![]() Typically, these ordinances restrict the height or type of plants that may be grown the word "weed" is generally used to describe undesirable plants. Proposed additions are another variety of purple loosestrife ( Lythrum virgatum), giant hogweed ( Heracleum mantegazzium), and goatsrue ( Galega officinalis).īut Pennsylvania's law is less restrictive than those of some municipal ordinances. purple loosestrife ( Lythrum salicaria).mile-a-minute vine ( Polygonum perfoliatum).Today, 11 plant species are on Pennsylvania's control list: Pennsylvania's first noxious weed law was adopted in 1862 to control the spread of Canada thistle, chicory, Johnson grass, and marijuana. Noxious Weed Laws were first written to protect farmers from introduced weeds that could compete with crops or harm livestock. In most of America, however, the mowed lawn is still the norm, and weed laws are used to ensure conformity with this ideal. The result has been verdant neighborhoods of shrub-scrub dune vegetation, with its related birds and wildlife-and the residents love it. Only locally native species of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees are allowed in the landscaping of private yards. In Seaside, Florida, turfgrass is banned. Today, at least one American town has come full circle. With the invention and spread of the lawn mower, the "common man" could have the same cropped turf as that of an aristocrat's mansion. Department of Agriculture embarked on a campaign to landscape American lawns with a carpet of green. Using European grazed pastures and 18th-century formal gardens as their model, the Garden Clubs of America, the U.S. Our current love affair with the closely mowed grass lawn dates from the 19th century. Grasses were perceived as weeds, and a garden boy's job was to creep among the flowers picking out the grass. In 16th-century England, the lawns of wealthy landowners were wildflower meadows starred with blooms. Perceptions of lawn beauty have changed with the times. ![]() In this fact sheet, we provide strategies for the natural landscape homeowner who is looking for neighborly ways to garden for nature. Worse, their township or borough may have a strict "weed law" that challenges their landscaping practices. Many natural landscape pioneers have discovered, however, that their neighbors sometimes view alternatives to the mowed lawn as untidy, a threat to property values, and even a health hazard. These landscapes include wildflower meadows, butterfly gardens, and woodland habitats that attract birds. Various "natural" landscapes, planned for beauty and ease of maintenance using mainly native plants, are spreading throughout suburbia. Using gardening and landscaping practices that harmonize with nature, they are diversifying their plantings, improving wildlife habitat, and reducing lawnmower noise, air and water pollution, and yard waste. Homeowners across America are changing the face of the typical American lawn. Using gardening and landscaping practices that harmonize with nature, they are diversifying their plantings, improving wildlife habitat, and reducing lawn mower noise, air and water pollution, and yard waste.
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