As the seasonal ritual of spraying, weed killing, fertilizing and gardening gets underway, a group of 26 professional landscapers formed the first U.S. organic landscapers’ association, the Long Island Organic Horticultural Association. “We are going to change the market,” says Neil Lewis, executive director of the Long Island Neighborhood Network, the group that initiated the effort. The Network is also working to make Long Island the home of the first organic golf courses. It won a lawsuit last year which mandates that all new public golf courses in Suffolk County (the eastern half of Long Island) must consider organic methods in their plans.
In Westhampton, Long Island, Jeff Frank of the Lyceum teaches organic methods to landscapers. “We are the only school in the country teaching these methods, which is the saddest thing I could tell you.” Part of his curriculum focuses on long term management; using organic methods initially costs more, but in the long run they cut expenses and restore landscapes to greater natural health.
Organic landscaping is backed by numerous environmental and breast cancer organizations on Long Island. The Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition hands out “I am Fed Naturally,” pink flags for homeowners to proudly display on their organically-managed property. Says Karen Miller, president, “When people call on their tried and true professionals, we are encouraging them to say, ‘I want you back, but without those toxic chemicals.'”
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