eco-friendly
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eco-yards
book
Visionary, hopeful and encouraging, Eco-yards is a must-read for anyone who wants to use environmentally sound practices when they garden, whether in a residential yard or on the balcony of a condo or high-rise apartment. If you're sick of the backyard battle, this book will show you how to work with nature instead of fighting it, using simple steps that apply practically anywhere to turn your yard into an eco-friendly sanctuary.
$19.95
cad + shipping/handling
FORMAT
paperback
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eco-yards book description
- designing and maintaining an eco-yard
- making your yard water-wise
- understanding basic soil science
- replacing your lawn with tree, shrub and flower beds or hardy, low-maintenance grass
- growing vegetables in the eco-yard
Visionary, hopeful and encouraging, Eco-yards is a must-read for anyone who wants to use environmentally sound practices when they garden, whether in a residential yard or on the balcony of a condo or high-rise apartment. If you're sick of the backyard battle, this book will show you how to work with nature instead of fighting it, using simple steps that apply practically anywhere to turn your yard into an eco-friendly sanctuary.
eco-yards book details
Width: 6 Inches x Height: 9 Inches
Weight: 395 Grams
BISAC: GARDENING / Landscape
Publisher: New Society Publishers
ISBN: 9780865716827
eco-yards book contents
Introduction
Chapter 1 What is an Eco-yard?
- General principles of eco-yards
- Full, rich ecosystem
- Organic
- Diverse
- Co-creating with nature
- A variety of designs
- Sustainable
Chapter 2 Why Eco-yards?
- To protect and restore the natural environment
- Ways to change
- To restore the soil—the foundation of life
- To restore water resources
- What does restore mean?
- Read on if you need more convincing
- To protect human health
- To protect the health and well-being of pets and wildlife
- To protect and restore beneficial insects
- For beauty
Chapter 3 The Gardener
- Archetypes
- The warrior archetype is not appropriate for eco-yards
- The gardener archetype
- How to embody the gardener
- Visioning our cities and towns as lush gardens
- Chapter 4 A Short History of the North American Lawn
- History of the lawn
- Kentucky Bluegrass lawn is not environmentally sustainable
- Water-wise landscaping is the way of the future
Chapter 5 Eco-maintenance
- Spread compost on your lawn and on tree, shrub and flower beds
- Use actively aerated compost tea to improve the health of your yard
- Keep your lawn lush and healthy
- Weeds—nature’s first responders
- Make sure your landscaping service uses no pesticides
- Use non-polluting (benign) equipment
- Use natural methods for insects
- Spring clean up for flowers, trees and shrubs
- Prepping for winter
- Basics of soil biology
- Making your own compost
- Worm composting
- Making actively aerated compost tea
Chapter 7 Eco-lawn
- Over-seeding
- Cover-over method
- Grasses
- No need for a mix of seed
- Seeding a new lawn
- Suppliers
Chapter 8 Designing Your Eco-yard
- Household Harmony
- Neighbourhod Harmony
- Clarify your intentions
- Clarify your resources
- Clarify your aesthetics
- Hiring a designer/landscaper
- Eco-yard design principles
- Feng Shui principles
- Design considerations
- Sustainable materials
Chapter 9 Designing for Wise Water Use
- Why we need water-wise design
- Rain barrels
- Cisterns
- French drains
- Rock rivers
- A bog garden or trench
- Grouping water-loving plants
- Drip irrigation systems
- Irrigation systems
- Soaker hoses
- Sloping appropriately for drainage
Chapter 10 Replacing Lawn
- Cover-over method
- Digging sod out by hand
- Sod stripper and roto-tiller
- Excavating with machinery
- What to do with the sod?
- Making beds
Chapter 11 Growing Vegetables
- Types of vegetable beds
- Gardening methods
- A personal garden style
- How to make your own vegetable beds
Chapter 12 Conclusion
References
Acknowledgements
view preface
view Chapter 7
"Laureen Rama has produced one of the finest books I have seen on how to garden in ways that restore the health of the soil and invite nature back into the landscapes where we live. Well-organized, thorough, entertaining, and packed with pertinent information, delightful stories, vivid photos, and instructive illustrations, Eco-yards is an instruction manual on how to return to garden and to the sensuous earth itself, where we have always belonged."
- Trevor Herriot -
Author of River in a Dry Land, Jacob's Wound, and Grass, Sky, Song
"Eco-Yards proposes a partnership approach with the garden and inspires homeowners to build peaceful, practical yards. Rama is a hands-on gardener who explains – in great detail – everything from building soil to creating sustainable landscapes. Read about it here and then get out and practice what Rama preaches."
- Donna Balzer -
BScA, professional horticulturist and co-host of the internationally
broadcast television show Bugs & Blooms.
"Are you among the increasing number of homeowners who are seeking alternatives to conventional lawncare practices? Here is your answer! Eco-yards is a gentle, practical and inspiring guide to help you transform your yard into a diverse, healthy and sustainable landscape."
- Myrna Pearman -
Co-author, NatureScape Alberta: Creating and caring for wildlife habitat
at home.
“Eco-yards is a book that will be really useful to my customers. Eco-yards is full of hands-on practical information. It shows step-by-step how to look after yards in an environmentally-friendly way -an excellent book.”
- Shirley Froehlich -
Prairie Originals , Supplier of Wildflowers and Native Grasses
"Written by an experienced landscaper designer, "Ecoyards" translates all the design "stuff" into terms you can understand and act upon, and then shows you how to make your yard beautiful, the earth-friendly way.
- Jeff Loewenfels -
Co-author of Teaming with Microbes: A Gardener's Guide to the Soil
Food Web.
"Laureen's creativity is apparent in the ideas and options she offers, that bubble alongside the main theme of her book. Her feng shui insights, for example, are delightful. Laureen's expertise and enthusiasm shine through on every page. This is the book that gardeners will be eagerly poring over, as they plan their beautiful eco-yards. Thank you for writing this book."
- Sandra Holy -
Home Gardener
reviews
eco-yards: how to build them video
In this informative video, landscaper Laureen Rama explains step-by-step and demonstrates how to turn a front lawn into a water-wise landscape. Split into easy-to-reference chapters, the video runs for about 1 1/2 hours. This video is an essential reference for folks who want to re-create their own yards to be more beautiful, easier to maintain, and more sustainable and eco-friendly.
$24.95
cad
FORMAT
MP4 digital download
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eco-yards: how to build them video description
Using a real front yard, Laureen and her crew transform it in a day. You will learn how to:
- cover the lawn with newspaper and cardboard
- build berms with sod dug up at the yard edges
- build a dry rock river/rain garden
- plant perennials, shrubs and trees
Split into easy-to-reference chapters, the video runs for about 1 1/2 hours.
This video is an essential reference for folks who want to re-create their own yards to be more beautiful, easier to maintain, and more sustainable and eco-friendly.
The Eco-yards: How to Build Them video is a companion to Laureen Rama’s book: Eco-yards: Simple steps to earth-friendly landscapes.
eco-yards: how to build them video details
eco-yards: how to build them video contents
- Introduction
- Tarp Removal
- Timber Separation of Yards
- Marking the Yard
- Preparing the Shrubs for Planting
- Building the Berm
- Digging the Edges
- Digging the Tree Holes
- Making Holes for Large Perennials
- Levelling the Rock River
- Newspapering
- Spreading the Soil
- Planting Trees
- Laying out Perennials
- Planting Perennials
- Mulching
- Rock River
- Conclusion
how to build berms
How to plant trees
poster of
micro-organisms
in the soil
A unique full-colour illustration showing soil micro-organisms and how they interact with the soil and plants. This is an illustration of the soil food web and the main soil microbes that live in the soil.
$29.95
cad
FORMAT
digital download
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poster of micro-organisms in the soil
licensing agreement
1. Laureen Rama grants to Licensee a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable and non-assignable right to use and Reproduce the Licensed Material identified in the Invoice, solely to the extent explicitly stated in this Agreement. This right may be exercised by subcontractors of Licensee (including Purchaser) for preparation of the Licensee Work, provided that such subcontractors agree to abide by the terms of this Agreement.
2. For website use, Licensee shall post terms and conditions on its permitted websites that include restrictions on downloading the Licensed Material for other than personal use, and prohibit republication, retransmission, reproduction or other use of the Licensed Material.
3. Copyright. No ownership or copyright in any Licensed Material shall pass to Licensee by the issuance of the license contained in this Agreement. Except as expressly stated in this Agreement, Laureen Rama grants Licensee no right or license, express or implied, to the Licensed Material.
4. Credit. The Licensed Material must include in print and web-site versions the credit for Laureen Rama that is on the files.
5. Electronic Storage. For all Licensed Material that Licensee takes delivery of in electronic form, Licensee must retain the information embedded in the electronic file containing the original Licensed Material. Licensee may not make additional high-resolution copies of the Licensed Material and Licensee shall maintain a robust firewall to safeguard against unauthorized third- party access to the Licensed Material. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Licensee may make one (1) high-resolution backup copy of the Licensed Material for security purposes only.
6. Laws and Courts of the Province of Alberta, Canada apply to this agreement.
heal your soul; reclaim your life
An educational talk about preventing and healing soul wounding using Shamanic Wisdom. Sometimes we may lose touch with an essential soul quality or ability such as confidence, ability to feel emotions, or self-love. Or we may have energetic or spiritual baggage holding us back from achieving our dreams and living fully. In a warm and entertaining way, Laureen shares her wealth of experience here on how you can use shamanic concepts and techniques to heal yourself.
$24.95
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FORMAT
MP3 digital download
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heal your soul; reclaim your life audio description
Tap the power of shamanic healing to live a more joyful, authentic, healthier life. Discover how:
- to prevent soul wounding of yourself and others
- to call home essential soul qualities(e.g. playfulness, confidence, assertiveness) you may have lost touch with (soul retrieval)
- to integrate soul qualities to become more authentically alive
- to heal relationships past and present
- how shamanic healers work so you'll know when to call on a shamanic healer and more!
Sometimes we may lose touch with an essential soul quality or ability such as confidence, ability to feel emotions, or self-love. Or we may have energetic or spiritual baggage holding us back from achieving our dreams and living fully. In a warm and entertaining way, Laureen shares her wealth of experience here on how you can use shamanic concepts and techniques to heal yourself. Laureen is a master storyteller, illustrating her points with empowering stories of how ordinary people have, with ease, tapped the endless possibilities available for healing and enriching our lives.
Why This Talk
In my former career of supporting others in shamanic healing, I saw how much soul wounding can be prevented if people are only conscious of how soul wounding can occur. I also saw how much healing people can do for themselves if they understand some simple principles and concepts. Enjoy! - Laureen Rama
heal your soul; reclaim your life audio details
heal your soul; reclaim your life audio tracks
- How Soul Loss Occurs
- Symptoms of Soul Loss
Perspective on soul
"What an informative and encouraging introduction to shamanic healing! For those already familiar, it’s a beautiful presentation that assists us in reintegrating how we approach this path. It’s clear, non-threatening, interesting, and enlightening. I love it!"
- U. Kurth -
"Laureen explains these concepts in a way anyone could understand."
- Carol Rose -
"This CD is excellent - practical, easy, helpful. I’ll use it in my practice to support clients in doing their own healing."
- Eleanor Velarde -
reviews
drums for the shaman
A recording of drumming to transport you on shamanic journeys, available as an audio download. Recorded in a studio set up as sacred space, using authentic wood and hide drums, this recording has the otherworldly feel of the tipi, or kiva, or sacred grove where shamanic practice transports us to spiritual realms. ONLY use this recording for shamanic journeying or focused meditation. Thank you for respecting the power of this recording and honouring its proper use.
$19.95
cad
FORMAT
MP3 digital download
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drums for the shaman audio description
ONLY use this recording for shamanic journeying or focused meditation. Thank you for respecting the power of this recording and honouring its proper use.
About the Drums Used in this Recording
I purchased the Taos Drum used in Track 3 in Taos, New Mexico in 1993 where First Nations people have made beautiful log drums for centuries. I fell in love with the heart-shaped drum heads and the deep, rich sound. The log is from a cottonwood tree and the hide is oxhide. In this track I drum on both sides of the log drum.
On Track 4, I use a deerhide frame drum that I bought at Westlands Gallery and Bookstore in Cochrane. The drum has a painting of a blue eagle against a yellow sun on the front. This drum has a singing quality which invites listeners to a divine space.
drums for the shaman audio details
drums for the shaman audio tracks
- Calling in the Directions: Laureen Rama speaks and rattles to call in the spirits of the 7 directions to create sacred space for spiritual practice.
- Preparing to Journey: Laureen Rama speaks to relax and focus you on your intention for your journey.
- Drumming: 23 minutes of resonant double drumming on a large Taos drum--a hollowed cottonwood log covered with oxhide.
- Callback drumming at the end signals you to return.
- Drumming: 30 minutes of soothing drumming on a cedar frame drum covered with deer hide.
- Callback drumming at the end signals you to return.
Single Drumming
Double Drumming
"This CD is a wonderful product for anyone to receive help from within. I tried other drum CDs,
but none worked as well as this one!"
- Denise Galambos -
- laureen rama -
"My clients kept saying they couldn't find a drum CD that worked as well as my magical drums, so I recorded this CD. I included 'calling in the directions' as people often feel hesitant, especially as beginners, to do this on their own. This CD has everything you need to begin your journey. Enjoy!"
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our owner & lead designer
introducing
laureen rama
eco-friendly landscaping pioneer, expert, and business owner for 18 years
Laureen Rama has been an eco-friendly landscaping pioneer, expert, and business owner in the Calgary area for over 18 years.
She is renowned for her extensive knowledge of local plants, particularly with respect to flowers, and for designing yards that are both beautiful and colourful all year round.
Laureen is also known for listening deeply to hear clients’ concerns and desires. She gently helps clients determine which plants and features would best suit their desires, lifestyles, and budgets.
Laureen leads a team of exceptional landscape designers and partners. She makes a point to ensure that she is present for all initial in-person consultations and personally oversees each design.
Laureen continues to be an industry pioneer by emphasizing sustainability in her designs and partnering with contractors who share her values and commitments about regenerating the natural world through eco-friendly urban landscaping.
get to know laureen
how to achieve a pleasing colour palette throughout the year
In this article, Laureen shares how to design your garden beds so they are a changing symphony of colour all year-round.
How to make your eco-friendly landscape child-friendly
Laureen describes ways that you can make your yard a fun sanctuary, play space and learning laboratory for children.
Coming soon
how to optimize the use of rainwater in your eco-friendly landscape
Rainwater can be saved in many ways. Your yard can be designed to optimize the use of your rainwater to minimize the need for watering.
coming soon
how to support the well-being of essential local pollinators
Ideas and resources you can use to support pollinators in your yard. Become a part of a world-wide movement to restore food and habitat for these essential beings.
best practices for maintaining your eco-friendly, water-wise landscaping
Maintaining your eco-friendly yard can be easy and not much work if you follow the practices Laureen shares in this article.
coming soon
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landscape design and installation
from $9950
Our expert team will create a custom landscape design according to your specifications. We will ensure that your design is both easy to maintain and will provide you with year-round beauty. We will then match you with a full-service contractor who best fits you and the requirements of your landscape design to install your project.
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NOTE
Projects with budgets less than $9950 will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We may do the design or we will match you with reputable contractors to do the design and installation.
landscape
design
FROM $600
Our expert team will create a custom landscape design according to your specifications. With 18 years experience designing and installing yards in Calgary, we know what works best here. We will ensure that your yard is both easy to maintain and will provide you with year-round beauty.
Your yard will be functional, water-wise, and a delight to you and your neighbours!
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on-site eco-friendly landscaping consultation
on-site eco-friendly landscaping consultation
$250
per 1.5 hours
Laureen, and usually a team member, visit your yard to meet with you and provide useful advice on whatever concerns you have for your yard. We can provide sketches, suggest where you can get the materials you may need to implement the suggestions, and generally encourage you to make the most of your yard.
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rainwater management design with optional installation
FROM $250
Our expert team will design a system to best manage rainwater in your yard. We can provide installation too if you need that, with one of our team or through matching you with a contractor.
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rain barrel or
rain tank
installation
Pricing varies by system
We offer rain barrel and rain tank installation. This is to make it easy to collect and use rainwater for your gardens. With climate change creating drought conditions more often, it is more likely that we will have outdoor watering restrictions as we are now experiencing in Calgary.
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rain barrel
or
rain tank
installation
we know all the best people
It's our pleasure to introduce you to calgary's finest eco-friendly landscaping contractors
come meet our partners
we take our role in creating a healthy future for our children and the world seriously
that's why we place Sustainability at the heart of everything we do
We partner with Bullfrog Power to keep our business as net-zero as we can for carbon emissions. We purchase the highest quality carbon offsets available in Canada from Bullfrog Power for our transportation use. We also purchase Bullfrog renewable energy certificates equal to our home office use of electricity and natural gas. Bullfrog’s green electricity comes from a blend of wind, solar, and low-impact hydro power sourced from new Canadian renewable energy facilities. Bullfrog’s green natural gas comes from organic waste at a landfill.
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DESIGNED WITH LOVE BY CURATOR
She transformed my boring lawn
into an interesting, creative
and functional garden which
beautifully displays native plants.
- todd -
Laureen clearly loves her work. She is creative, listens carefully, asks good
questions, and has a light and pleasant touch with advice.
- pat -
I continued getting compliments about how great my front yard looks, so I hired laureen again this past spring to landscape my backyard!
- ken -
Our garden is low maintenance and attractive, with different shrubs and perennials flowering throughout
spring and summer.
- catherine and hans -
I love the installed design, from the rock river to the type, variety, and placement of the plants. Laureen was great to work with throughout the whole process!
- carol -
Me and gardening don’t go together. It has been an excellent move to use Laureen’s services. She is patient, calm, and very knowledgeable.
- line -
Laureen and her crew have always been conscientious and accommodating
...not easy things to accomplish in the landscaping field.
- jan and jacques -
“We brag about how quick and easy it is [to look after]. You developed a plan that met all of our needs and wants.”
Ryan l.
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