The Sloth Option: That's how journalist Michael Tortorello described my hands-off approach to winter cleanup in a recent Sunday New York Times article, "Time to Put the Garden to Bed?" On a more serious note, he wrote, "the circle of life doesn't work as well with a winter-shaped wedge cut out of it." The Times sent one of the nation's best garden photographers, Rob Cardillo, to help illustrate the concepts in action.
Check out the article and slideshow.
But What Will the Neighbors Think?
If you're worried the "Sloth Option" won't go over well in your neighborhood, consider this: As unconventional as my property is, photos of it dominated the front page of the Times' Real Estate section. In an era when crewcut lawns are still the cultural standard, how did our "messy" oasis pass the test? It may have something to do with the visible signs of human intention my husband and I have incorporated. Whether it's a pathway, a birdhouse, a pretty table and chairs, a decorative rock, or a hedge of beautiful berrying bushes, a small aesthetic addition can define wilder spaces and preserve relations with the neighbors. For tips on adding these elements to your own humane garden, see my recent
All Animals magazine article, "Wild by Design."
Prune Now, Save Lives Later
During warm seasons, tree trimming and removal are significant threats to wild families. Countless squirrels and birds die or are orphaned because of ill-timed pruning. Unnecessary removal of dead and dying trees also takes away habitat from many wild animals who rely on decaying wood for food and shelter. You can prevent losses by leaving dead wood that presents no safety hazard and waiting to trim trees until they've shed their leaves. Now is the time, but check for any straggling nesters, since the weather has been unseasonably warm in many regions. Read more tips on humane pruning.
Humane Gardener Presents ...
Audiences leave Humane Gardener talks ready to take action: "I came to learn how to eliminate invasive vegetation that takes over my patio without harming animals," said one attendee, "but I learned so much more. Can't look at lawns and leaf blowers the same way anymore!" Another attendee added: "Your presentation was so enlightening. I loved your book, too, and even though I have been a habitat steward for decades, I still learned lots."
Find upcoming events and schedule a presentation in your community.
Interviews & Reviews: "I was instantly hooked!" said Misti Little of the first time she picked up The Humane Gardener. Listen to our conversation on Misti's Garden Path Podcast. "Hearing Lawson tell it like it is is really refreshing," wrote native plant advocate Charlotte Adelman, author of Midwestern Native Shrubs and Trees, in Wild Ones Journal. "Humane gardeners are fortunate to have a spokeswoman as eloquent as Lawson. Read her book and spread the word!"
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