permaculture

[Judith Hanna <jehanna@gn.apc.org>]

>In the news last night was the announcement that a proposal will be made
>to the state legislature that a law be created to make non-mowing of lawns
>illegal. Non-compliance will result in forced mowing by state-designated 
>service (minimum of around $150/lawn). Non-payment by homeowner for this
>service will result in a lien for the amount of the bill being placed on
>the property.

Which state was this proposal in? It isn't clear from your e-mail addresses
-- is NC North Carolina? Us foreigners aren't necessarily familiar with US
shorthand.

No doubt there'll be a broad range of 'green' and gardening organisations
weighing in with protest -- which amounts to an opportunity to raise public
awareness that a monoculture bare lawn is a pretty sterile use of garden
space. It's an opportunity to flag up the alternatives -- the concept of
'wildflower meadow' and of course, the many varieties of 'garden bed',
including 'forest garden' stacking.  

Proposals for stupid legislature can be more of an opportunity to get press
and media coverage for the sensible alternatives, than a real threat.
Provided, of course, the local population has elected reasonably sensible
reps. 

Addressing where the proposal has come from is important -- it comes from a
concern that people should look after their garden space and property.
That's also basic to permaculture. The difference is that for us (and many
others) "looking after" means creating nature-friendly habitats -- what the
media will go for is attractive-looking examples they can film/photograph,
which are rich in 'nice' wildlife -- birds, butterflies, cute mammals. Food
yield can also make a good story -- and brings in the wider sustainability
issues of 'food miles', healthy diet, etc. 

Remember, the problem is the solution. Go for it.


2) London's next outbreak of the anti-WTO/global capitalism ferment will be
a MayDay festival, on Mon 1 May. And it will feature 'guerilla gardening'.
People are being asked to come along with seeds to give out, and plants. 





Judith Hanna
jehanna@gn.apc.org
15 Jansons Rd, Tottenham, London N15 4JU