Jan. 28, 2004
Northwest Flower & Garden Show
Federal pesticide ruling re-affirms King County's message promoting natural yard and garden care
2004
Archived News
Visit
the King County Educational Exhibit Booth at the Northwest Flower &
Garden Show, Feb. 4-8, to learn the pesticide-free path to a beautiful
yard and garden. Gardeners can get tips on Natural Yard Care techniques
and plenty of other gardening information from a pair of WSU Master
Gardeners on hand.
King
County has promoted Natural Yard Care for years because pesticides can
harm salmon, wildlife and beneficial bugs, and even put children and
pets at risk. The county's message has enjoyed increased awareness
since a federal ruling last week restricted the use of dozens of
pesticides, including products such as Weed and Feed, commonly used in
King County yards.
In
a precedent-setting ruling, federal district court Judge John
Coughenour restricted the use of 38 pesticides near salmon streams and
has required point-of-sale warnings on products containing pesticides
that may harm salmon.
The
bottom line is that chemical weed and bug killers are not necessary for
a beautiful yard or garden. Overuse of these products can actually
damage soil and plant health. By using Natural Yard Care practices in
your garden you can save money, time and the environment. It's easy to
do and will result in a great looking landscape that's easier to care
for, conserves our natural resources and is healthier for your family
and the surrounding wildlife.
Natural
Yard Care practices often involve pest prevention, which includes
building healthy soil with compost, using mulch to keep weeds down,
selecting pest-resistant plants, and pulling weeds before they seed.
Many pest problems can be avoided with correct mowing, pruning,
watering, and by encouraging "good" bugs. If you must use a chemical
pesticide as a last resort, use the least toxic product and "spot"
apply it.
WSU
Master Gardeners and King County volunteers will be on hand at King
County's booth, ready to answer visitor's questions about Natural Yard
Care practices and the resources the county offers. Visit the King
County booth for information about healthy, environmentally friendly
gardening, or check out the county's Web site for Natural Yard Care.
King County's booth will feature:
- Information
about Natural Yard Care and practices that can help create safer and
healthier surroundings for families, pets and birds
- Garden items made from recycled materials
- A
chance for King County residents to register to win 10 cubic yards of
Groco – a naturally composted mixture of three parts sawdust and one
part biosolids. Information about Groco, contest details and entry
forms will be available at the booth
- Selected
Noxious Weeds of Washington State- A guidebook helping you distinguish
between noxious and just obnoxious weeds in Washington State.
- And much, much more!
The
Northwest Flower and Garden Show runs Wednesday, Feb. 4, through
Sunday, Feb. 8 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle.
King County's Department of Natural Resources and Parks booth will be
located within the 6th floor Educational Exhibits.