Throughout the 1940s, Americans adopted what eventually became the quintessential image of suburban living in the U.S. White picket fences and manicured green lawns became the goal for homeowners, creating the perfect family appeal.
That image may be a thing of the past, as homeowners choose more natural landscapes, according to the results of the 2023 National Gardening Survey. The survey found that more than 31 million adults have created landscaping for wildflowers and other foliage. Mary Phillips, director of native plant habitat strategies at the National Wildlife Federation, supports moving away from the classic idea of a lawn and creating more diverse, sustainable environments.
Homeowners have a truly unique opportunity to benefit the ecosystems around them, especially the delicate honey bee populations. By transforming your lawn into a wildlife habitat, you can counter the pitfalls of invasive grasses and plants that can negatively impact bee communities, such as increased water consumption and the release of toxins. It's important to know what to replace and which plants will help your habitat thrive.
Creating bee-friendly habitats
If you've ever gardened, you know how delicate ecosystems are. Even something as mundane as your neighbor's lawn can lose its luster and rot if not properly cared for. Lawn makeovers, especially those aimed at making your garden more bee-friendly, start with understanding the climate in which your grass lives and thrives, and adjusting your lawn care schedule to match the changing seasons.
Vast green lawns are common in the United States, covering more than 24 million acres. “No-Mow May” is one campaign designed to encourage lawns to bloom, although the National Wildlife Federation points out that the campaign isn't ideal for all ecosystems. Homeowners should allow lawns to flourish, allowing native plants to thrive while avoiding the benefits of invasive species that can grow undisturbed without regular mowing.
Get to know your lawn and understand the optimal length to avoid killing it or allowing weeds to grow and create an inhospitable environment for bees. When weeding, don't remove common pollinators that are most beneficial to bee populations. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation provides a detailed state-by-state list of plants and weeds that are beneficial to local honey bee colonies.
Promoting bee-friendly gardens requires limiting the use of pesticides that can wipe out entire colonies. Pesticides are carried by worker bees to the hive, where they can affect larvae or spread the chemicals further. Even if the pesticides don't kill the bees immediately, they can alter the bees' navigational abilities, making it harder for them to return to the hive.
Native plants are the foundation of sustainable landscaping
According to the National Wildlife Federation, native plants are a must-have for any yard. Not only do they add beauty to your landscape, they're more likely to attract pollinators who help with pollination during the harsh winter transition. As more homeowners understand the role of native plants, the federation believes they'll become more interested in using them in their lawn makeovers.
When starting a remodel, it's best to start small. Pick an area that's easy to manage and use it as a starting point for sustainable landscaping. Whether you choose wildflowers or grass, a full lawn conversion can be a lot of work and commitment, especially if it's a new concept.
Even a small patch of native plants can be a great start to a greener garden, especially if you use sustainable fertilization practices. When you cut grass and plants, leave the excess grass on the ground so it can be absorbed into the soil. Grass clippings, especially longer grass clippings, provide phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium to your garden, encouraging growth.
This doesn't mean you should avoid invasive plants completely. In a 2020 study on native and invasive pollinator-friendly plants, researchers determined that invasive plants still have a place in gardens. However, invasive plants should only be added if they complement native pollinator-friendly plants. When introduced thoughtfully, these plants can attract different types of bees, which can help ecosystems thrive.
Rewilding for sustainability
Sustainable, bee-friendly lawns and gardens benefit the environment by creating a stable ecosystem for plants and animals to survive. When rewilding your lawn, it's important to think beyond aesthetic appeal. Native plants may not look as good as invasive plants, but they can promote healthier ecosystems.
When choosing native plants, consider flood- and drought-tolerant plants. These hardy plants can withstand extreme weather and are often low maintenance. Their resilience means they can often survive all year round and provide benefits as the seasons change.
As more homeowners realize the benefits of rewilding their unkempt lawns, local ecosystems are more likely to thrive. Bees are an essential part of ecosystem health, and switching to native plants will boost bee activity in your yard.
This article was produced by Media Decision and distributed by Wealth of Geeks.
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