When it comes to our landscapes, do we ask ourselves why we plant what we plant? How much are we influenced by our neighbors’ landscapes? How much is determined by ill-advised and uninformed HOAs? We are now at the point where these questions must be considered in depth, because our landscapes are no longer just about us. Experts in multiple fields of science agree that we are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis of epic proportion that has environmental, ecological, and even economic impacts. But you can be a part of the solution, and it begins with a simple change in perspective of what is beautiful and valuable to you.
The average city and suburban landscape are composed primarily of turf lawns outlined with non-native shrubs and trees and perhaps a bed or two of colorful annuals. Where did this love affair with lawns begin? What started as a necessity for 17th century settlers, who needed European grasses for foddering animals, became a full-blown agricultural crop by the 18th century. In addition, it wasn’t long after this development in the colonies that the French and English fashion of an open, verdant lawn found its way to new America. Groomed lawns became a symbol of wealth and success. Today, the well-manicured lawn maintains that status as homeowners with perfectly green, weed-free lawns are good neighbors with means to take care of their property. This centuries-long convention associating lawns with prosperity is deeply rooted in our American psyche as the mark of a beautiful home.
Today, the turf industry in Georgia is larger than all the corn, wheat, and fruit orchards combined (Trecia Neal, 2023 GNPS Symposium). Indeed, turf has its place; but what if we thought of turf and monoculture lawns as “area rugs” instead of “wall-to-wall carpet” (Rebecca McMackin, TEDWomen 2023, October) when planting our landscapes? What if folks decreased the amount of lawn they had to mow, water, fertilize, and apply herbicide to, and instead, installed a rich tapestry of native plants that provided low maintenance, low-cost landscaping that created a symbiotic relationship with the soil, insects, and wildlife around them?
The national native plant movement is an indispensable response to the environmental and ecological concerns surrounding climate change and loss of biodiversity. Locally, there are steps we can take as individuals that will make a difference in our community. First, remove all invasive plants that compete with natives. For a complete list of invasive plants, visit the Georgia Invasive Species Council website at https://gainvasivespeciescouncil.org. Second, decrease the amount of lawn by planting natives that provide 3 and 4 seasons of color and interest. For a good list of natives, visit the UGA Extension publications pages below. Finally, there is no reason to remove those non-natives you love; incorporating natives among your non-natives is still increasing the biodiversity needed for our insects and the wildlife dependent on them.
In the middle of New York City, there is an 85-acre public park teeming with pollinators and migratory birds. One wouldn’t know that ten years ago, this park was a concrete slab holding several abandoned shipping piers in the Hudson River. If biodiversity can be restored in the middle of NYC, we can do our part here in Paulding County. Even putting out a couple of pots containing pollinator-favored plants can make a difference. What could be more beautiful than contributing to and being a part of the natural world around us?
Join Paulding County Master Gardeners on Wednesday, June 26 at 10 am to learn more about the importance of native plants and how you can create spaces for natives in your own yard. The program is free, but space is limited and registration is requested: https://extension.uga.edu/calendar/event/22886/native-plants-for-the-landscape.html.
UGA Extension Publications to help you get started:
Native Plants for Georgia Part I: Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines | UGA Cooperative Extension
Native Plants for Georgia Part II: Ferns | UGA Cooperative Extension
Native Plants for Georgia Part III: Wildflowers | UGA Cooperative Extension
Native Plants for Georgia Part IV: Grasses and Sedges | UGA Cooperative Extension
