A landscape designer and author suggested that you let your lawn become a wild meadow. Here’s why.
By: Tim Studebaker
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PROVIDENCE (WLNE), Spring is just around the corner. If you’re thinking about digging out the lawnmower and stocking up on fertilizer, Owen Wormser is hoping you’ll reconsider. He’s a landscape designer and author of the book “Lawns into Meadows.”
Wormser says, “It’s been many decades since certain people who are more ecologically focused have been pointing out that lawns are an ecological disaster, essentially. And, in the last 2 years or 3 years or so, there’s been some sort of sea change where that perspective is becoming more mainstream.”
He said that lawns use a lot of resources, including water, pesticides and fertilizers. Many of these will run off into local waters and cause pollution. Plus, there’s all the fuel used to mow those lawns.
Wormser says, “The environment that lawns create ends up being the equivalent of sort of an ecological wasteland. There is some life in there, but it pales in comparison to what a meadow can offer.”
He suggests that you let your lawn go wild or plant native plants. These plants will thrive in our area and provide habitat for wildlife and pollinators.
Wormser says, “A lot of times if people are new to this, I encourage them to do a really small area. Maybe do an area that’s not as prominent, maybe in your back yard instead of your front yard.”
He also suggests you make it look intentional, or put up signs so your neighbors understand what’s going on. His book even includes tips for people who are restricted due to the rules of an apartment complex or homeowners association.
Visit this website to learn more about Wormser, his book, and his life. https://www.owenwormser.net/about
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