Writing for Plant Rights

Did you know that, according to Cincinnati Municipal Code, natural landscaping must be set back at least 3 feet from all property lines. Not only that, but plants growing in the right-of-way between road and sidewalk are not permitted to be taller than 10 inches. That doesn’t leave much room for natives! What’s a city gardener to do? Native plants risk being cited as weeds and closely cropped turf grass is still the gold standard for Cincinnati yards.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Cities like Minneapolis, Minnesota have established a right to install and maintain natural landscapes, provided they don’t interfere with sidewalks or roads. In fact, their Municipal Code states that native plants are “beneficial to the city's environment and its residents and… require fewer potentially harmful and costly inputs, improve stormwater retention, increase water quality and biodiversity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide habitat for wildlife such as birds, butterflies and other beneficial insects and species.” (Duh! We knew all that!)

Minneapolis’s actions are part of a nation-wide trend, and we don’t want Cincinnati to be left behind. Last year, Ohio declared April as Native Plant Month, but we can’t stop there. Let’s spend a morning together writing letters to city councilmembers encouraging them to revise city code and let native plants grow! We’ll have stamps and envelopes ready to go, as well as coffee and pastries to enjoy. All that's missing is you!