is ‘no mow may’ the answer? some lawn thoughts, with mary phillips

YOU’VE PROBABLY HEARD the expression “No Mow May” in recent years, a campaign borrowed from an effort in the U.K. meant to increase diversity by leaving lawns unmown for the one spring month, but is that the answer for U.S. gardeners?

That was the subject of a recent conversation with Mary Phillips, head of native plant habitat strategy and certifications at the National Wildlife Federation, a conservation nonprofit founded in 1936 with chapters today in every state. How can we manage the lawn in the smartest ways possible—and not just in the month of May? We compared notes. (Photo above courtesy of NWF, by David Mizejewski; photo of Mary, below, from NWF.)

Read along as you listen to the April 29, 2024 edition of my public-radio show and podcast using the player below. You can subscribe to all future editions on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) or Spotify (and browse my archive of podcasts here).

managing the lawn, with mary phillips

Margaret Roach: Well, I’ve been excited to see you guys sort of putting out more information about subjects like the lawn because that’s been such a hot topic for gardeners lately. Before we get started, I wanted you to just sort of tell us what do you do at National Wildlife Federation? Tell us just a little bit about your assignment, so to speak.

Mary Phillips: I started at National Wildlife Federation 10 years ago to head up our whole area that’s really focused on getting people to do more ecological gardening. Actually, it is under the umbrella of the Garden for Wildlife Certified Wildlife Habitat program that was started 50 years ago; we’re in our 51st year, so it’s been a real privilege to carry this legacy forward and involve so many millions of people that are providing food, water, cover,