By: Marian Bell Whitcomb

Marian Bell Whitcomb — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 19:18:30 +0000

I am 18 Years into my project and would suggest that people here (who are all over North America) that gardeners investigate the native low growing grasses, rushes, ferns, and sedges FOR THEIR AREA. We need to push to have localized seed sources. Many of the “lawn grasses” came from other parts of the world, are invasive in natural areas, and offer no value for wildlife food, nesting materials, and especially winter ground insulation, all of which are essential especially for moths, of which we have 11,500 or so species in North America (also butterflies, of which we “only” have about 825 +- species). THAT is where the biodiversity comes from.

Most lawn grasses are bred to be…only lawn. This makes them extremely aggressive in squeezing out other plants. So that has to go before you try converting to native. Clovers are also highly allelopathic and will change your soil chemistry, meaning growing native plants becomes very, very difficult…and once you introduce clovers…you won’t get rid of them…they will attract pollinators away from their co-evolved plants which provide the right nutrition and nesting opportunities.

Investigate low growing non-grass species as well. I now have migrating native bird flocks that delight me in the early spring because I offer them forage opportunities and natural food. Many stay and nest. The butterfly species went from three to twenty three.

One thing I would say I really love is the seasons of change…hoarfrost on the longer grasses, dew drops, waving seeding grasses in the summer (I leave them to seed) which billow in the wind, and bend over in rain to make attractive billowy waves of green…and tan in the late summer. I collect the seed heads and spread the native seeds in every place I can. I love the golden colour of my meadow in the fall. I harvest the straw and use it in the garden.

We analyzed our use of space and found we needed a glade around the house for fire/tick defense, and the rest has mown paths. There is a short grass place for a picknic table, and the rest is fern beds, meadow, and shrubs except for the vegetable garden area. Much less work (once established….YES it was work to get it started). And I spend my time in my garden with my camera rather than micromanaging.

The tracks in the snow in the winter, the sequence of small blooming strawberry, blue eyed grass, etc. means there is always something in bloom, and there are always interesting discoveries to be made. The amphibians have also moved in. As I write this on my deck, a ruffed grouse hen has walked by…I will take all this life to the boring artificial carpet any day! I get four season of interest, and a lot of satisfaction in knowing I am doing a great thing for the life and biodiversity of the planet…we have not found life anywhere else in the universe…this is pretty special, and I take my job as a steward of it very seriously!

By: Vicki Feldman

Vicki Feldman — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 19:17:31 +0000

When I read about nativescaping a lawn, drought tolerance is always mentioned. However, here in Saratoga County, NY; we are getting more heavy rains than was usual. How are the native plants doing with that.
From what I have read is the focus is on the plants that have grown in the area in the past. With gl9bal warming that will change. How do you plan for that?

By: Nancy Johnston

Nancy Johnston — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 13:20:21 +0000

I own a home in South Dartmouth, MA that is over 100 years old. Originally, our lawn was planted in creating thyme so it would not have to be mowed! Over the years grasses have been over planted, and of course we have to mow to keep up appearances. You did not mention creating thyme as part of a new no mow lawn cover. What are your thoughts on using this plant on no mow lawns?

Comments on: cornell’s take on the native lawn, with todd bittner

By: Marian Bell Whitcomb

By: Vicki Feldman

By: Nancy Johnston