Alan Olander wrote:
It's all about diversity. Non-native, invasive plants destroy that as they out compete the natives. Sure, some insects do well on the "weeds", but others rely on specific plants to survive. You should promote controlling noxious weeds, not condemn it. If you want to do something for the insects, consider planting your lawn to native pollinator habitat.
As far as the milkweed goes, the Monarch breeding season is at its end, so cutting the milkweed isn't harming much.
Appreciate your viewpoint Alan. I'm actually in the process of doing just that but I'm getting resistance from my gardener that I've been married to for 48 years
Just a little background as to where my viewpoint comes from. I own acreage in Northern Minnesota. It was once a dairy farm, and on some of the agricultural acres, long abandoned, I signed up with the NRCS (USDA) for a pollinator habitat program. On about 8 acres, I prepped and planted native forb and grass seed and still maintain these areas. I mow and spot spray on a rotating basis to keep non-native plants at bay. Organizations that restore prairie, mow, spray, and burn to keep the "weeds" at bay, so it is a beneficial practice, as I see it. I do let some of the Canada Thistle grow through the summer as the bees and butterflies love it when it blooms. I do mow it just as it starts to go to seed otherwise the seed spreads everywhere. Glad to hear you're considering a "native" lawn.
Alan Olander wrote:
Just a little background as to where my viewpoint comes from. I own acreage in Northern Minnesota. It was once a dairy farm, and on some of the agricultural acres, long abandoned, I signed up with the NRCS (USDA) for a pollinator habitat program. On about 8 acres, I prepped and planted native forb and grass seed and still maintain these areas. I mow and spot spray on a rotating basis to keep non-native plants at bay. Organizations that restore prairie, mow, spray, and burn to keep the "weeds" at bay, so it is a beneficial practice, as I see it. I do let some of the Canada Thistle grow through the summer as the bees and butterflies love it when it blooms. I do mow it just as it starts to go to seed otherwise the seed spreads everywhere. Glad to hear you're considering a "native" lawn....Show more →
I could tell by your post that you had more than just a passing interest on the subject Thanks for the additional information. Sounds like a great piece of property.
