I read D. Jordan’s letter to the editor about water restrictions with interest. My family converted our lawn from turf to meadow a couple of years ago, essentially adding native grasses, clover and other wildflowers to help support wildlife. We haven’t looked back.
It is nevertheless still more meadow than garden and is watered weekly during drought. While I agree that we should be aware of our water usage, D. Jordan’s letter reflects an unfortunately widespread misconception about the state of our water resources in the CRD.
While much of the province is suffering under severe water restrictions, we are not and have not been since 2003. According to the weekly reservoir report (available to all at the CRD website) our reservoirs are at 77%, just slightly better than our five-year average.
Why does this matter? Because while a dead/dormant brown lawn may be good for one’s eco creds, it is not good for local wildlife.
On a walk through any of the sports fields or parks maintained by the district (which are irrigated), you will see a bumblebee at very nearly every clover flower. These are just the obvious insects that we can see. The ones we don’t see are also playing essential supporting roles in our environment.
Given that we do have ample water, there is nothing at all wrong with adhering to the level one restrictions and watering twice a week. Rather there is much more benefit to the environment than a brown lawn. D. Jordan asks why do lawns have to be green. Because green is life. Add flowers, but don’t take away life.
Brad Weldon
Saanich
