Ahhh....the smell of cut grass is in the air! For many of us...that means at least a portion of our weekend plans are going to be out in the yard...tending. Now...in my pre-organic days...I used to purchase all of the potions that were designed to kill everything but the grass...but now...my perspective has changed. Now because I have youth playing in the yard...I don't care to have those sprays on the lawn for fear of poisoning them...but in addition to that...I like having the variety of "weeds" that grow in the lawn to be a part of their outdoors experience.
This of course defies the culturally ingrained belief that only a mono-cultured grass can be a thing of beauty! And...I don't deny that it is a beautiful thing. I just feel that there is also beauty and value to be found with some dandelions poking up here and there ready to be blowing into the wind or some white clover flowers begging to become ingredients in their "soup" that the children make daily. To me...it is one step closer to getting the children a to a true "nature" experience. Less altered by man's hand to become perhaps too unnatural.
I also like for the children to see how the native plants develop and flower. Many of them are more beautiful in my eyes that the plants I'd have to pay for and nurture to keep alive!
Now...I know about social pressures. I know about the struggle to keep good home values by keeping homes looking nice. Lawns can be a sore spot for neighbors who don't like seeing weeds. Perhaps what most people could stand to do as a compromise is to strive to keep their front lawn manicured and green...but the backyard a little unkempt for the children to play.
I am not advocating never cutting lawns or letting things get out of control. When the lawn get's too long...it can actually be an impediment to some forms of play as they can't run through it effectively...or kick a ball through it. When I do my lawn duties...I mow everything...but leave some weeds here and there to grow. It still can look pretty sharp...and allow the children a slice of the "wild".
Just some food for thought to make your own homes a bit more Waldorf!
