Hi all,

I'm considering doing something that I'd like to get your opinions about. This is a little nerve racking for me because I don't like to get into my neighbor's business, but . . . For about a month this Spring almost every day a chemical-based yard care company was spraying at various homes in my neighborhood. And of course the time for spring yard treatments is about the same time all the children are getting outside to enjoy the warmer weather. Anyhow, I contacted the one organic-based yard care company in town and they sent me some of their flyers to hand out. I am considering writing a gentle letter describing the hazards of yard chemicals and the benefits of caring for our yards organically. Do you think it's a good idea to include the letter, or should I just hang the flyers on door knobs? Think back to before you gardened organically, how would you respond to a letter like this from one of your neighbors? I am concerned the letter might actually discourage organic gardening techniques in some way. Thank-you in advance to those of you inclined to respond. Jeanna

I think people would be more likely to read the flyer if there was something attached written by their neighbor.

jeanna, I lived many years on a beautiful old street which eventually became part of suburbia. Myself and one neighbor were the sole non-chem households and it was chem city spring through fall.

It's incredibly hard to get people to even begin thinking in clean directions, let alone to effect real change. Gardening by example is very effective - they can see the results for themselves. If the neighborhood is at all friendly people will gradually chat you up about it when you're outside, and much can be accomplished.

The flyers, and nice notes, can go a long way if done in a personable manner and in person. Flyers in doorknobs usually end up in the circular file and might create resentment or irritation, thus defeating the purpose. I used to have people in from time to time for munchies and drinks just to chat about yards/gardens and slipped a lot of information into their minds that way too. You have to be stealthy, people have been so conditioned to dependence on chems that your approach needs to be subtle.



Another good way - I'd give away to neighbors fruits, veggies and flowers grown organically as they came along. And I'd slip in a comment like "And no chemicals, either, these are really healthy for you." They'd look quizzical a moment and then want to know more, it was very effective.

I agree with beebop. Show them by example.

I mow my lawn with a mulching mower and in the summer heat when there are watering restrictions guess whose lawn is still green? Same thing for the flower garden and the veggies we can give away. It took a while but now the neighbor has switched to organic and she is working on the neighbor on her other side and also converting her sisters and mom.

You just need patience, as hard as that is, otherwise you could just make enemies of all those other people.