| OHCC LIVING | AUGUST 2024 | 11
Lawns As A Status Symbol
Lawns as we know them started in Medieval England when most
people had to grow their own food. A large expanse of grass served
as a display of wealth; these people could afford to have land without
crops: a status symbol. The grasses planted back then were native
to England and grew well with that nation's soils, ample rains, and
cool temperatures.
Although they did well in England, lawns are not as well adapted
to places with different climates and levels of soil nutrients. Lawns
require fertilizers and chemicals to keep out weeds and pests. This
uses and pollutes much-needed fresh water. This is problematic,
especially in the face of ongoing drought. Pesticides and fertilizers
in runoff can also harm the ecosystem in streams. A plain expanse
of grass is an ecological wasteland. It is filled with just one type of
plant: grass, which doesn't support insects, birds, or other wildlife
the way a natural ecosystem would.
Gardens planted with more diverse species would make for
healthier ecosystems with more pollination (more butterf lies and
California bees, which don't sting unless molested). In the end,
such changes should benefit people and wildlife alike.
Landscape Committee
