We’ve turned 2acres of monoculture grass into restored prairie. Planted nothing that isn’t native to this section of the state. Dug a pond. Feed the birds. Breathe a little easier.
I dug the grass out of most of my front yard a few years ago. I never understood the need for grass. These past weeks as the autumn temperatures and shortened daylight are bringing all the flowers I planted to the end of their cycle, each morning I stand at my front window and take note of the birds enjoying all those seeds and bugs. Some are the same ones that visit all through the year but then there are the just passing through birds that add to the thrill. Also I’m watching - rewatching - Northern Exposure at night. It’s truly a story of community.
Kathy, this whole comment painted such a beautiful picture. And, yes!!! I am with you on the community driven shows. Will check out your recommendation. I’m going to tag you in a post tomorrow too! Thanks so much for reading and sharing.
Yes! We tend a total of 1 acre (across three lots). One lot is where our home is and is a through jungle garden under an oak canopy, one is an untouched wild place where gopher tortoises have their burrows which provides habitat for 420+ other species, and one is a formerly grassy lot which we’ve been rewilding with Florida native species for about 6 years now.
Reading about your little sliver of wildflowers helps me to see what a privilege it is to steward and tend so much life here.
I’m doing the same with our yard. Having the expected green turf removed, having it replanted with native ground cover. Only planting native plants from, now on! Luckily, in the state of Maryland, HOAs can no longer dictate what you do or don’t grow. I’m focusing on plants that feed,shelter, support pollinators. It makes me very happy!
I live in the desert, so my yard is rocks, dirt, and cactus. I've been bringing in my potted plants because we do get quite cold in the winter here in New Mexico.
I've also been sitting outside at night listening to the critters and watching the night sky. It brings me peace and helps with the unrelenting sadness I've had since the election. Focusing on nature and all the birds I feed has helped.
https://wearetheark.org/ For anyone who wants to learn more about regenerating Nature, this is a marvellous resource. There is also a FB page, same name as the book title. I love that you planted wildflower seeds and look forward to hearing how it thrives.
Ah! I love it! Thanks for sharing. I go to Doug Tallamy for advice here in the US. If you ever get a chance to hear him talk or pick up one of his books, it’s worth the time.
My overgrown yard is definitely an act of resistance. Lots of native plants for birds and pollinators. I do keep the lawn trimmed but it is mainly a frame for the flower beds. Thanks for the suggestion also about local meetings.
I live in a small village in western NY where if you don’t have dandelions on your law , people eye you with suspicion. We have a committee researching joining a solar power grid. And in the last few years money was raised to purchase land for an immigrant community to farm as they did in the country they had to leave. They also teach farming and sell their produce. Who knows, in the coming years they might just save the rest of us! I love it here! We came from Long Island, where never does a dandelion grow and the leaf blowers whine and bellow from March to December.
I love these ideas Stephanie! What I loved most when we first saw our house (20 years ago), was that it was in the woods. All natural where deer can come and feel safe. I did exactly what you suggested by spreading wildflowers and let them grow as they wished.
We’ve turned 2acres of monoculture grass into restored prairie. Planted nothing that isn’t native to this section of the state. Dug a pond. Feed the birds. Breathe a little easier.
That sounds amazing. Cheers to you for that worthy work!
I dug the grass out of most of my front yard a few years ago. I never understood the need for grass. These past weeks as the autumn temperatures and shortened daylight are bringing all the flowers I planted to the end of their cycle, each morning I stand at my front window and take note of the birds enjoying all those seeds and bugs. Some are the same ones that visit all through the year but then there are the just passing through birds that add to the thrill. Also I’m watching - rewatching - Northern Exposure at night. It’s truly a story of community.
Kathy, this whole comment painted such a beautiful picture. And, yes!!! I am with you on the community driven shows. Will check out your recommendation. I’m going to tag you in a post tomorrow too! Thanks so much for reading and sharing.
Yes! We tend a total of 1 acre (across three lots). One lot is where our home is and is a through jungle garden under an oak canopy, one is an untouched wild place where gopher tortoises have their burrows which provides habitat for 420+ other species, and one is a formerly grassy lot which we’ve been rewilding with Florida native species for about 6 years now.
Reading about your little sliver of wildflowers helps me to see what a privilege it is to steward and tend so much life here.
I’m doing the same with our yard. Having the expected green turf removed, having it replanted with native ground cover. Only planting native plants from, now on! Luckily, in the state of Maryland, HOAs can no longer dictate what you do or don’t grow. I’m focusing on plants that feed,shelter, support pollinators. It makes me very happy!
Yay, Joan! And yay, Maryland! I love your wild endeavor. Hope to hear updates as you go along!
Not only do I thank you for your advice but the insects, birds, and wildlife appreciate it too.
Hi Greta! I have no doubt that you’ve been out with your wildflowers. Thanks for keeping us all informed and inspired!
Small things now…more to come. We are not going to let them take us backwards.
Absolutely. We will not despair and we’ll keep fighting. Thanks for reading, Al!
Love this, many thanks
Thank you for reading!
Meaningful connections with other people who are supportive and compassionate.
Gosh, yes. Isn’t it healing to lean into kindness? You made me want to call up some folks for a coffee shop date. Thanks for reading,Cathy!
I live in the desert, so my yard is rocks, dirt, and cactus. I've been bringing in my potted plants because we do get quite cold in the winter here in New Mexico.
I've also been sitting outside at night listening to the critters and watching the night sky. It brings me peace and helps with the unrelenting sadness I've had since the election. Focusing on nature and all the birds I feed has helped.
Thanks for a great reminder to focus on nature.
Hi Rhonda, thanks for sharing your quiet, nature filled healing moments. I need more sitting on porch swing situations. Take care!
Definitely you are a helpful healer, and you will be inundated with subscribers. I have repotted my plants, and that helped me.
So glad to hear it Carl! Thank you for reading
https://wearetheark.org/ For anyone who wants to learn more about regenerating Nature, this is a marvellous resource. There is also a FB page, same name as the book title. I love that you planted wildflower seeds and look forward to hearing how it thrives.
Ah! I love it! Thanks for sharing. I go to Doug Tallamy for advice here in the US. If you ever get a chance to hear him talk or pick up one of his books, it’s worth the time.
My overgrown yard is definitely an act of resistance. Lots of native plants for birds and pollinators. I do keep the lawn trimmed but it is mainly a frame for the flower beds. Thanks for the suggestion also about local meetings.
Thanks for telling us about your gardens! It’s a big leap for a lot of people. Yours sounds like great inspiration. Thanks for reading :)
That sounds so wonderful! Thank you for sharing!
I live in a small village in western NY where if you don’t have dandelions on your law , people eye you with suspicion. We have a committee researching joining a solar power grid. And in the last few years money was raised to purchase land for an immigrant community to farm as they did in the country they had to leave. They also teach farming and sell their produce. Who knows, in the coming years they might just save the rest of us! I love it here! We came from Long Island, where never does a dandelion grow and the leaf blowers whine and bellow from March to December.
I love these ideas Stephanie! What I loved most when we first saw our house (20 years ago), was that it was in the woods. All natural where deer can come and feel safe. I did exactly what you suggested by spreading wildflowers and let them grow as they wished.
I love it! Yes, keep at it. Maybe they’ll be inspired:)