not always easy being green

Cruising through the New York Times this morning, I came across a story?áabout some of the trials and tribulations presented by wild landscape gardening.

Margie Ruddick?áis a landscape architect living in Philadelphia. She has?ánurtured a wild?á(and very beautiful) garden that doesn’t require?áwatering, saves runoff?áwater from going into the sewers and feeds the birds and neighbours. She is routinely questioned about her “wild ways” by the city, bylaw enforcement officers, and others.

I personally find this story inspirational. I had a lawn once. The first thing?áI did with this lawn was to?árip up patches of it. I planted various ground-covers, heathers,?álavender…?áhowever, I hadn’t thought to see what native plants would spontaneously?ágerminate in my soil.?áThis activity is even more exciting?áin a city setting; go to those abandoned lots,?áthose cracks in the sidewalk, and you will find life.

Natasha Henderson, Montreal

Related articles

• In the Garden: In Philadelphia, Going Green or Growing Wild? (nytimes.com)