Letters to the Editor - Gardens - Understanding what’s OK between gardens and nuisance

    The definition of acceptable yard maintenance has been changing in Minneapolis for decades. In 1971 the City Inspection Dept. cited one neighborhood pioneer in her alternative plant choices. She successfully prevailed and was allowed to keep her native grasses and flowers she preferred over a standard lawn. Since then the standard for what is acceptable has been expanded.

    I don't consider myself to be a plant lover or horticulturist. Several years ago I lost an old elm tree in my back yard. Because the stump was unsightly and took up so much room I decided to dig it up. It took the whole summer season and help from a neighbor who owned a semi truck to get it out of the hole. My ex-wife was living with me at the time and quickly filled in the space available with a butterfly and bird friendly garden.

    The ex is not living with me any longer. The garden she created has been my responsibility for the last two years. Apart from narrowing it dimensionally it has received considerably less attention from me. Many native and earth-friendly plants are still residing in my back yard. I do enjoy quiet moments observing the variety of insects and bird life that it attracts.

    I recently received a notice from the Inspection Dept. that stated I was in violation of section 227.90,227.00 and 244.1580 for a nuisance violation. Five days were allowed to correct the violation.  After consulting with the inspector, neighbor, mailman, etc. I tried determining which plants were OK and which should go before I am re-inspected. The only clear criteria was to cut and remove all tall grasses and weeds on the property in excess of eight inches in height. This violation is not appealable. Also what I found strange was their assertion that eliminating the garden would render a reduced crime rate. I believe that native plants and crime have very little to do with each other. No rationalization on their position seems a better approach than using and finding one that's unrelated or one that is unsubstantiated by any research.

    That said my dilemma still remains. On the one hand we are encouraged to create rain gardens, use less water and stop water run off into the streets, which leads into lakes and rivers. On the other side we risk fines and extra levies to get in step with environmental friendly actions. My inspector seems like a reasonable person. I am hoping for a reasonable solution. It is time to develop policies and standards that are understood and in line with what's really at issue. Matters regarding citizen rights, earth-friendly conditions, personal expression and ways to assist other creature's ability to live with us must be factored in. The government role should be to dictate and restrict benign human activities less and find real solutions for environmental concerns.

Dan Lynch,

Victory