Re: Eucalyptus, again

Re: Euc's:

The state of California was running an energy production experiment
somewhere in the northern San Jaoquin Valley a few years ago;  the idea was
to grow fast growing Euc's and then burn them for energy.  Does anyone have
any idea if that experiment is still under way?


Re: selective herbicides for monocots(i.e. sethoxydim and fluazifop):
These herbicides illustrate a question that has bugged me for many years.
Why is there necessarily a connection between 'nativists', those who favor
the use of native plants over introduced species;   and 'organic
enthusiasts', people who can't abide the use of any synthetic products in
the landscape, including herbicides like those mentioned.

I offer an example:  the city of Berkeley, CA, has sanctioned the
conversion of the median strips of University Avenue, the main drag into
town, from traditional drouthy ground covers, to a variety of native
species including Eschscholzia californica(a poppy), Ceanothus, Acer
macrophyllum(Big Leaf Maple), and many more.  I like the idea of showcasing
these species, ones that homeowners and architects will likely see and
consider for landscaping more often than has been the case in the past.

But the median strips look like vacant lots that haven't been tended to in
years.  Weeds abound.  No doubt the more conservative elements within the
city are fit to be tied over the messy appearance of the first street that
visitors often see as they enter the city.  And the nativists have given
the recidivists all the ammunition they could desire by acceding to the
city law against the use of synthetic herbicides.

Virtually all the weeds marring the strips are monocots.  Spraying with
either of the selective herbicides would ameliorate the problem within a
couple of weeks. (The remaining dicots could be removed with potassium
fatty acids{dishwashing soap} or hand pulling.)   I believe the public,
especially the Berkeley public, would accept further use of native plants
on city property if the University Ave strip did a better job of selling
the concept.

I believe the distinction between 'synthetic' and 'natural' in this case is
irrational and counterproductive, *and* undermines efforts to increase the
use of native species.
Jerry Heverly, Oakland, CA
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