Good.is: Redesigning the Front Yard: Replacing Lawns with Food, and Now Prairies (architect, zoning)
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In 2005, artist and architect Fritz Haeg launched the Edible Estates project, challenging surburban homeowners to reclaim their front yards for vegetable gardens. Food Not Lawns promotes the same thing. In many cities, residents have had to fight against zoning laws and homeowners' association codes, sometimes unsuccessfully, for the right to grow food instead of grass.
Homeowners are more protective of their backyards, even if it backs up to an expressway, considered their private space. Ever seen a swingset or pool in the front yard? I thought they are more willing to conform to zoning, and enforce comformity, on the front lawn.
I've seen kumquat and kalamansi used as decorative trees, and navel oranges and other citrus in front yards. Where I am they're evergreen, beautiful leaves. Laurel and olive trees are common. Scallions are like Dr. Suess plants, really cool thatches. Other herbs are of course conventional. If we're talking about row planting and raised beds, I don't care if my neighbors do it. I don't have an HOA.
I think it's more about the seasonal dying out that makes gardens unattractive out front, and just practically speaking you don't want the face of your house to look unattractive. If you commit a certain portion of the yard to a growing garden it works out, but you'd have to have a large front yard in the first place, which most people around here don't anyway. However, I do like the idea of using your lot to its fullest. If I'm gonna tend to something, feed and water it, I want something tangible back. Flowers for the vases, fruits and vegetables for the kitchen.
Well, I guess I've had tomatoes stolen from my backyard, too, but that was before I fenced in the yard. Now the only thieves are the squirrels.
Take up canning.
Yes, I do that, though now I usually quarter and freeze my tomatoes. At this altitude, you have to process them so long (and in a pressure cooker) that they're like tomato puree when you can them.
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