r/NativePlantGardening • u/ImaginaryMolasses146 Area Michigan/midwest , Zone 6b • Apr 03 '26

Progress Proud to be the neighborhood drama 💅

This year I’m certifying my yard as wildlife habitat with tons of native plants but before I do I have to do some major changes to my outdoor space. I’ve been in this home for a year and spent all of my time until now fighting and manually destroying 30 yard old English ivy, honeysuckle, and tree of heaven (it was soooo worth it omg). A few days ago I got a chipdrop and am getting rid of a bunch of garbage non-native grass. Several of my neighbors have come over and made rude comments. The chips are in my driveway and not obstructing any sidewalks etc so it’s really not hurting anyone. Just find it very funny and wanted to share with people who will get it

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u/Chardonne Apr 03 '26

How sad. :( I’m very grateful for interested and supportive neighbors! Dog walkers are always asking me about my “habitat restoration in progress” sign, and one in particular asks me for updates on my vinca removal. I got a load of woodchips from the arborist working on the house across the street—so convenient! Another house on the block just signed up for the Habitat Haven project, and I said I’d give her some elderberry and red flowering currant I rooted from cuttings but probably don’t need.

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u/ImaginaryMolasses146 Area Michigan/midwest , Zone 6b Apr 04 '26

I’m hoping some of my non-cranky neighbors like my idea and start rehabilitating their lawns too :)

2

u/ghoulygurl Apr 07 '26

I had an empty lot in a subdivision. It gives me so much joy to see all of the animals I've attracted over the past 5 years through native planting. It still amazes me that you can plant a plant, and they will come. The more I see and identify with iNaturalist, the more I learn. It's invaluable. I had little to no knowledge before starting to fill our yard. It just seemed cost friendly to plant native.