Native Suburbia
Environmentally friendly landscaping with native plants

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Benia Greets An Admirer

Yesterday, shortly after arriving home from work, our doorbell rang. I usually don't rush to answer the door unless I'm expecting someone or a package, but for some reason, I was feeling spunky and curious, so I answered. A man was standing just off the front porch, perhaps about to give up and leave because it took me so long to get down the stairs to the door. I asked him "Can I help you?" He seemed shy about what he wanted to say and finally told me that he was driving by and noticed our unique landscaping and our signs explaining it. Seeing that our garage door was open, he took a chance and rang the bell to let us know that he really likes what we've done with our yard.

Of course I was surprised and absolutely thrilled with this voluntary feedback from a complete stranger, especially after the way the last yard discussion went. I thanked him and we introduced each other. His name was Steve. He is in the tree business and mentioned that he had been involved with native landscaping years ago, but the lack of interest could not sustain him, so he'd given that up. I urged him to consider getting back into native gardening again, as there may likely be more interest now than a few years earlier, when going "green" wasn't quite yet as popular and understood by the general public. It may not be mainstream yet, but I am seeing an increasing trend and hope it continues.

I offered to show Steve around our yard a bit. I welcomed him along the flagstone path, to see the backyard. He was largely unfamiliar with most of the plants, and apparently surprised by our hospitality. I pointed out several interesting species and described their characteristics, growing preferences, and other interesting points in the yard. He described several favorite natives he'd remembered and asked a few questions. He seemed especially delighted to learn about our rain garden and it's ability to attract birds, in clear view of our large window, where we frequently watch. It really is a great feature of our landscape.

Before he left, I gave Steve a pre-printed card with our web site's URL on it, so he could peruse our years' worth of photos and various articles, at his leisure. We also invited him to come back later in the season. Our garden changes constantly and even a few weeks makes a real difference in the height of the plants and the colors of the various forbs that go into bloom. He enthusiastically accepted the invitation.

I love making new friends who appreciate our efforts and see the beauty in native landscaping. I hope to hear from more admirers in the future!

-Benia

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