Shrink Your Lawn – Plant Natives

Master Gardener Shows Lawn Alternatives at Canton Library Talk

Replacing lawns with native trees, shrubs and perennials, as well as fruits and vegetables, requires less work with more reward. On July 18, at 6:30 p.m. Canton Public Library hosts the seminar “Shrink Your Lawn—Plant Natives” with certified Master Gardener Theresa Sullivan-Barger. Her experience on projects executing these changes will inform the discussion about the how and why of replacing lawns with native plants.

The presenter will explain how planting vegetation that provides food and habitat for wildlife lessens the monoculture of a lawn and adds butterflies, birds and bees to properties of any size. Since natives don’t need watering and fertilizing once established, reducing the extent of a lawn with natives saves time and money.

To give some idea of the scale of what might be accomplished, entomologist and ecologist Doug Tallamy, professor at the University of Delaware says, “If half of American lawns were replaced with native plants, we would create the equivalent of a 20-million-acre national park — nine times bigger than Yellowstone, or 100 times bigger than Shenandoah National Park.”

The program is free and Theresa will answer questions after the talk. Registration is required for seating set-up. To register, please phone us at (860) 693-5800. The library is located at 40 Dyer Avenue in Canton. If you have questions, please call/email Katie Bunn at the library, kbunn@townofcantonct.org.