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In the world of commerce the "green" movement can be seen in corporations using and offering recyclable materials and reducing fossil fuel use. Multi-national firms frequently declare they'll decrease the size of their carbon footprint and offer goods and services demanded by their Earth-aware customers.

Entering its 80th year in business, Abrahamson's Nursery and Garden Center has not only been challenged by those same environmental issues facing the multi-national giants -- but has embraced them.

Abrahamson's is about 12 miles south of Hwy. 8, on Hwy. 95 at Scandia and north of Marine-On-St. Croix. It first opened in 1928; a farm and roadside vegetable stand where the operator offered vegetable plants for sale...then expanded to bedding plants...and about 30 years ago the Sandager family bought the place but retained the Abrahamson I.D.

The business is constantly evolving to maintain a connection to its very reason for existing-- the environment and enjoyment of the outdoors. Greg Sandager said new environmentally friendly innovations are proving to be wise investments.

The staff at Abrahamson's recently completed a water quality project that captures and recycles irrigation water and rainfall. Growing fields have been re-designed to retain as much moisture as practical, reduce run-off and include grassed waterways, which crop farmers are familiar with as an agricultural practice to fight erosion. There's between 15 and 20 acres of nursery at Abrahamson's.

Sandager explained that Abrahamson staff and landscape designers have also learned all about hard goods that minimize impacts to the environment. The designers can walk you through an assortment of permeable pavers, Turfstone or rain garden layouts for stormwater retention and filtration customized for your specific conditions.

Sandager, whose parents Dan and Sue are Abrahamson's owners, said new patio surfaces and driveway pavers are available that allow surface water to soak into the earth instead of becoming stormwater runoff. "We are here to help with green efforts at home," Sandager promised. (An example of what Abrahamson's staff has

designed can be viewed at the Stillwater Library.)

Bring your plastic

The Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association has partnered with members such as Abrahamson's to offer free recycling of garden plastics.

You can get rid of your old lawn edging, those egg carton plastic plant containers, plastic pots and even mulch and soils plastic bags at Abrahamson's.

As you are hatching ideas for landscaping or making plans for a new outdoor space, celebrate 80 years of business with a local landscaping and nursery business that can also give you expert advice based on local conditions and one who also cares about being green.

Hours at Abrahamson's are 9 to 8 Monday through Friday, Saturday 9-6 and Sundays hours are 10 to 3.

On the Internet look up www.AbrahamsonNurseries.com.

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