Green Builder’s Expo

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Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is a Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. A 112 page publication explains the point system and what it takes for an existing building to become LEED certified.

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In a large gymnasium at Northampton Community College last weekend, Lehigh Valley Green Builders displayed a wide variety of ideas and technology. It was an excellent place to develop a plan for green living. Here are just a few of the many exhibits.

This cute little house illustrated how much energy our houses waste and suggested an energy audit.

Ever since we paved over paradise, surface run-off has caused flash floods and pollution to streams. Pervious concrete filters water naturally and returns it to the ground water. I wasn’t able to make cost comparison to traditional paving because of variability in sites, climate and size of the job. In fact, it was difficult to make cost comparisons at most of the vendors.

The kids expo included butterfly gardening, worm bin composting, make your own rain gauge, papermaking and creative art activities (top photo).

In 12 meeting rooms off the main gym, various groups presented talks on Green Building, Green Living and Renewable Energy. The show site lists all the talks, workshops and demonstrations.

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This was the first time I’ve visited the Lehigh Valley Green Builder’s Expo. I didn’t allow enough time to take it all in. Creating Backyard Habitats, Plan Before Growing Vegetables, Rain Gardens, Practical Composting, Using Native Plants in the Landscape are a few of the presentations I missed.

Next year I will check presentations more carefully before I go and make a better plan. The show is definitely worth spending most of the day.

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Cayenne Pepper

Spring is sprung
the grass is riz
I wonder where
the flowers iz

When we were kids we’d sing that rhyme and thought we were very clever. As a grownup, I know the rabbits are the clever ones.

The top picture from March 15 shows a bunch of crocus. Every year the rabbits mow them down. This year is no different. They ate about half the growing tips by March 15. I rarely get any blooms in this spot.

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The rabbits love the tulips too.

I carry cayenne pepper in my tool bucket when I garden. I buy the largest container I can find – usually at BJ’s or Sam’s Club.

I sprinkled some cayenne pepper on the leaves and a little on the ground around the plants when as I worked on garden cleanup. Sometimes too much causes leaf burn. It doesn't look good but it doesn't seem to damage the plant.

We are also using Deer Off by Havaheart® this year. Deer Off contains “Putrescent Whole Egg Solids, Capsaicin & Related Capsaicinoids, Garlic Oil”. Oh boy, more smelly hot stuff. We will need to reapply the Cayenne pepper and/or Deer Off after every rain.

So far we have controlled the damage. And this year - crocus blooms!


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(I’ve had a lot of inquiries about the Allentown Flower Show. Unfortunately, this show was discontinued two years ago. The Lehigh Valley Green Building Expo continues at Northampton Community College through the weekend.)

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