May 21, 2024

🌳 The key to an eco-friendly garden

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Issue Nº 508

Tuesday

"What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another."
– Mahatma Gandhi
In today's issue, we'll take a look at:
Did You Know?
There are over ________ species of plants on Earth.
Scroll to the bottom for the answer.
The Future of Farming Is Up In The Sky
Imagine a future where much of our farming isn’t done out in the fields, but ten stories up in the sky! At Colorado State University, a groundbreaking project under rooftop solar panels is redefining urban farming. Here, amidst brisk winds and chilly mornings, researchers are cultivating crops like arugula, lettuce, and kale, showing that you can produce food and clean energy together efficiently!

This isn’t just any green roof; it’s a whole lab run by horticulturalist Jennifer Bousselot, designed to mimic a forest on top of a building. The shade from solar panels not only protects plants from sun stress but also helps grow more food, save water, and enhance building energy efficiency. It’s a brilliant example of "agrivoltaics" in action—growing plants under solar panels to maximize unused urban spaces.

Early results from the project are promising, as the team has found that this setup uses a third as much water as traditional rooftop gardens by reducing evaporation. And the benefits don't stop there! These green roofs also cut down on the building’s cooling needs by about 10% and are becoming urban, ecological havens for pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

So next time you gaze out over the cityscape, imagine it interspersed with vibrant green roofs—oases in the sky that could revolutionize how we think about urban space, food production, and sustainability. The future of farming could very well be floating right above us!
4 Tips For A More Eco-Friendly Garden
As our spring blooms turn into lush summer gardens, why not enhance your green space with a bit of sustainability? There are so many different ways to lean into eco-friendly gardening. Here are a few fresh tips that could hopefully work for you!

1. Embrace the Wild Lawn
Let’s start with the lawn. Try skipping the frequent mowing and let it flourish naturally! Allowing your lawn to grow a bit wild not only saves water but also encourages a thriving ecosystem right in your backyard. You'll see native plants like ox-eye daisies and crocuses popping up, which provide essential pollen for bees. Come late summer, give it a trim, and let the clippings sprinkle their seeds for next year's display.

2. Go Dry with Your Plant Choices
Having bad luck with your blooms? Try planning a resilient dry garden. Opt for plants that thrive in dry conditions—think Mediterranean vibes with fragrant herbs and olive trees. These drought-tolerant buddies are perfect for sunny spots and don't mind a bit of neglect when it comes to watering!

3. Natural Pest Control
Ditch the chemicals and go organic! Natural pest control not only keeps your garden healthy but also protects the critters that call it home. Companion planting and sustainable fertilizers, like homemade compost, are your best friends here.

4. Harvest the Rain
Lastly, set up a water butt to collect rainwater. This simple addition is perfect for watering your plants without tapping into your water supply. Plus, using a good old-fashioned watering can instead of a hose can make watering a more mindful and enjoyable task.

With these eco-friendly gardening tips, you’re all set to transform your green space into a sustainable sanctuary that's both beautiful and beneficial for our planet. Happy gardening!
Grow Stronger with XWERKS
Elevate your protein game with Grow, XWERKS's top-tier protein powder. Boasting 25 grams of premium protein and over 6 grams of muscle-loving branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) per scoop, Grow is your ticket to serious gains.

What sets Grow apart? It starts with 100% whey protein isolate from grass-fed cows in New Zealand – a country renowned for its stringent dairy quality standards.

Featuring whey isolate, an ultra-pure protein with minimal lactose, carbs, and fat, Grow is the ideal choice for any diet. Experience the difference that hundreds of 5-star reviews can attest to. Fuel your fitness journey – order your first bag today!
Thanks to XWERKS for sponsoring The Canopy.
Homemade Insecticides to Save Your Garden (And The Earth!)
Continuing on the subject of natural pest control, let’s talk about some of your options for warding off insects without reaching for the chemicals! Here are 3 eco-friendly, homemade solutions to keep your garden thriving and pests at bay:

1. Vegetable Oil Spray: Mix one cup of vegetable oil with a tablespoon of mild soap, like Dr. Bronner's Castile soap. Store this mixture, and when you're ready to battle pests like aphids or mites, dilute two teaspoons of it with one quart of water. Spray it directly on affected plants. The oil smothers the insects, blocking their breathing pores and stopping an infestation in its tracks.

2. Neem Oil Spray: Extracted from neem tree seeds, this oil disrupts the life cycle of insects at all stages—adults, larvae, and eggs. It’s a fantastic choice for the organic gardener. To use, mix two teaspoons of neem oil with one teaspoon of mild liquid soap in a quart of water. Spray it on the foliage to prevent or treat infestations. Bonus: Neem oil is also a natural fungicide!

3. Garlic Spray: Not just for scaring away vampires, garlic's aroma is a natural pest deterrent too! Blend two whole garlic bulbs with a bit of water, let it sit overnight, then strain it into a quart jar. Add a half cup of vegetable oil, a teaspoon of mild liquid soap, and enough water to fill the jar. Use one cup of this mix with a quart of water and spray liberally on infested plants to keep the pests at bay.

These simple, natural solutions not only keep your garden healthy but also protect the environment and the beneficial creatures that visit your green space. Try them out!
Blossom Your Wealth with Masterworks
Masterworks is taking on the billionaires at their own game, buying up paintings by world-class artists like Banksy and Picasso, and securitizing them for its investors. 

When Masterworks sells a painting – like the 16 it's already sold – investors reap their portion of the net proceeds. Its investors have already received proceeds from more than $47 million in sales, realizing annualized net returns of 17.8%, 21.5%, 35% and more.

Now, Masterworks wants to do the same thing for you. By qualifying every offering with the SEC, Masterworks makes it easy for everyday people to invest in multi-million dollar paintings. Offerings can sell out in just minutes, but as a trusted partner, The Canopy readers can skip the waitlist to join here.
Thanks to Masterworks for sponsoring The Canopy. Past performance is not indicative of future returns, investing involves risk. See disclosures masterworks.com/cd.
Reflections:
  •  Did You Know: 400,000
  •  Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide the most beautiful photography. With its vibrant orange, red, and golden hues, it's like nothing like we've ever seen before. We're eager to see your favorite sunrise or sunset photos. Reply to this email with your best sun-based pictures for a chance to be featured in next Wednesday's newsletter! 
  • Cat of the Day, Lucky: Meet Lucky, the feline marvel who just proved that age is just a number by turning 19 and still...
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