New campaign urges sustainability practices in state gardens

A campaign has been started to encourage state gardens to be managed sustainably after first lady Michele Obama recently broke ground on her kitchen garden on the South Lawn of the White House.

Green the Grounds is asking the Obamas to ensure their yard is environmentally-friendly.

It extends the invitation to the official residences of governors and mayors, suggesting the countrys leaders set an example of sustainability to Americans as they learn to grow their own food and improve their diets.

The campaign hopes figureheads will adopt green practices such as the use of non-toxic methods of lawn care and cutting the acreage dedicated to grass in favour of storm water-retentive perennials, shrubs and trees.

It also encourages water conservation and recycling yard waste – which can be composted instead of taking up space in landfills.

"Public landscapes, especially those in cities, need to provide habitat and sustenance for pollinators and other essential wildlife," the campaign advises.

In other news, a Maryland gardener recently dug up her lawn to create six plots for use as a community garden, according to Gazette.net.