| landscape architect wins statewide awards
Chuck Taylor, landscape architect at Georgia Southern University for 10 years, was honored recently by the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) for projects in two separate categories. He received an award of merit in the Parks and Public Works category for “Creating a Pedestrian-friendly Campus," a project that was implemented at Georgia Southern. He also received an award in the Pro Bono category for design work he donated to Ogeechee Area Hospice. “Creating a pedestrian-friendly campus at Georgia Southern was important for the safety of the students, faculty and staff," said Taylor, “but it carried the added benefit of encouraging walking and bicycling, two activities that are instrumental in improving health and well-being." Taylor took the lead in developing a master plan that eliminated dangerous cross traffic and moved parking and vehicular traffic to the perimeter of the campus.
Fine line between tumble and treasure
There is a towering paper-pile on the corner of the old pine table tonight, Faithful Reader. The simplest method of dealing with it would be to let it tumble to the floor. I could randomly choose the first five for this column and the remaining could become vintage treasures. The current exhibition at the Carnegie Gallery, King Street, Dundas, is guaranteed to lure you into staying longer than your original intention. Make sure you put enough money in the parking meter. I was fortunate. The big parking lot behind the library had a malfunctioning meter. Two women share the gallery's back bay. Judy Koon's clean and cool landscapes balance Megan Williamson's kindergarten-colourful more intimate landscapes. These two artists paid their dues long years ago and now paint with a sure hand and eye.
Dig this: Putter in the yard and you'll feel better
Just strolling through a garden or, for that matter, seeing one out your window, can lower blood pressure, reduce stress and ease pain, studies show. Get out there and start digging, and the benefits multiply. "It's so basic," says Joy Harrison, past executive director of the American Horticultural Therapy Association. "You go out and putter in the backyard, and it makes you feel better." While it may be basic and even old-fashioned, using gardening as a health care tool is blossoming. New or refurbished hospitals, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes increasingly come equipped with "healing" or "therapeutic" gardens where patients and staff can get away from sterile, indoor surroundings. Many also offer patients a chance to get their hands dirty and their minds engaged in the nurturing work of plant care.
Gardening for children
"Kids Can Grow," a summer gardening program offered by UNH Cooperation Extension 4-H Youth Development and the UNH Master Gardener program, for youth 8-14 years of age, is just about ready to begin. Have you ever wanted to learn more about gardening? Experience the fun and excitement of planting and watching your vegetables and flowers grow? Would you like to know more about where your food comes from and the nutrition found within? Then consider joining the program for a summer of fun. You'll be mentored by a UNH Master Gardener, learn about 3'x5' raised bed gardening, and work as a team with other members in our community gardens and have your very own garden at your home. For information and an application, call the Strafford County 4-H office at 749-4445. The application deadline is April 16, and there is limited space available.
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