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Sustainability Olbrich Botanical Gardens practices sustainability by conserving resources and using environmentally friendly gardening methods. According to the World Commission on Environment and Development, 'sustainable' means to "meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
A SUSTAINABLE GARDEN BY DESIGN Olbrich teaches sustainability through example Healthy plants can often resist serious pest invasions and diseases. Here are some of the sustainable gardening methods used at Olbrich. Try these in your own garden!
Grow plants that are Midwest-hardy, disease-resistant, and pest-resistant. Plants are healthiest in locations that meet their needs. Olbrich matches appropriate plants, either native or non-native (cultivated), with each garden location. (Photo at Right: Olbrich's Rose Garden features Midwest-hardy shrub roses.) Maintain Healthy Soil Use organic material, such as compost or leaf mulch, to add nutrients and improve soil structure. Olbrich's leaf mulch reuses local leaves for Olbrich's Gardens and the community. Natural Insect Control Remove insect pests by hand. Olbrich staff and volunteers wash or hand-pick insect pests from plants. Olbrich attracts and introduces beneficial insects to help reduce pests. Some insect damage is tolerated.
Mulch several times throughout the season to keep weed seeds from germinating. At Olbrich, staff and volunteers weed by hand when needed. Some weeds are tolerated. (Photo at Right: An Olbrich volunteer pulls weeds in Olbrich's Rose Garden.) Does Olbrich ever use chemicals? While chemicals are never Olbrich's first choice, minimal and strategic use of chemicals is part of Olbrich's Integrated Pest Management program to control insects, diseases, and weeds. Chemical-free techniques - such as washing plants, attracting beneficial insects, and hand weeding - are always Olbrich's first choice. For more information about chemical use and Olbrich's Integrated Pest Management program, read the Pesticide Report. This document is also available in Olbrich's Schumacher Library.
Monitor plants and water only when needed. At Olbrich, rain gardens and rain barrels retain rainwater onsite; computerized irrigation and drainage systems conserve water. (Photo at Right: Olbrich's Rain Garden reduces rainwater runoff. The Rain Garden is located between the Rose Garden and Perennial Garden.) Lawn Alternatives In place of lawn, plant drought-tolerant perennial grasses mixed with wildflowers and bulbs. Perennial grasses are only mowed two to three times a year. Lawn alternatives at Olbrich include the Meadow Garden, Prairie Dropseed Meadow, and Serenity Garden. "Greener" Garden Designs
(Photo at Right: Olbrich's Perennial Garden features interesting plants that don't require much maintenance.) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Compost garden waste on site. At Olbrich, biodegradable pots are being tested; plastic pots are reused or recycled. Olbrich's tram and horticulture staff utility carts use rechargable batteries. In the Bolz Conservatory, sensitive computer controls monitor the tropical environment and manage energy use efficiently.
Spreading Sustainability Olbrich offers diverse and engaging educational opportunities
Gardens Sustained by the Community A vital and connected community resource
partnerships in sustainability Creative and innovative collaborations Travel Green Wisconsin Olbrich is a certified Travel Green Wisconsin destination. This program certifies tourism organizations and businesses commited to reducing their environmental impact. Olbrich's Green Team Olbrich staff members are trained in The Natural Step, the sustainability planning tool adopted by the City of Madison. The Natural Step strives to create a sustainable community while meeting basic human needs. In their everyday tasks, Olbrich staff members conserve energy, reduce waste, and educate the public about sustainable gardening. On May 31, 2011, Olbrich staff will be presenting at a planning course about The Natural Step. For more information visit the City of Madison's The Natural Step webpage. Community Partners Olbrich Collaborates with local organizations to cultivate sustainability through educational programs and services. Partners include Madison School Community Recreation, the Madison Public Library, Nature Net, neighborhood associations, and many more.
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Control Weeds Naturally
Olbrich Botanical Gardens is operated as a public-private partnership between the City of Madison Parks Division and the Olbrich Botanical Society.
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