The Underground Needs You!

The Underground is an all volunteer organization that would appreciate your help. We need volunteers to assist with a wide range of activities throughout New England. You can choose to help occasionally or regularly, as your schedule permits. No experience is necessary. This is a great opportunity to learn, make new friends, and share with others who have similar interests, while promoting our organization in New England. Many of the committee tasks and responsibilities can be shared, so feel free to enlist friends and colleagues to work on your committee if you need additional assistance.

The following committees are available:
Programming
Publicity
Membership
Exhibits
Annual Meeting
Internet Technology
Audio/Video Production
Sponsorship
K.O.T.B.
Photojournalism

Click here for more information and to sign up.

Elections End September 1st

For those members who have already voted in our elections thank you. For those who have still not voted, please take a moment to show us your support. Email voting instructions were already sent to all eligible members.

It is very easy to cast your vote, so don't delay, vote today!

If you are a new member of The Underground, you may not be eligible to vote. Only those members who have received previous notification containing registration codes are eligible.

The Underground In the News!

Check out the article that appears in the MetroWest Daily News.

New Program Cancellation Policy Implemented

Cancellations and Refunds

You may cancel an event (program, workshop, or tour) registration and receive a partial refund by notifying us (by email or phone) up to the time of the event. With such cancellations, a cancellation fee of 15% (with a minimum of $5.00) for each cancellation will be deducted. Cancellations received after this time, or after the event will not be refunded. We regret that no refunds or credits can be given for events that are in progress or that you have not attended.

If registration numbers are insufficient, The Underground reserves the right to cancel a program. In this case a full refund will be issued. The Underground also reserves the right to modify this general cancellation and refund policy for a specific event as needed; any modifications will be announced with the details of that event.

Weather Cancellations

Program cancellations due to inclement weather will be announced in advance of the event (typically by email). If you think that your program may be canceled please contact us.

Please Welcome New Member of Steering, Ed Coykendall

We would like to announce the addition of a new member-at-large to our steering committee. Please welcome Ed Coykendall of Landscape Artisans, Shirley, MA. We look forward to Ed's participation in our organization.

We would also like to thank Denise Pegrum for agreeing to continue on the board as a member-at-large. Denise will be stepping down as Secretary as of January 2008.

The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Project in the News!

Today's edition (Sunday) of the Boston Globe NorthWest (page 10) has an article by Cindy Cantrell about the efforts of The Underground to install the water feature at The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden. You can read the article here.

Elections Begin!

If you have been a member of The Underground for at least 60 days (i.e. you have been part of our Yahoo group), then you are eligible to vote in the elections of officers for The Underground. Voting is open until September 1, 2007 and will be conducted via our online voting system at Ballotbin. You will receive a registration letter shortly. Please find statements from our candidates below.

The elected officers will be introduced in October at our Annual Meeting. Watch for a posting with all the details!

Thank You from the Executive Director!

We wanted to pass along this message to The Underground from Betsy Tyson-Smith, Executive Director of The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden.


I can hardly think of words to describe my joy at seeing the beautiful addition of water, sound, stones and plants to our little place…. Julie told me how long and hard you all worked on Saturday in the heat and humidity.

It is simply beautiful. It fits in place so seamlessly. The design, the stream and perfect bridge stone, the pond, the plantings, the sitting stone, the path - it all fits in so well, it is so elegant and soothing. As it melds into its place I can see it becoming such a special place for our clients, as well as for us here at the HG - it already is so special.

Today we have a water bug and a frog who have arrived. I have to stop myself from wandering out there to just look, pause, and feel the awe of something so lovely, and Julie, Lana and I are so, so grateful that it belongs to the HG! Our clients will be thrilled.

You have created a singular place of beauty which will benefit all who visit it. Thank you.

Elizabeth Tyson-Smith, MA, LMHC
Executive Director
Virginia Thurston Healing Garden, Inc.

Water Feature Workshop A Success!

We just wanted to send you all a quick note about yesterday's workshop. We had a wonderful and very hardworking team of about 40 Underground members who came together to build an absolutely beautiful water feature at The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden. Our group was instrumental in moving nearly 9 tons of rock, spreading 3 yards of mixed sized gravel, planting almost 200 plants, spreading loads of compost, mulch and more. It truly amazes me at what we were able to accomplish yesterday. You all were just wonderful! We hope you had fun and learned a whole lot too.


We all worked very hard and many of you (especially Ted) got good and muddy - so now its time to take just a little break and rest our aching bones.

If any of you have the opportunity to stop by the healing garden to see the results - please do. We will post pictures from yesterday's workshop as soon as we can. I think you will all be very proud of what our organization was able to do for such a wonderful cause.

Thanks to everyone who participated. You all did a really a great job!

Bridget McManus
For the Steering Committee

Water Feature Building Workshop with Jay Bearfield

Participants in the "Water Feature Building Workshop" learned first hand how to build a water feature — AND contributed to a good cause as well! We were pleased to offer this unique opportunity to participate in this day-long workshop to benefit the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden which serves as a place of healing and renewal for women suffering from breast cancer. The Underground facilitated the donation of a beautiful water feature with the help of our members. Our feature included a waterfall that provides the gentle sound of flowing water connects to a meandering woodland stream which culminates in a pool close by an existing circular sitting area. Alongside are sitting rocks so that its beauty can be enjoyed up close. A pathway leads to a natural stone bridge over the stream and to a secluded area of contemplation.

Our instructor was Jay Bearfield, Liquid Landscape Designs, Inc., Carlisle, MA

This workshop was led by Liquid Landscape Designs owner and internationally certified pond contractor, Jay Bearfield. Jay and his team taught the ‘tricks of the trade’ in building water features. Attendees learned first hand how a water feature should be located, excavated and constructed by learning how to calculate the total volume, the project materials needed, and how to put all of the parts together. Material recommendations, fish and plant stocking procedures, electrical considerations and maintenance requirements were also discussed.

In our previous workshop, using Feng Shui principles, we identified the optimal location for our feature at the healing garden. We discussed different types of features and how they might be integrated into the site. Using your design suggestions, we have taken this project to the next step. In this follow-up workshop we started with a freshly excavated area where we set the skimmer and biofalls filter. Next we layed the rock and gravel, placed the stone bridge, planted aquatic plants, installed the pump and when the water feature was filled with water, we saw the water spilling over the waterfall. Finally we surrounded the water feature with marginal and woodland plants that added to the beauty of the area. Upon the conclusion of the workshop participants will know how to install a beautiful, natural looking and ecologically friendly water feature.

Lunch was included. Attendees were asked to bring their tools - gloves, shovels, and safety gear. Due to conditions, tools, and individual skills, The Underground assumed no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of participating in this workshop. All attendees were required to sign a liability waiver in advance of participating.

Press Release - The Underground Announces the Construction of a Water Feature to Benefit The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden

Press Release July 23, 2007 - The Underground Announces the Construction of a Water Feature to Benefit The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden - downloadable file

House Bill 3182 Hearing Scheduled for July 10

We just became aware that the proposed Massachusetts House Bill 3182 hearing has been scheduled for July 10 at 10:30 a.m. in Room A-2 at the State House. To read the full text of the bill go to http://www.mass.gov/legis/hbillsrch.htm and type in 3182. Unfortunately we are not aware of changes (if any) to this bill.

As you know The Underground along with other organizations such as NELDHA, APLD and ALCM are very concerned about this bill and it's potential affects on our industry. Please visit http://www.apldne.org/legislation.htm for more information about this critical issue. If you are concerned as we are, then we suggest you write your legislators immediately and make a point to attend this upcoming hearing on Tuesday.

In particular, we are concerned with the following:

- that the bill's intention is to cancel the profession of "designer". The "related professions" only include landscape architects - page 5 section

- that the danger of this bill is not so much in the procurement of state projects as it is in the fact that Landscape Designers will not be allowed to compete in any project at all that receives state funding, which may include private and municipal institutions.

- that in order for professionals to qualify for state funded projects they will be required to be licensed, registered or certified by the Commonwealth. Currently, there is no such program in place for Landscape Design professionals. Only Landscape Architects, Land Surveyors and Professional Engineers are registered by the Commonwealth. While it has yet to be a problem, passage of this proposed legislation could significantly affect what professions are recognized by the Commonwealth.

- It is very unclear what is meant by "certified" in the context of this proposed legislation. Within the green industry, the Commonwealth does not certify individuals or currently recognize certifications without some additional process of registration.

If you would like to find out more information about this bill and the upcoming public hearing, please contact Heidi Kost-Gross, president of NELDHA, who will be happy to answer your questions.

Weir Meadow Nursery Tour with Kurt Tramposch

This was a guided tour of Weir Meadow Nursery in Wayland, MA, led by owner and plantsman, Kurt Tramposch. Weir Meadow specializes in shade perennials, select groundcovers, reblooming daylilies, and native plants.

Tucked away in a bend of the Sudbury River is a gem of a wholesale shade plant grower. Kurt Tramposch, specialty nursery owner and our host, has 34 years of experience supplying designers, contractors, garden centers and institutions throughout the Northeast — including some famous garden spots. Participants asked our expert about the choicest varieties of hardy shade perennials, hostas, ground covers, and native plants including ferns. Kurt prides himself in growing sustainably and organically. He discussed his growing practices and many of his interests.

A Weir Meadow plant list was sent to program attendees so they could come prepared to pick up an order.

New Feature - Post Your Events

We have just added a new feature to our wiki website that we thought you might like to know about. The main navigation menu on the home page now has a link to "LIST YOUR EVENT" where non-members can submit event information and have the details sent to The Underground.

Events submitted should be green industry, landscape and garden related only, and should be located in one of the following states (MA, NH, VT, ME, CT, RI, PA, NJ and NY).

Please feel free to pass along this information to all those who are interested.

Water Feature Project Announced

This summer Harvard's Virginia Thurston Healing Garden will receive a new water feature courtesy of the efforts of The Underground. You can read the article about it here.

The Healing Garden with Lisa Bailey, RLA

Held at the Tower Hill Botanic Garden, "The Healing Garden" program provided attendees information on how they could create garden spaces for healing.

The American Horticulture Therapy Association says that healing gardens are becoming increasingly common throughout the U.S., this amid growing evidence that the gardens really do heal. They improve mood, lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels.

Our guest speaker was Lisa Bailey, RLA, BayLeaf Studio, Maynard, MA

In this program participants learned how garden spaces can be made to feel safe, contemplative, exciting and healing. They found out how landscape archetypes affect our moods, and how to create a space for wellness to occur. We examined the seven essential components to creating gardens that heal. Participants in this program explored the capacity of the natural world to refresh, renew and re-engage the human spirit while promoting increased rates of healing, improved productivity and personal well-being. This program examined the healing power of landscapes on a variety of scales, from the intimate surrounds of healthcare facilities, to those of prisons, hospice facilities, eldercare homes, public parks, play areas and residential gardens.

Lisa Bailey is a registered Landscape Architect with over 25 years of experience designing public and private landscapes. She is particularly interested in bringing gardens into healthcare environments to enhance healing of the mind, body and spirit. She works from her studio at Artspace in Maynard, MA.

We Now Have 300 Members!

The Underground has reached a milestone - we now have 300 members representing (MA, NH, VT, ME, CT, RI and NY). Please continue to spread the word about our great network of professionals to your colleagues. Pass out our membership flyer or direct them to our website.

Celebrate Earth Day!

Do something good for the earth. Celebrate earth day today and everyday!

Water Feature Design Workshop with Jay Bearfield

The "Water Feature Design Workshop" provided attendees a unique opportunity to participate in the design/build of a new water feature for the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden, Inc. in Harvard, MA. The garden serves as a place of healing and renewal for women suffering from breast cancer. In acknowledgment for the wonderful work that they do, The Underground facilitated the donation of goods and services to the garden. The Underground gladly accepted donations on behalf of the garden from vendors, suppliers and members to bring this project to fruition.

Instructor: Jay Bearfield, Liquid Landscape Designs, Inc., Carlisle, MA

Attendees learned how to incorporate water into their designs at our first workshop in our Artisan Educational Series focusing on the different ways to successfully implement the varying uses of water in today’s landscape. Taught by Jay Bearfield, Internationally Certified Pond Contractor, and owner & lead designer of Liquid Landscape Designs of Carlisle MA, this workshop addressed the siting, design creation and the advantages/limitations of the many types of features being installed today.

In July, our follow-up hands-on “Water Feature Building Workshop” will bring a completed design to life. At that time we will bring together all donations of materials collected during our campaign and install a beautiful water feature. We will also bring together a wonderful collective of Underground members to complete this project and we invite you to join them. Jay Bearfield will direct our participants in the installation of the water feature. All site excavation work will be done prior to installation by Ed Coykendall of Landscape Artisans and all landscape site work will be overseen by Lisa E. Bailey, Registered Landscape Architect, BayLeaf Studio.

We wish to express our sincere thanks to the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden for providing their wonderful facilities for this workshop. Thanks also to the following people who have made this workshop possible. Elizabeth Tyson-Smith, Executive Director, Virginia Thurston Healing Garden, Inc.; Jay Bearfield, Liquid Landscape Designs, Inc.; Lisa E. Bailey, Registered Landscape Architect, BayLeaf Studio; and Ed Coykendall, Landscape Artisans, MCLP, ALCM.

Press Release - The Underground Announces the Donation of a Water Feature to Benefit The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden

Press Release March 2, 2007 - The Underground Announces the Donation of a Water Feature to Benefit The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden - downloadable file