The letting go resonates with me! Also, Rooted converted me. I was a big fan of a clipped hedgerow, but now see the value in trusting that wilderness has its own order. Far more logical than our tidy, self-imposed versions of control. I love, love the parks and public/green spaces in May so full of life and a connection with nature we don't have enough of in town. x
I HATE IT MORE THAN ALMOST ANYTHING (I refuse to call it astroturf: I really annoyingly insist on calling it ‘plastic’. I won’t even call it plastic grass. I’m such a pedant sometimes…)
Having had a pretty long career intertwined with public highways I’d say that while austerity was a strong driver (no pun intended) of a changed approach to verge management so too was a professional shift in attitude to nature. There has been real pride amongst the professions involved in shifting to a more nature friendly, and pollinator friendly approach. It’s also had some strong criticism to endure along the way, untidy, a home for ticks as you note, and even a hazard for road users. Credit where it’s due, the professions bought into the reasons behind the shift well beyond budget constraints.
I believe that cropped grass has been with us since the end of the ice age. Trees come down and grasses and plants emerge. Which are grazed, making something much like a lawn. There may be ecological benefits in such spaces..
The letting go resonates with me! Also, Rooted converted me. I was a big fan of a clipped hedgerow, but now see the value in trusting that wilderness has its own order. Far more logical than our tidy, self-imposed versions of control. I love, love the parks and public/green spaces in May so full of life and a connection with nature we don't have enough of in town. x
Well this is everything. Plus the idea that ‘wilderness has its own order’ is the most perfect way I can think of putting it. XXX
Finally someone raising the astroturf issue. Wales came so close to banning it and reneged. Keep making your well written noises!
I HATE IT MORE THAN ALMOST ANYTHING (I refuse to call it astroturf: I really annoyingly insist on calling it ‘plastic’. I won’t even call it plastic grass. I’m such a pedant sometimes…)
Having had a pretty long career intertwined with public highways I’d say that while austerity was a strong driver (no pun intended) of a changed approach to verge management so too was a professional shift in attitude to nature. There has been real pride amongst the professions involved in shifting to a more nature friendly, and pollinator friendly approach. It’s also had some strong criticism to endure along the way, untidy, a home for ticks as you note, and even a hazard for road users. Credit where it’s due, the professions bought into the reasons behind the shift well beyond budget constraints.
Hard agree. I read some of the complaining comments by residents as research for the article ;-)_
We've slowly transitioned from a battle with "weeds" to a tolerance, to a collaboration, and await the logical conclusion!
If you let them guide you, you kind of become one of them. (Growing where no one gave you permission!)
Rooted is among a kind of Audible playlist on a loop, to do into for moments of inspiration.
That is so kind to say: thank you!
*drop into
No Mow May
More Bloom in June
Knee High in July
August is a Thicket for a Cricket
oh bravo....!
Our garden has a very wild patch, is planted for bees and butterflies (such as there now are...); but I draw the line at No Mow May.
Why?
We have a dog.
I believe that cropped grass has been with us since the end of the ice age. Trees come down and grasses and plants emerge. Which are grazed, making something much like a lawn. There may be ecological benefits in such spaces..