For Organic Lawn Care Go NativeWhat Is Organic Lawn Care and Why Bother 
I live in a neighborhood of beautifully-manicured lawns and gardens. I, however, refuse to water my lawn on principal… but there has to be a better way, I thought to myself. My yard was—still is somewhat—an eyesore, but I frankly cannot fathom using such a precious resource—or pour gobs of chemicals on it—just so I can have a lush green outdoor carpet for all to admire. It has to be organic lawn care or nothing at all. So, a couple of years ago I attended a Florida Yards & Neighborhoods workshop on Native Yards. It was the solution I had been searching for. If you plant indigenous vegetation then Nature takes care of it for you. The plants pretty much raise themselves. It's organic lawn care the "old-fashioned" way. The main thing is that you eliminate the use of all chemicals and by composting and mulching you improve the soil. You can still have grass, or other indigenous ground cover, the natural way.
Indigenous plants are well-adapted to their environment. They have learned how to survive in their particular setting. Hence, they are not labor or resource-intensive. Granted—as with anything—there is work involved, especially at the beginning. For starters, my husband and I decided to replace half the lawn with rock. It looked great—and still does! Though, it was labor-intensive, very much so. When the summer rain came it watered our lawn and some green appeared—enough to have to be mowed. And, much to our dismay, grass started growing like crazy in our new rock lawn. It had never grown there before. So when it rains we have to get out there and pull up the new growth. I figure it will eventually disappear. I got all excited about starting my eco-friendly garden, but have had to put my plans on hold. Alas, work demands. I did start a compost pile , though. The Workshop 
But, I digress. Getting back to the workshop… It was an invaluable source of information. I got pamphlets, handouts, supply resources, information about other programs, and even a DVD. We were also treated to a tour of area homes with native yards. I got an education that will stay with me wherever I go to. The information that follows pertains specifically to Florida, but it is relevant no matter where you live. What I learned is this… Watering our lawns is impacting our water supply and the commercial fertilizers and pesticides we use are polluting our lakes, rivers, and bays. Florida Yards & Neighborhoods (FYN)—a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) funded program—has devised a nine step initiative to help protect Florida’s environment.
• Water Efficiently • Fertilize Appropriately • Mulch • Attract Wildlife • Manage Yard Pests Responsibly • Recycle ( compost ) • Reduce Storm water Runoff • Protect the Waterfront
Not Convinced? If after all is said and done, you must have your plush green expanse of grass—do it organically. There are many excellent books on the subject organic lawn care. One I would recommend is “Grow Organic” by Oster and Walliser.
I Remember When I remember growing up in south Florida and having nice green grass to romp around in. We rarely watered it—but when my parents turned on the sprinkler, the ones you attach to the end of a hose, it was play time. We would roll around in the grass, jump over and through the spray of water. It was good, clean fun—no pun intended! My father never fertilized or used pesticide on the grass. He didn't know what organic lawn care was, but the grass grew. All he did was mow it. I still love the smell of freshly cut grass, but somehow around here it just doesn’t smell that great anymore.
Organic Vegetable Gardening
|
