Metropolitan Gardening

F rom time to time there's an urge to review a libation. We've stuck to reviews that centered on organic , eco-concious and local economy. I was recently at a party with the Triple Cities Hiking Club . This venerable and esteemed group dates back to 1947. We all traveled to   Allegheny State Park  - where it snowed beautifully this weekend. At the shin dig a hiker broke out this unique bottle of local brew for everyone to partake of.  Shortly put, if there were cider in heaven Black Bear Farm Winery would be found inside the jeweled gates. The bottle shows us imagination and immediately suggests nostalgia for lazing on a shady back porch swing at a classy party where the hosts have down to earth taste. This fabulous growler of nectar brings the bubbly tasty goodness of early summer harvest. Notes of sweet ripe berry and tart apple ring through a crisp fizzy nose. Altogether the most satisfying hard cider this writer has tasted ever. Let's call it sweet champagne! It'

Originally Posted in Technorati   M arci Zaroff is a pioneer in the sustainable fiber and fashion industry. She was just included in the definitive book ECO-AMAZONS.  Marci is finishing up behind the scenes work which will allow the launch of immersing lifestyle boutiques in 2012 and several new brand partnerships that reach all tiers of retail distribution. After seeing the industry grow from 240 million dollars a year in the nineties to almost 6 billion dollars in 2011. Zaroff has a lot to be proud of.  But she remains focused, open, and dedicated to the principle that eco-fashion can be great looking, silky soft and good for people and the planet.  This is the first article in a series. Bryan Ogden: I understand you coined the term "Eco-Fashion".  I was wondering what you were thinking when you came up with that nomenclature. Marci Zaroff: When you look back on my background I had from a very early age embraced the world of health and wellness and ecology an

Don't miss rose # 11 a completely new variety. A Rose by Harvest offers a yearly show in the NYC flower district on 28th St. This is an opportunity to see garden variety as well as exotic newly developed products. This showcase features Ecudorian roses by Dutch growers. Come to the show and have a glass of wine and a laugh with Natan and Umberto. These guys have been in business together for over a decade. They provide a world class display of roses in preparation for the Valentines season. The show is open to the general public and any rose lover will be enthralled by the presentation, packaging, and variety. Some of these roses are tests from perhaps only three or four plants. It's a spectacle not to be missed during these bleak rainy days of late January. A Rose by Harvest 2012 Collection Showcase 111 West 28th Street New York, NY 10001 tel:  212-933-0301 Jan 16-17 8am-7pm

W hile this may be old news, here is the federal tax credit link for purchasers of  electrics and hybrids.  http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxphevb.shtml  also here is a nifty chart for comparing vehicles  http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybrids.jsp

http://www.opengraphicdesign.com/print/green-eco-icons-vector/ T his is a link to a cache of eco friendly designs that are available at the stellar treasure chest - Open Graphic Designs, a veritable buffet of awesome web doodads and whatnots.

A t the risk of actually expressing an opinion and sharing personal thoughts rather than the usual green info blurbs and interviews - I'm writing an op ed. My carbohydrated mind is generating - It's Thanksgiving and the gratitude for the privilege we have in this nation is giddy! Expect more of these - If you might actually like this - we can push out Cosmo meets Mother Jones and see what happens.

T he River Garden based in Cairo, NY gives us floral bouquets grown locally on their farm. Click the read more link for a bouquet of photos.