Easter egg hunts are lots of fun for children during this spring holiday. And if you do it right, those eggs are scattered in the thick grass of an un-mowed lawn that inevitably has a variety of spring wildflowers. The flowers are as much a treat as the eggs and can be part of an Easter nature hunt for adults and kids alike.
I mowed my share of lawns as a kid and now live in the woods, so no mower for me. But, when I did have a lawn as an adult, I always waited until after Easter to make that first cut of the year. Most of my landlords over the years would call in March to ask me why the lawn was tall and uncut. My standard answer was that I had small children and we needed the tall grass and weeds to hide the Easter Eggs. Worked every time!
My challenge to you this Easter is to take the time to hunt for the rich variety of wildflowers that pop up in our lawns and along our roads and byways this time of year. Lady Bird Johnson had the right idea to let wildflowers adorn our roadways. Why not let those same beautiful wildflowers dress up your lawn, at least until after Easter.
You will be amazed at the beauty of the plants that add color and texture to these spaces. Even if you do not know their names, their beauty is enough. You may even consider leaving a patch or corner of your lawn to grow throughout the year. A no-mow zone is a great way to support pollinators that visit the wildflowers that grow there. These areas also support nesting for many of the native bees and other pollinators that help our nearby gardens. Tomatoes and peppers need pollinators to form fruit.
The Easter season is as good a time as any to discover that many of what you may call weeds, are really beautiful wildflowers. Grab a child and a piece of chocolate rabbit and conduct an Easter Nature Hunt. The flowers are the prizes.
Hope to see you in our great outdoors!
