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July 24, 2006
While flipping through a magazine, a cute picture of a squirrel eating caught my eye. But something was wrong, there was also a man looking angrily at the squirrel. What could the squirrel have done to provoke the ire of this man? Closer inspection made it all clear. In its quest to survive the squirrel had foolishly decided to eat a plant that the man purchased. Now this advertisement from True Value was implying that we must defend ourselves against this creature. It also reinforces the idea that a good lawn is a "perfectly green lawn". I wish people would consider the broader implications of their actions. The mindset that produced this ad, keeps people shackled to their lawnmowers and puts them at odds with nature. I hate to think about what advice the helpful True Value worker would give to someone looking to solve their squirrel "problem".
In Native Suburbia, we are trying to work with nature. The squirrels, chipmunks, birds, and insects are welcome to eat anything they like. Food and habitat for the animals is part of the reason for establishing native plants in the yard. I won't say that they don't sometimes eat a little more than I would like them to. But it is hard to blame them for liking tender young plants. Isn't that exactly what we like to eat? In general, native perennials are very resilient and I have seen many a plant come back after what appeared to be a massacre by bunnies. Even if I lose a few plants, it is not a crippling blow to the project. We should all accept the fact that we cannot completely control nature. Besides, in the absence of a perfect person, we would mess things up anyway... Just like what we are doing to the planet right now. So I am going to continue letting the animals eat my yard.
Some people are even going a step further and actually planting fruits and vegetables that humans like to eat. I read an article today that said instead of growing grass, they are growing something that gives a real return for their labor. Edible Estates is an ongoing series of projects to replace the American front lawn with edible garden landscapes responsive to culture, climate, context and people. It is just starting out, but I like the idea. I would much rather see my neighbors slaving over some squash and tomatoes rather than cutting their lawn twice every week.
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Comments
The Hunka Hunka Burnin' Chuck wrote at 2006-07-30 13:14:
Don wrote at 2006-07-30 14:50: