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Page 34 · column 1 of 5 · from the scan, no model involved
Sladen
From Page 3
lawnmowers and armies of weedeaters.
Americans spend more than $25 billion maintaining turf grass. Few homes lack this essential element of the landscaping. Lawns are safety zones for our children, backdrops for our plantings, places of order and they are peacefully green. But lawns take out the woodlands, the thickets of tall grasses and other plant life that provided habitat for creatures from earthworms to red-tailed hawks.
There’s good news. A strong new trend toward a more relaxed and natural gardening landscape is gaining ground.
Native plants, proving hardy, drought resistant and free of diseases, are gaining special popularity. Nurseries and garden centers report a growing demand for shrubs and other plants that attract songbirds and butterflies. Instead of mowing every comer and property line, homeowners are selecting areas they can “let go” for habitat.
A small meadow plot left to grow tall with native grasses and wildflowers becomes a summer carnival of butterflies. Savings in time and money are part of the reward. An island of trees and shrubs including berrying natives such as dogwood and black haw (a lovely viburnum that grows wild locally) bring in the songbirds. Plant them and they will come, believe it.
Suddenly the songs of bluebirds replace the grinding of mowers.
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