The Meridian Organic Approach

 

Meridian conducts business with the understanding that each action on a property impacts life within its boundaries and beyond. Typically, landscaping decisions enhance an outdoor living space, create a pleasing view, or rectify a problem. But in this beautification process, the larger “view” of the environment must be considered. Especially here in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, we have come to learn that the actions taken on every parcel of land can have an impact on the health of the waters in the Chesapeake Bay and on the vast interconnected ecosystem – plants, animals, micro-organisms and all living things – of which it is a part. Within this framework, Meridian is committed to personal and environmental health, minimizing ecological impacts and fairness to people.

Meridian prefers to use safe organic methods to keep the environment and its inhabitants safe. Meridian principal Matt Kucik is an accredited Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) Landscape Professional. Matt sought out NOFA because it had established not only specific organic standards for agricultural practices but branched out to develop healthy practices and standards for the landscaping industry as well. NOFA’s standards for Organic Land Care has been recognized and used across the U.S. as a model for sustainable landscaping practices. The goals of Organic Land Care are:

  • Maintaining soil health
  • Eliminating the use of synthetic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers
  • Increasing landscape diversity
  • Improving the health and well being of the people and web of life in our care.

For More Information

Additional details including NOFA’s standards can be found at: http://www.organiclandcare.net/

The guiding principles and standards for Meridian’s organic approach can be found within NOFA’s standards at the link below.

http://www.organiclandcare.net/sites/default/files/upload/NOFA_Standards_4th_ed_2009.pdf

Information on the work of the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council and their essential elements of conservation landscaping can be found at the link below.

http://www.chesapeakelandscape.org/





We seem to be finding more interesting wildlife on our
properties where chemicals are not used!

Meridian offers organic lawn and landscape maintenance programs. This program is a healthy alternative to using synthetic pesticide, herbicide and fertilizer treatments. The organic series of treatments include soil testing, use of organic fertilizers, compost, compost tea, and “organically accepted” weed and insect control methods.
Ecologically speaking, landscape professionals must account for water usage, water runoff and other ecological factors. Downspouts and water runoff must be managed so sediment and significant amounts of runoff do not infiltrate our waterways. Invasive plants cannot be used, especially on a property next to a minimally maintained area such as woodlands or parks. Meridian designs properties with these and many other ecological considerations in mind.
Meridian Landscape Designer Susan Dovell is completing coursework in Sustainable Landscaping Practices and is committed to an ecologically sound approach to her landscape designs- sometimes called “conservation landscaping”. She subscribes to The Chesapeake Conservation Council’s elements for Conservation Landscaping, including:

  • Designing to benefit the environment and to function well for human use
  • Designing with locally native plants that are appropriate for site conditions
  • Removing invasive plants
  • Providing wildlife habitats
  • Working with nature to be more sustainable with less input.


From a fairness perspective, Meridian understands that clients are investing in their property. We work with our clients and present ideas to meet their wishes, needs and desires. Complete written proposals are created after consultation so people know what they will receive and its associated costs. Additionally, Meridian strives to provide a fair and safe working environment for all employees.


Meridian’s Matt Kucik is an accredited Northeast
Organic Farmers Association Landscape Professional.