://www.conncoll.edu/the-arboretum/) Better yet, take a self-guided walk on the grounds from the main entrance on Williams Street.
If you’re looking for the right landscape plants, use the UConn Plant Database to narrow your search (https://plantdatabase.uconn.edu/). For native wildflowers, try the lists offered on the home page of the Connecticut Botanical Society (https://www.ct-botanical-society.org/). Also see the Native Plant Trust's Garden Plant Finder: https://plantfinder.nativeplanttrust.org/Plant-Search.
See NOFA’s farming events and classes at http://ctnofa.org.
For local reporting by local experts, and all the local events, see Connecticut Gardener magazine. (http://conngardener.com.)
In other words, keep learning. It may be a good time to contemplate something Thomas Jefferson said towards the end of his life, “But though an old man, I am but a young gardener.”
We can’t all be Jeffersonian writers or thinkers, but we can be youthfully open-minded when it comes to earth care.