Meadows and the Drought
How to help your yard weather the water shortage
by Harry Booras
M assachusetts , and much of the Northeast , are in a state of severe drought . You don ' t have to be a farmer or gardener to experience how dry everything is . As water restrictions have been imposed by many communities , once plush green landscapes are now reduced to dull expanses of thatch .
There are exceptions , however . Homeowners that have deep water private wells often continue to use their sprinkler , keeping chemically enhanced lawns green and lush . But even these reservoirs of fresh water are feeling the strain of the drought . It ' s only a matter of time before , as in California and other places , ground water will be regulated . After all , like breathable air , clean water is a basic human need and access to it should be a right . The monoculture that is necessary to maintain a classic American lawn is not sustainable in our ever more crowded planet . More and more people throughout the world are feeling the effects of diminishing fresh water resources , caused by many reasons , including climate change , overpopulation , and deforestation .
The turf grass industry in the US is huge . Hundreds of billions of dollars are spent each year by homeowners , governments , schools , private and public entities on installing and maintaining turf for many uses : work , play , and aesthetics . But the cost to the limited supply of fresh water resources could be much worse . Some scientists predict more severe water shortages within the current generation .
Free growing forests , meadows , wetlands and other natural settings will also survive extended periods of dry weather . You can see plenty of color and a wide variety of wildlife in landscapes both wild-growing and those sustainably maintained by conscious property owners and land stewards .
Native plants adapt to dry conditions - even thrive - and provide a nurturing environment for pollinators and other beneficial insects . Meadows also attract arachnids , toads , bats , birds and various small mammals . All of these species live in a synergetic ecosystem that works , even in stressful conditions .
A sustainable meadow , one that does not rely on fertilizers , pesticides , and extra water to keep its flora and fauna in balance , is a good thing , especially now that we ’ re experiencing extreme drought across most of the region . Fertilizers , herbicides , and pesticides are potential pollutants , as they leach off treated lawns and end up in the watershed . Eventually they build up and cause all sorts of problems , on land and in the oceans .
So what can you do to keep your meadow in good health during extreme dry spells ?
❧❧
Offer a little water : In times of extreme drought , small animals , birds and insects often find it difficult to find sufficient moisture to get through the day . Put out some water , like a birdbath or fountain , making sure not to let the water in it get stagnant , to avoid mosquito breeding .
❧❧
Keep it in balance : Many invasive plants will try to move in , so it ’ s important to keep them under control , or they will overrun your meadow . Keep them in check by digging them out and not allowing the seeds to develop year after year . You ’ ll never get rid of all of them but at least maintain some balance between the invaders and the natives . Mow a couple of times a year , leaving the clippings to decompose , returning nutrients to the soil .
A meadow needs little and gives a lot .
GROW ! BOSTON
23