 Au naturel:
Abandoning pesticides and embracing
native gardens
Recently, pesticides have become a hot
political issue in Ontario.
The provincial government is proposing a ban on the sale and
cosmetic use of pesticides that would supersede existing
municipal bylaws. If passed, the legislation will allow the
province to identify prohibited substances and define exceptions
to the ban.
A scientific literature review published by the Ontario College
of Family Physicians in 2003 linked 'serious illnesses, such as
cancer, reproductive problems and neurological diseases' to
chronic pesticide exposure. Municipalities have been regulating
the use of pesticides for years, but a provincial ban would
create a consistent regulatory framework throughout the
province.
What about the garden?
This means that homeowners will have to find alternative
methods of caring for their gardens. One excellent way is to
choose native plants - bushes, shrubs and flowers that are
indigenous to the local environment. Since they are suited to
our climate and soil, native species do not require chemical
support to thrive. They also support native birds and
butterflies.
At the same time, anyone choosing to plant a native garden,
needs to be aware of municipal bylaws and subdivision coverants
governing property maintenance. Native gardens may not conform
to the manicured aesthetic of a "lawn" and can create conflict
with the neighbours.
A recent example is the case of Toronto-based biologist Deborah
Dale, who had her native front garden mowed down last year
because of alleged 'weeds, heavy undergrowth, dead branches and
debris.' The garden included an oak tree, fragrant sumac and
150 different species of perennials. Some neighbours, though,
thought it was a mess.
Many municipal bylaws, including Toronto's, require property
owners to 'cut the grass and weeds on their land and remove the
cuttings wherever the growth of grass and weeds exceeds 20
centimeters in height'. There are some good reasons for weed
bylaws. They can help to reign in invasive, non-native plants,
and some nuisance plants such as ragweed. In front yards, they
may help to maintain road safety by ensuring clear sightlines.
However, modern bylaws recognize that there is a place for
native plants. The bylaw that allegedly justified the
destruction of Ms. Dale's garden has a specific exemption for 'a
natural garden that has been deliberately implemented to produce
ground cover.'
The issue is largely optics - some neighbours (and property
standards officers) object to native gardens that simply do not
look like lawns, or traditional gardens. To reduce conflict
over your native garden, I suggest:
- Add garden hardware (stepping stones, a birdbath,
decorative rocks, trellises, etc.).
- Discuss the garden with your neighbours, and try to take
their concerns into account.
- Identify your plants. Use labels to demonstrate that
you aren't simply neglecting your property.
Create a buffer strip around the
perimeter of your property. This will frame your native garden,
and create a more tended look.
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