Many garden clubs and community groups promote various forms of nature-scaping these days. Meadows, pollinator plantings, and vegetated buffers are some popular forms. Some private homeowners adopt them as well.
Yet, some members of the public find these styles unacceptable and even offensive. Landscape companies sometimes find these styles hard to install and maintain. Occasionally, a young meadow is mistaken for a weedy field and mowed. Sometimes, the result is neighborhood disagreements, blight citations, court orders, or disappointed volunteers.
Is the problem one of the embattled traditions, differing expectations, or fundamental design problems?
Let's look at the sources of friction and put a different spin on this sometimes-difficult conversation. Be prepared for some sighs, some laughs, and perhaps even a bit of controversy.
Sponsored by the Landscape Design Council of the Garden Clubs of Massachusetts.
Note: Open and free of charge to Massachusetts garden club members.