Being a Florida homeowner, I have (literally) bought into the notion that, despite drought conditions and water restrictions, I have to keep my lawn looking golf-course green all year round.  Having said that, as a Florida homeowner, I have poured a ridiculous amount of time, energy and money into keeping my lawn looking lush!  The amount of pesticides and the damage caused by the runoff is shameful.  Additionally, there’s a world wide water crisis!  There are people in parts of the world, parts of our country, that can’t access clean water, and yet, my priority (and my HOA’s priority) is making sure my lawn is properly maintained!  SMH!

 

Much ado about nothing?  I don’t think so!  We have to consider the ramifications of this over-the-top manicuring of the lawn.  In this age of organic foods and backyard vegetable gardens, we can potentially endanger ourselves creating a bigger health crisis than currently exists!  The runoff from the lawn to our orange trees and tomato plants may cause greater damage to our families than any uninspected, imported piece of produce ever could!  What are we to do?

 

 Well, I came across a website a few days ago.  Please check it out.  The author, Catherine Zimmerman is accredited in organic land care through the Northeast Organic Farmers Association, N.O.F.A.  She has recently authored a book, Urban & Suburban Meadows, Bringing Meadowscaping to Big and Small Spaces; and is working on the companion video which she hopes to release in 2012.  She has also started a movement, The Meadow Project, all to bring awareness to more landscaping alternatives and sustainable lawns.  As I read through it, I thought about how many Floridians were in my position and how many of us were tired of having to chase the dream!  While our motives were different, I believe Ms. Zimmerman provides valuable information, and something for all of us to think about!