GROW GREEN

At Stonington Gardens we’re committed to the ecological health of our community, our country and the planet. We practice sustainable growth – meeting the needs of the present without comprising future generation’s ability to meet their own needs. We support growers and suppliers who share our concerns and promise towards ‘green’ solutions to the reduction of greenhouse gas, energy consumption and post consumer waste.  We believe strong cultural practices are the key to minimizing impact in the landscape.

Reuse, Renew and Recycle: We welcome our customers to return used nursery pots and flats which we in turn reuse or recycle whenever possible. We encourage our suppliers to offer plant material in biodegradable fiber pots and purchase these when offered. We compost all non-diseased plant material and soil.  We recycle all office paper, soda cans and bottles and reuse cardboard and plastic bags.

Organic Alternatives: We offer safe solutions for pest and disease control through organic fertilizers, compost and natural pest control. We follow accepted IPM (Integrated Pest Management) techniques consistently which employs close monitoring, strong cultural practices, and the least toxic method of treatment possible. The chemicals that we do use are low impact. We use no RUP's- restricted use pesticides.  We strongly encourage our customers to limit or eliminate broad-spectrum pesticides that runoff into local waterways and destroy aquatic habitats.  We support and encourage our customers with special requests for specific organic alternatives.

Native Plants: We offer a wide selection of native plants designed to reduce the need for fertilizers, and chemical pest and disease control products. Native plants also provide support for beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies and sustain our native ecosystem and its inhabitants.  We would like to encourage homeowners to replace some of their turf with ornamental grasses, native perennials and other water-wise alternatives. 

Plant a Tree: At Stonington Gardens we feature a wide selection of shade and evergreen trees. Depending on location, species, size, and condition, shade from trees can reduce utility bills for air conditioning in residential and commercial buildings by 15-50 percent. Trees, through their shade and transpiration, provide natural "low-tech" cooling that means less need to build additional dams, power plants, and nuclear generators. Trees also reduce carbon, noise levels, and water runoff while improving air quality.