Organic Process Interview

By M Kolenut|2018-10-29T16:30:36-04:00December 23rd, 2015|Organics|

A few weeks ago I had the honor of being interviewed by Bernadette Giblin of Safeground Organic Landcare. In the interview I take a deep dive discussing the organic process, various nitrogen levels in organic soil, soil aeration and aerator depth (5 inches!) I also discuss my first exposure to organics and how I got into organic landscaping and gardening. I hope you enjoy listening to my conversation with Bernadette as much as I took pleasure speaking organics with her.

Teaching organics

By M Kolenut|2018-10-29T16:30:36-04:00December 11th, 2015|Organics|

Lincoln Landscaping partnered with school principal Damon Englese and the Bogota School board of Education to update the outside grounds of the school located at 25 Fischer Ave. in Bogota. A classic brick building received a facelift with a sleek stainless steel door and an updated staircase. This inspired the school to do more. Lincoln Landscaping President Michael Kolenut worked with the principal to design a wonderfully colorful perennial garden, that also encouraged traffic flow to exit on the designated walks. A gathering area with benches was included for parents who were waiting to pick up their children. The gardens are full of year round color and full of butterflies and pollinating bees.

Organic Lettuce

By M Kolenut|2018-10-29T16:30:36-04:00December 1st, 2015|Gardening, Organics|

Organically Grown Lettuce grown in raised beds filled with quality compost. High quality compost comes from a carefully tended compost pile with the right mixture of brown and green matter, water, and oxygen. When all is working optimally in a pile it will reach high temperatures of 120-150F. The high heat will kill most pathogens and weed seeds, but the beneficial mycorrizhae will survive. There is a natural “cooling off” period and then the compost is “finished compost” or “humus” and can be put to use.All varieties are heirloom, some dating back to Thomas Jefferson. While leaf lettuce was eaten during Greek and Roman times, heading lettuce did not appear until the late 1500’s. Lettuce, a member of the daisy family, first became popular table fare back in Greek and Roman times.

Chief Seattle’s Letter

By M Kolenut|2025-04-02T13:40:43-04:00November 30th, 2015|Maintenance, Organics|

The President in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy our land. But how can you buy or sell the sky? the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them? Every part of the earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every meadow, every humming insect. All are holy in the memory and experience of my people.

Ninjas in the garden

By M Kolenut|2018-10-29T16:30:36-04:00November 30th, 2015|Gardening, Organics|

In this video you will see lady bugs and praying mantis released into my garden. The adventure turned into a family celebration, as we watched them climb up each plant, looking for aphids, mites, caterpillars and such. These bugs of prey are referred to as Beneficial’s, and have names like assassin bugs. I am willing to try anything within reason to reduce my exposure to pesticides. When my garden was ravaged with leafhoppers, caterpillars, and flea beetles I prayed these beautiful little creatures could rescue my precious crops. So far so good, no spraying, has taken place. My garden has improved since the release of the Beneficial’s – AKA Assassin bugs.