Rutgers Master Gardeners of Burlington County Blog

By Marilyn Fishman This series of articles will review what ‘ergonomics’ (also know as ‘human factors’) is and how it applies to gardening. I became interested in ergonomics when a co-worker’s chronic arm, neck, and shoulder pain was relieved by having her desktop lower: it had been four inches too high. The proliferation of personal computers, tablets, and smartphones have put ergonomic concerns into the hands of the general public (pun intended). Repetitive Stress Injuries are no longer limited to assembly line works, cashiers, and musicians. Gardening is hard work; learning some of principles of worker safety could help save a gardener from pain and discomfort. The Center for Disease Control National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health defines ergonomics as “the scientific study of people at work”. The CDC states that “the goal of ergonomics is to reduce stress and eliminate injuries and disorders associated with the overuse of muscles, bad posture, and repeated

By Dave Parsons Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’ blossoms in Spring. E+, River North Photography www.gettyimages.com      “Known for its iconic springtime blooms and signature, easy-to-identify silhouette, the Bradford Pear Tree is a symbol of the [Spring] season. Warmer months translate to a blanket of white blooms on each Bradford…blooms that tolerate a variety of hard conditions.   In fact, the Bradford thrives through pollution and drought.   Hot temperatures are no problem for the Pear Tree, and it’s perfect for lining streets, driveways and beyond because it’s not affected by smog or car exhaust.   Even better?   You can plant it in an array of soil types – and it still grows well.” [1]   So reads the description on a website selling one of the most problematic invasives [2] currently available in the marketplace.   A more truthful description might read:   “For only $60 plus shipping, you too can own one of these eco-un

By Dave Parsons         Invasive plants are a surprisingly misunderstood phenomenon.   Several thousand new species of organism get introduced to American soil every year and roughly 15% will become “invasives.” [1] [2]  This article seeks to define what an invasive plant species is and discuss the impact these species can have.  Later articles in this series will discuss popular plant varieties that remain readily available in the marketplace despite having already had significant impact as invasives.      Most sources point to Presidential Executive Order (PEO) #13112-- signed by then President Bill Clinton on February 3, 1999--as the defining moment and document for what constitutes an invasive organism. Accordingly, PEO #13112 defines an invasive as, “ A n alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health .” [3]   The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) current working definition for an invasive