Every spring, the gardening and sustainability side of the internet explodes with posts: Practice No Mow May! Let your lawn bloom! Support pollinators! But does a lawn and garden initiative begun in the UK have the same environmental impact in North America? That’s the subject under scrutiny in this episode as we examine whether well-meaning horticulture advice can be exported around the world. This week, Sean comes armed with research while Erin is equipped with curiosity. Is practicing No Mow May in Ontario helpful, harmful, or neutral? Does a lawn full of imported dandelions somehow hinder our pollinators? What native plants should they be visiting in spring? Sean shares the history of the No Mow May initiative, the research that has been undertaken in recent years, and the nuance needed to consider non-pollinating insects as well. And of course our hosts both make sure to send you on your way equipped with ideas for lawn care and landscaping that really do result in healthy soil and thriving wildlife and insects for your Ontario garden. Comments? Feedback? Want your garden question to be featured in a future Q&A segment? Email us, reach out over social media, or get Q&A priority by supporting us on Patreon. Discord: https://discord.gg/K6wF9dY4Ja Bluesky: @plantsalwayswin.com TikTok: @plantsalwayswinpodcast YouTube: @plantsalwayswinpodcastWebsite: www.plantsalwayswin.com CreditsWebsite Design and Illustration by Sophia AlladinIntro and Outro Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/when-my-ukulele-playsLicense code: GWOIMMBAS15FG6PHCitationsThe World Wildlife Fund’s suggestions for better practices than No Mow MayJakubowski, E. (2024, May 1). Does ‘No Mow May’ really help pollinators? - WWF.CA. WWF.CA. https://wwf.ca/stories/no-mow-may-help-pollinators/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=10648121956&gbraid=0AAAAADtP0wTPs9QPnyYBcokUaZZXTAaOt&gclid=CjwKCAjwiezABhBZEiwAEbTPGLUOHJp-q4gXd_Nb2UdOWbyxzZeeJUjZRQwsA1thuLTxyKe-4roM0hoC5YcQAvD_BwEA discussion of what will pop up from your lawn’s seed bank if you don’t mowVogt, B. (2023, April 9). Just say no to no mow may. Monarch Gardens. https://www.monarchgard.com/thedeepmiddle/just-say-no-to-no-mow-may Timestamps00:12 Intro2:06 What's Growing On: Erin's Spring Bulbs3:22: What's Growing On: Sean's Client Gardens...with Erin!6:05 Water Break06:15 What is No Mow May (and Mo-Mo May)?07:42: Does No Mow May Work in North America?08:15 The Harms of Not Mowing in May in Ontario11:15 Our Native Pollinators Visit Shrubs in May12:38 Studies Conducted on No Mow May14:10 Tree Seedlings vs. Meadows (Who Will Win?)15:00 Lawn-Cutting Equipment Options18:15 Pros of No Mow May19:50 How to Help Your Lawn Support Insects23:46 Converting Lawn to Wildflowers30:25 Better Ways to Help Pollinators38:00 Doing Without Pesticides, Herbicides, and Synthetic Fertilizers43:00 Say No to Absolutes, Usually44:23 Conclusion and Contact Us
