Get Messy

Let’s face it. Nature isn’t particularly neat and tidy. In looking to nature’s example, you don’t have to keep your yard neat and tidy either. In fact, most critters looking for food aren’t looking for bush balls or green carpet/turf grass. And when they find those leaves or flowers, they may take a bite or two. That’s ok.

If you’re planting native plants you realize that gardens are more than prettiness. They’re mealtime right up the food chain from the tiniest insect to biggest raptor. Sit back in your yards and enjoy the circulating critters as well as the native plants with holes in the leaves. Let your plants move where they may. Let your bluejays plant a tree or two. Get messy!

Our definition of gardens should change. Gardens can’t be about beauty alone. Gardens don’t belong to us alone even though we might pay the mortgage on the land where they reside. They belong also to the birds, insects, and animals that call it home. By excessive control and tidiness we take away their homes and food. So, plant the natives and let nature take charge. The rewards are worth it.