Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sentient Biped on May 7, 2012 at 9:05pm

Thanks for posting this Ruth.

It's interesting, I looked for a "natural lawn" that contained multi species - not just grasses - and couldn't find it.  I've been going to a diverse lawn, leaving in anything that stays fairly small or is mowable.  I do pull dandelions and plaintain weed to feed the chickens.  I don't know the names of the plants in my lawn.  There are multiple types of grasses, clovers, violets, mints, and tiny-leafed weeds.   This time of year it is quite lush, but since I don't water in the summer, it goes brown.  It's my attempt at a diverse ecosystem.  The rest of my yard is highly diverse, probably hundreds of species.  It's a mess, but it's my mess.

Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on May 7, 2012 at 10:55pm

The Japanese have a word I like, "Shibui" which means perfectly imperfect. I like the way you talk about your garden and the feeling you convey. 

Permalink Reply by Ruth Anthony-Gardner on May 7, 2012 at 11:59pm

The deeper rooted perennials will stay green longer during drought than annual grasses. That's a green strategy.

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on May 7, 2012 at 9:12pm

Thanks I practice plant biodiversity in my yard. We discussed this topic in one of my plant classes .. I always enjoy ecological topics.

Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on May 8, 2012 at 5:13pm

Steph, do you have lecture notes that are sharable? I would very much like to read what you taught. 

Permalink Reply by Chris G on May 10, 2012 at 2:34am

I eliminated the grass years ago and now have mostly native plants. They take less water and don't require obnoxious mowing and weeding. The city I live in will pay $0.050/sq ft up to $500 for residents who replace their laws with water efficient landscapes including climate appropriate plants. Here is the US EPA Landscaping with Native Plants web site. A friend of mine tore his grass out and planted all edible plants. He has 15-18 fruit trees in his yard - in a typical residential neighborhood with a small yard. He hopes he will be able to supply all his own vegetables. I wonder if a prairie grass seed mix is available for lawns.

Permalink Reply by Sentient Biped on May 10, 2012 at 9:29am

Chris, fruit trees are a great choice for a home yard.  By keeping them pruned small, it's amazing how many you can grow.  The fruit tastes so much better than store bought, it's like they are not the same food.  By growing a variety of fruits, they ripen over a long period of time, spreading out the benefit.   By last count, I had about 35 in my yard.  It does require that the gardener needs to enjoy maintaining them, otherwise it's a big chore.  I do enjoy it.

Permalink Reply by Chris G on May 11, 2012 at 7:44am

That's great. I live on a granite rock making it difficult to dig, so I only have 4 fruit trees.