The New London Day • 3/23/2012

Stonington – CUSH (Clean Up Sound and Harbors) is sponsoring “Eco-Friendly Landscaping in Your Yard…and Why” at 7 p.m. April 2 at the LaGrua Center in Stonington Borough.

Frank Crandall, a horticultural educator and Rhode Island master gardener chairman, will discuss how to create and maintain lawns and gardens organically. The talk is part of CUSH’s efforts to encourage residents to reduce polluted runoff getting into local waters. Topics he will cover include: the basics soil health; eliminating use of pesticides, fertilizers and soil amendments; the value of compost; analysis of landscapes; mowing, watering, fertilizing and mulching; lawn care programs; organically approved pesticides; and conservation-minded landscaping and watering practices. A question-and-answer period will follow the talk.

Crandall is a principal organizer and lecturer for the certification program for organic land management professionals administered by the Northeastern Organic Farming Association. He has won the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association Award of Merit and 24 RINLA Landscape Awards of Excellence and the author of two books on horticulture.

Admission is free. The La Grua Center is located in the old foundry building located by the green behind Stonington Commons Condominiums. Parking is in the main lot at the entrance to Stonington Commons.