Monarch Garden Box

Comment

Comment by Ericka Cero Wood on December 10, 2009 at 1:50pm

Yes, I have been to the redwood forests of CA, truly one of the lungs of the earth. I poked around and found some info on Redwoods that may be of interest:
Today, over 95% of the original redwood forest area has been logged at least once. Much of that logged forest land now supports young-growth forest. Most redwood lumber produced today comes from second- or third- growth forests, i.e., forests that have already been logged once or twice. Timber companies have little old-growth left to cut. Over 95% of the remaining old growth is in parks and preserves. Today, fewer than 106,000 acres (5%) of these ancient coast redwood forests remain.

I am sure that these stats can be said about other forests that have been harvested throughout the US, hopefully what little old growth that remains can be protected forever. Trees can be considered one of the few truly sustainable assets that we have, since as long as climate change is kept in check we can continue to re-plant harvested areas hopefully with biodiversity in mind and not plantations.

Comment by Lynne Sczruba on December 6, 2009 at 10:39am

Thanks for your comments Dianne. I love the Santa Rosa area ... some nice wineries! It can be a challenge finding redwood lumber in AZ but I'm determined to use it!

Comment by Chris Byers on December 6, 2009 at 10:15am

Lynn, excellent point about the sustainablity of the modern forest harvesting techniques. The 20's and 30's are a long time ago.

Comment by Dianne Felder on December 6, 2009 at 9:54am

Good Morning Lynne,
I just want to thank you so much for sharing your knowledge of this subject. So many people are uninformed about the headway made in protecting our forests, especially here in the US. I moved here from Santa Rosa, CA and although we only had the wonderful experience of the Giant Redwoods a couple of times, we were fortunate that along the short jaunt to the coast there was a lovely forest and park with smaller redwoods and fern groves that allowed us to enjoy these wonderful trees close to home. They also jotted the landscape along parts of the Russian River and it was a tree we could plant with confidence in our yards. I wish the wood was as easy to come by here in the valley as it is in N. Calif and OR and priced as reasonably.

Comment by Lynne Sczruba on December 6, 2009 at 5:04am

Ericka, I should have also mentioned that the qualities of redwood mean things made with it will last many, many years which adds to its sustainable nature. I provide a bit more information about it on my website: https://www.monarchgardenbox.com/Home.html

Comment by Lynne Sczruba on December 6, 2009 at 4:31am

Thank you for a great question Ericka! For the most part redwood comes from second growth forests specifically cultivated for timber products. Because the trees need a moist and very specific environment to thrive the area of U.S. redwood forestry is primarily in northern California and southern Oregon. Many years ago logging in the old growth redwood forests was quite an issue. Since that time regulation which banned harvest of old growth, education and better understanding of how to cultivate these beautiful trees has enabled us to sustain the forestry. For more information about redwood go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoia. If you've never been to the Redwood National Forest in Humboldt County California do go! It's a magnificent experience!

Comment by Ericka Cero Wood on December 5, 2009 at 8:05pm

I am curious on your boxes. What do you mean by "helping families keep good jobs in forests that are now maintained at a high level of sustainability." Where does the redwood come from? Thanks!

Comment by Lynne Sczruba on December 2, 2009 at 1:24pm

No, I don't seal the wood at all. Redwood is naturally resistant to rot, mold, mildew and fungus. It also weathers to a beautiful golden tone. My plants seem to be very happy living in their own little redwood forest and I'm happy to know we're helping families keep good jobs in forests that are now maintained at a high level of sustainability! Hey, if a girl designs it it as to be pretty! :-)

Comment by Dianne Felder on December 2, 2009 at 12:58pm

Do you seal the inside with anything? It is almost too pretty to get dirty! Ha ha ha ha ha ha.