In NYS that will be changing anyway, I cannot remember which year but gas mowers/equip will be banned. Rechargeable only okay. I have that now because I don't like handling gas or the gas smell (not healthy) and it is very quiet (I can cut very early am and it bothers no one-less noisy than a car).
I love it ! We turned half of our ridiculously big lawn into a pasture for a neighboring farmer's calves. It was wonderful to see them out there enjoying the grass ! We were helping a small farmer and bringing nature back into our lives. Could not care less about impressing the neighbors.
I halved my lawn because it's south and west facing to create a large pollinators garden that has a lot of native and drought tolerant plants/flowers...I've never seen so many colorful birds, bees and butterflies all over, and I'm seeing fireflies again!
When I was a kid you would see hundreds of fireflies during the summer . Not seeing them now is both tragic and fills me with foreboding about the future
Yes ! This is such a positive change ! The best thing about it is you can find such supportive communities around your area with meaningful guidance and timely plant sales to help make the process even more easier. It is time we invite nature back to our backyards and home. Its nice to go for a hike to be in nature, but it feels better to have your morning coffee everyday in nature.
@@neonice Found ya. Nice job trying to delete your comments so you can hide. Typical non-American behavior. Gutlesness and beliefs that only your opinions are valid. I don't want a weed trap on our giant lawn. Ger over it.
@@neonice Found you. Thought you could delete your comments and hide. I guess this is just the typical behavior of grass haters/non-Americans. No taste or integrity.
@@SandcastleDreamswealthy would be those that water, fertilize, mow and edge their endless turf grass. Using flowers and shrubs and economical, and good for wildlife.
So pleased to see this trend. Long may it continue! Lawns are boring, diversity benefits all living things, including humans who get to enjoy living color over one shade of green.
this is really cool to see and ecologically responsible 💚my mom lives on the south shore. she has a beautiful blend of lawn and garden, but I'll have to ask if she has any native plants in her yard. she has a blend of green leaf and flower plants, trees, shrubs, fruits, veggies, and herbs. She LOVES butterflies I'll have to ask if she knows about milkweed and monarch butterflies 🥰
Definitely milkweed for the monarch butterflies. Lavender, echinacea, vervain & asters (particularly perennials like New England asters) all attracts butterflies & bees. Butterfly bush as well, apparently, but I've never had any luck getting it to thrive in my gardens.
i started this years ago, the neighbors Didn't 'Like' it. At the beginning the yard Did look kind of messy,, but now it's heavenly. yep, start small. since i did it all by myself. and im a small lady i left things out like soil bags etc. but its got paths through it,, a compost stop, a vegetable stop,,, pollinators all over. I didn't buy alot of it. I went to the local woods and dig up pieces of small shrubs and some perrennials -all things native to right here,,, i walk through and i see bee's pollinating the raspberries,,, i watch how things grow in certain areas. i moved things around this past year,, (some needed less sun), (some needed more sun). :) it was my dream to be surrounded by nature and this is finally becoming a beautiful! new way.
It must be nice to live in an area that permits such things as sustainable gardens. In my city, which is governed largely by HOAs, you can't even paint your door, let alone your house, an unapproved color and there are strict rules on planting. We are told this is "freedom," but it is only freedom to do what you're told to do.
@@AhJodie Well, I was on two HOA boards. One was really bad and the other is just closed minded. Unfortunately, HOA boards are voluntary, unpaid, quasi-governmental positions that usually nobody wants to take - so you end up getting a bunch of people with no artistic abilities who want neighborhoods to look like apartment complexes - and CC&Rs are contracts and are extremely difficult to change (we're working on them now). I have learned in my life that the vast majority of people don't listen to reason. I would change cities, but my life and human relationships are all here in this desert wasteland of a perpetually beige city.
Several states including Maryland have passed laws to require HOAs to allow for lower water usage ground cover and native plants. You may be able use this to your advantage to grow some native ground cover that is beneficial for pollinators. Moss phlox aka Phlox subulata is the first thing that comes to mind. Violets may be a good choice as well. Check and see if your state has anything on the books!
@@spirahsass My older (1975) condo complex actually is desert landscaped. There isn't much ground that isn't asphalt, but the plants are okay - though not very colorful. They're mostly wedged into small areas between beige stucco walls and sidewalk. So there are small cacti, rosemary, lantana, something that sometimes has tiny lavendar flowers, and one or two others. There is very little outdoor space here in this complex, where buildings are squeezed together. Thanks for the suggestion, though. We're actually already doing that. Beyond my complex is an older quite expensive neighborhood that does have wonderful plants and even lawns - but those are old multi-million dollar homes with no HOA and rich people aren't interested in growing vegetables in the front of them LOL. But the vast majority of the Phoenix area is beige sugar-cube home on beige rocks with a wispy brownish-green desert tree (usually palo verde or mesquite) and a cactus, LOL. Low maintenance, but they look like it. The heat here kills so much that isn't strictly for low-desert, though. Tropical and sub-tropicals may or may not survive, depending on exact location, shade, correct watering, etc. Even though the summer air temperature may only be 115, it's important to realize that the ground itself may be scalding at 150. I have tried to pick up interesting pebbles and had to drop them immediately. And for half the year, people are advised not to walk their dogs on sidewalks (we don't have many sidewalks anyway, though). The poor dogs end up with some pretty tough pads, since there really isn't much they CAN walk on comfortably.
Finished ridding my grass this yr (took 3 yrs of phases) and ditched the lawn mower. Thousands of sunflowers, roses, wildflowers, thymes, rosemaries, clovers, pumpkins, daisies, chamomile etc. Now have a lot more pedestrians walking by. Do it.
I've been seeing this a lot in my neighborhood too after COVID made everyone house bound. The only difference is, people my way have more raise beds growing only edible plants-fruits, veggies, herb and flowers. I personally plant native plants too but they're all edible. In fact, I'd say about 85-90% of everything I consume from March to November, I grow. About 10-14% of the rest I either catch (fish) or get from the farmer's market.
Always loved a garden yard and NEVER gave it up!. Never liked large expanse of mowed grass... what a waste of space... Happy to see people returning to gardens. ✝️🌳🌻🥀🌼🌹
NO ONE uses this term anymore: xeriscaping! This is landscaping using only native plants, including native wildflowers. One thing I read about years ago, which sort of appeals to me: in the Middle Ages, people used to grow Roman chamomile as a ground cover instead of grass on their lawns. I admit that I do like this idea. Also, not all milkweed appeals to monarch butterflies--specifically, they're attracted to swamp milkweed.
Which spreads by underground runners, quickly becoming a Mass of 5 foot plants!! Although the flowers smell luscious, they attract many types of gees, and may not be good around children.
@@janetcorrao5072 Are you referring to chamomile? If so, then perhaps you're confusing two different chamomile species. German chamomile, an annual, grows tall and "leggy." Not what I was referring to. Roman chamomile, a tender perennial, grows short and compact, and makes a lovely ground cover. Related to our pineapple weed, which grows only for a short time in the spring.
@elyzsabethahne2116 not referring to chamomile. Swamp milkweed. Totally different species. Chamomile spreads mostly through seed dispersion. And although milkweed does too, most of it's spread is by underground runners.
The comments here are literally restoring my faith in humanity. Well done everyone who has begun the journey to rewilding your lawns!! The generations of wonderful bees, butterflies, birds & insects you provide a home for will be thanking you far into the future. Long after you & I are gone, there may be millions of beautiful creatures on this earth who owe their existence directly to your efforts. Thank you for nurturing your little corner of this magnificent Earth!! 💖💖💖
They aren't "killing" their lawns, they are bringing them to life! I have been doing this for years. I have fruit trees too! The 'day lilies' aren't actually lilies, lilies are poisonous, but the day lilies are edible, the whole plant is.... and they come back every year! I just drove out in the country and got a shovel of them, and planted them in my yard and they spread, now I have a few different areas with them. Also, sun chokes are great, they come back every year and are edible. Berries give food, I have strawberries near my gate for anyone who wants some. I also have rhubarb, black berries and raspberries. Look up edible perennials and you can have lots of fun! I also let the milkweed just grow wherever it comes up. I have never used chemical fertilizers or herbicides or pesticides.
I’ve got two kinds of milkweed and have monarch caterpillars every year, and they smell amazing! And I have pollinators buzzing all over the place and birds hopping all over looking for seeds, it’s so peaceful, everyone should have at least a little patch of pollinator friendly plants.
I wished we could do this in our area. In Indianapolis, the city will fine you a lot of money if you don’t mow your lawn. They don’t want wild grown yards/lawns. 😭
@Ms2cents It is that way in my city too, but I got around it by planting areas at first.... the city would come to inspect, and I had to explain the flowers I was growing..... (years that happened!) and I put in a few fruit trees, and little by little. Now I still have some grass, and mow that, which looks spectacular around June when there is a contrast of areas of flowers and other beautiful plants. Some things, like Rhubarb come up every year, and chives, daffodils, tulips, herbs, sunchokes, day lily so I only planted once, and use no chemicals on them, a little fish emulsion once in a while. I also mix in some tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers..... Just try it.
@@Maspets If you still like the walking feel, maybe even better, white clover is great. and the splash of white during the summer with the flowers is nice too.
People are finally starting to wise up? Also they are recommending milk weed....just make sure you get the milk weed species that are native to North America.
Try for the native milkweeds first, but if what you can find (or what will grow) is the tropical version, just make sure you cut it back in the fall at the same time the native milkweed is dying and the hummingbirds are leaving to migrate south. The problem with tropical is that it is will continue growing and the monarchs are laying eggs on it too late. It is thought this affects their migration and leads to more deformed butterflies from the OE spores. I have followed this debate for years and think this solves some of the problems with this plant. Also I have seen stores selling asclepias tuberosa (a native) when it is actually the tropical variety that is in the pot. As a master gardener, I tried to get several varieties of milkweed to grow in Houston and most just didn't like it there. The tropical variety would grow. Here in Tennessee, zone six, I have found Swamp milkweed working out in places where I can give it water. Common milkweed grows here, but it is large and hard to start. (I found a wild plant with seed pods and borrowed one.) Maybe those seeds will come up later? I think the Native American Seed Company (maybe in Texas?) has info on starting milkweeds from seed. I am sure there are other companies and sources--like the Xerces Society. I just don't want people to think working with native plants is a walk in the park. I have been gardening for more than 30 years. I use natives but also hybrid plants that have been developed from native varieties for better disease resistance and size in the landscape. My experience has been that some natives, not just milkweeds, can be fussy to get started. Be prepared to switch them around or to try different plants in different places.
Blasphemy! A green, lush, perfect , lifeless lawn saturated with fertilizers and carcinogen chemicals, which requires endless irrigation that costs me thousands of dollars every year is the most sublime thing in this world! Ah! And the beautiful, melodic, relaxing sounds of the endless mowing and leaf blowing!
Awesome coverage! Thanks to everyone getting the word out. Important note on milkweeds!!! Avoid tropical milkweed or Mexican butterfly weed. These are NOT native and can have detrimental effects on monarchs. There are several milkweed species that are native to the tristate area! I have butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa). You can also chose from common milkweed, swamp milkweed, and whorled milkweed!
Volunteered to do this every year at two locations...told to pound sand. The garden will use water ! Fo not want to pay for extra water. ! ( Use drip system) .
Yes. Finally. Lawns are super labor intensive, and to look perfect require toxic chemicals thrown on them. My yard was 90% grass when I bought the house and now it's closer to 50%. Shrubs take much less work, also sure-thing perenials like peonies, daylilies, roses, daisies, honeysuckle. Just do some research and make sure you plant things that will like your soil and weather. Then you can relax and enjoy your garden more.
If you don't want to go total plant, another option is just to have white clover. It doesn't grow high. Bees, rabbits, deer love it and it is green. Water and fertilizer not needed.
Time to rethink the amount of pollution that is produced by weekly mowing and especially using gas leaf blowers that aerosolize contaminants, produce PM2.5 and toxic exhaust. Not to mention the noise that disturbs wildlife and neighbors. Glad to see that "Lawn" Island is beginning to change.
I'm surprised they aren't advocating for edible plants. Almost 1/2 of my 1/2 acre front lawn is wild raspberries-nice to pick and brings wildlife (no not on LI but n of NYC). Also with the price of food-why not some dwarf fruit trees or veggies.
Southwest Illinois, middle of June and I've seen one honeybee. I've got flowers everywhere but no bees. If it weren't for Hover Flies I'd have no pollinators.
Use native perennials and shrubs -- species not cultivars. Not ornamentals. You'll soon attract native bees and many other pollinators, dragonflies, birds and the insects and grubs they feed upon. Use arborist wood chips not bark mulch. Former is amazing for the soil underneath -- teems with life, keeps the soil moist and healthy.
While I love flowers, one of the flowers pictured in the first few moments of this is not native to the U.S., and in some places is considered a noxious weed. That is Queen Anne's Lace. As long as it isn't considered a noxious weed, it is fine to grow it, but as they are talking native plants, Queen Anne's Lace is not in that category.
Yay!!! Now let's teach corporations not to package stuff in plastic and refuse it if they do. They want to sell stuff, they'll change packaging but you have to let them know they need to. Cut down on those new contaminants they have to try and get out of the water, though I don't know how without reverse osmosis.
And then when the birds and the bees and the bugs arrive, they’ll spray even more noxious gasses and poisons into the air and the ground all in the name of “eco friendliness”. 😂
@chrislynch8914 I don't water mine, ever! I have day lilies, sun choke, milkweed, fruit trees, rhubarb, bluebells, cone flower, morning glory, chives, daffodils, daisies, grapes, peppers, lilac, wild rose and others. I never use pesticides or herbicides and the only fertilizer is fish emulsion once in a while. When there has been a drought, any grass I have dries up, but everything else is fine! Research before you speak, and then you can give actual advice that people can trust.
@magnetohex703 Bed bugs show up INSIDE..... ticks are not a problem .... I get to see butterflies, bees, lightening bugs, lady bugs, bumble bees, and other cool stuff!
@@justmejenny7986 Of course Google would say that because that's how the word is used *TODAY.* Companies claim their food is "organic" so they can charge twice the amount. PFAS and PFOS are in ALL food.
