| Author |
Across the Fence:  Julie Bass update - Oak Park Hates Veggies  |
|
brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
|
|
karla
True Blue Farmgirl
1308 Posts
karla
Pella
Iowa
USA
1308 Posts |
|
|
quiltin_kate
True Blue Farmgirl
244 Posts
Kate
Marlboro
NY
USA
244 Posts |
|
|
brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
|
|
CMac
True Blue Farmgirl
1074 Posts
Connie
Ashland City
TN
USA
1074 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 01 2011 : 08:39:27 AM
|
Are people really that disconnected from food growing out of the earth and not on a grocery shelf? I wonder if it would have been a problem if she "Landscaped" with produce instead of the raised beds. I've seen a house that the owner put tomato plants between the shrubs, grew pole beans on a trellis and lined his walk with lettuce. It was pretty and I wondered how many folks knew he was growing veggies! Point is, I say let her grow, but why piss off the neighbors if it isn't necessary. Could there be a compromise?
I always worry that this type of thing going to court could cause even stricter ordinances against gardening. The guy that snuck his veggies into the landscaping could be the next target when the ordinance is changed to say "no veggies" in the front yard in stead of just "suitable" landscaping plants only.
I must admit I am torn. I agree the city's time would be better spent dealing with the overgrown and abandoned properties than this fight. But I also think that living in a neighborhood means you have implicitly agreed with your neighbors to maintain your property in a way that is in keeping with the neighborhood. This is an age old fight that was pretty predictable if you think about it. Why not garden in back? What is the benefit to having it out front that outweighs the expense and risk of bringing this into the legal arena?
In my perfect world no one would object but that is simply not the reality.
Connie
"I have three chairs in my house: one for solitude, two for friendship, three for company."
Author: Henry David Thoreau |
 |
|
|
brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2011 : 10:23:39 AM
|
I think the reason she put it in the front was because they had a water problem in the front caused by a city-owned tree, that they had to repair (at their own expense, by the way) by tearing up their lawn. So they had to do SOMETHING with the big piles of dirt and holes in the front lawn, so they decided to do a garden instead of lawn.
On her blog, someone left a comment, which I thought was excellent, as follows:
" I’m a stormwater specialist. I’d like to offer some info to you that will hopefully help you in court. First, check this out, a company that does essentially what you are doing http://rootstofruits.biz/
They help to design, you guessed it, edible landscaping. Bet they’d support you if you asked.
Its quite environmentally friendly, great for stormwater runoff. Veggies will uptake more runoff than simple grass. You might also want to check out the book “Lawn Wars” by local author Lois Robbins.http://www.lawnwars.org/
I’m sure she will testify for you as well. Her book is about the waste of resources associated with the classic lawn. They contribute significantly to watershed degradation via fertilizers and pesticides, not to mention the contribution to air quality issues via emissions from lawn mowers.
What you are doing may not be historically typical, but we are in the midst of a paradigm shift. Even the state of Mi is embracing “Green Infrastructure” and is encouraging it. I can get you documents that back this up. Its supported by the EPA see http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=298
You should be aware that the City of Oak Park is a permitted municipality under the Phase II stormwater rules and regs. They are part of the Red Run Subwatershed Plan of the Clinton River http://www.crwc.org/watershed/subwatersheds/redrun.html
What you are doing is actually something that Oak Park should be supporting under their permit.
Also take a look at http://transitionmichigan.ning.com/
They’re all about shifting paradigms. They’d probably come testify to the benefits of what you’re doing.
I could go on, but you get the picture. You are 100% in the right and Oak park “leaders: need to get with the program.
Let me know if there is anything I can do further to assist you. for what its worth, I had tomatoes peppers and herbs in my front yard last year and this, and I plan on turning the majority of my front yard into an edible landscape. I know others who are also planning on this. You are not alone.
Peace and Namaste"
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
Edited by - brightmeadow on Jul 01 2011 10:24:21 AM |
|
|
|
Heartbroken farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
604 Posts
Annette
rio vista
Ca
USA
604 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2011 : 10:54:46 AM
|
This is insane!! My raised boxes are in the front yard, and all my neighbors come by while on walks, and compliment it regularly! The city planning guy said himself what was normal was "beautiful lawns trees, bushes and FLOWERS..." With the exception of a root vegetable, all of her veggies BLOOM, before producing. He said flowers were acceptable, and there were flowers! Anyone is hard pressed to find a plant to bloom year round, so in fact, she had flowers, she's done nothing against what he himself said. It's just an amazing bonus veggies come after the flowers. This whole thing makes me so mad, I wanted to jump into the computer to throttle someone!!
This is where food comes from. This is life! Grass is a waste of water, and useless in neighborhoods like this, nothing eats it. The kids got to see the whole process, instead of just complaining about earring the veggies on their plates, mommy bought at the store! Absolute wast of the cities money, and a stark demonstration of how we've lost our simplest rights.
The tears I shed then, watered the flowers I harvest now.
www.broken908.blogspot.com
http://forums.familyfriendpoems.com/broken908
"The aim of education is the knowledge not of facts but of values."-Dean William Ralph Inge |
|
|
|
Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2011 : 11:38:59 AM
|
| Julie's story is incredible. I've added supportive comments to the WBJK article and Julie's blog. Good grief. I hope her case results in Oak Park's government joining the ranks of the enlightened. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. |
|
|
|
Dusky Beauty
True Blue Farmgirl
1108 Posts
Jen
Tonopah
AZ
USA
1108 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2011 : 11:39:50 AM
|
Does anyone else think this town sounds like a fascist regime?
"The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated." ~Gandhi
"After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.” ~Will Rogers |
|
|
|
Turtlemoon
Farmgirl Legend Schoolmarm
378 Posts
Tanya
Port Orchard
Washington
USA
378 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2011 : 12:55:24 PM
|
Just sad, with water shortages and restrictions, etc plus the cost of organic foods. Someone always has to have a say in someone elses life it seems. Sounds like there are some seriously bored folk near her! Hopefully things have worked out.
Raggedy Ann stuck in a Barbie Doll World
FarmGirl#1737
http://www.etsy.com/shop/moonhonu |
|
|
|
Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2011 : 12:57:10 PM
|
I left a comment on the fox article - here's what I wrote:
I looked up the definition of suitable and did not find "common" when I looked up "suitable" in my Oxford Pocket American Dictionary of Current English. I found "well fitted for the purpose" and "appropriate." Her front yard appears both well fitted and appropriate for growing vegetables. This should be an embarrassment to the city and is definitely a waste of tax dollars.
I cannot believe they are wasting tax dollars on this. Good grief.. Jen - it definitely sounds like a fascist regime.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
|
|
|
walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2011 : 1:36:18 PM
|
That is ridiculous. To put attention to this while we have so many other social problems as a community...this story is just gross.
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2011 : 7:21:23 PM
|
Good for her for not backing down! I think we should all leave messages of support on her blog. If it does come down to a jury trial that can be entered into evidence as to the level of support :)
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
gypsy goat
True Blue Farmgirl
673 Posts
mary jo
michigan
673 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2011 : 7:27:51 PM
|
i find this very disturbing! and like someone already said where do people think food comes from!!! farmville! people are truly disconnected with the real world! they should go after true criminals
farmgirl#1362 whatever you are be a good one-abe lincoln |
|
|
|
MEWolf
True Blue Farmgirl
358 Posts
Margaret
Byers
Colorado
USA
358 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2011 : 06:49:34 AM
|
Good Grief! It is such a sad day. I cannot believe it would be such an issue. Green lawns are such a waste of resources, and most are sick with chemicals that keep them green. In this day and age of more enlightened thinking about eco responsibility, you would think this would be a welcomed change. I feel for her, it is not easy to fight city hall :-( Brightmeadow, what a wonderful helpful post, I love the resources you found!
Margaret
“Kind hearts are the gardens, kind thoughts are the roots, kind words are the flowers, kind deeds are the fruits. Take care of your garden and keep out the weeds, fill it with sunshine, kind words and kind deeds.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1808-1882)
Farmgirl #3020
www.grey-wolf-farm.com |
|
|
|
Lorraine Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
158 Posts
lorraine
salt point
ny
USA
158 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2011 : 06:58:18 AM
|
are you kidding how cruel... it just makes me laugh.... you see this, and i can't help to wonder what happens to those people who have cars parked on there front lawn or junk sprawled on it... not that my yard is perfict, but you will find chickens on it more than anything....
so sorry...i will keep this family in my prayers
LorraineMichelle
Farmgirl #3007
Chickens are like potato chips...
You can't have just one! |
|
|
|
brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2011 : 08:28:55 AM
|
Thanks for all the messages indicating that you are supporting her. I knew the farmgirls would come thorugh!
When I heard the story I was just outraged that a) a neighbor would be so critical and mean-spirited and b) the city would actually CITE her with a misdemeanor, potentially giving her a criminal record.
In this day of electronic background checks, etc., I think a good and well-intentioned person really has to think twice before resorting to the court system to solve a problem.
Maybe that just reflects my childhood watching Andy Griffith show, where he usually solved everything without arresting anyone...LOL
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
|
|
|
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
|
|
FarmDream
True Blue Farmgirl
1085 Posts
Julie
TX
USA
1085 Posts |
|
|
naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
|
|
knitnpickinatune
True Blue Farmgirl
1140 Posts
Sherrie
Gardena
California
USA
1140 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2011 : 1:55:52 PM
|
I was reading thru my new issue of Urban Farm Mag,& in Australia turning your front lawn into a vegatable garden is a fast growing trend called Permablitz. There's a Permablitz network in Calgary,and an online network here at www.permablitz.net Considering Dad neglects the lawn but pampers his veggies,I'm wondering if the city I live in would allow a front yard to be converted to a veggie garden. It would make a huge difference in the appearance for the better!
http://www.mandolinbabe.net
http://www.fiddlebelle.com
http://www.gigulele-bag.net (Zibbet Store)
@MandolinChick on Twitter
mando pickin,uke strummin,dulcimer playin & fiddle sawin' Farmgirl #702 |
|
|
|
n/a
deleted
136 Posts
donna
honesdale
pa
136 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2011 : 7:37:21 PM
|
So nuts! Sad to say this, but there are areas around these parts that might respond in the same way---makes no sense at all!
Just a Brooklyn, NY gal trying to figure out this country thing after 12+ years in the woods of NE PA! Wife of my HS sweetie going on 23 years and mom to the amazing four ages 19(g), 17(s), 14(s), 13(s)!
Donna
Sister # 3062
http://restingunderthepinetree.blogspot.com/ |
|
|
|
smiley
True Blue Farmgirl
650 Posts
lea
pea ridge
arkansas
USA
650 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2011 : 07:13:07 AM
|
| What is happenig to us? I hope she wins her fight and has so much support something this stupid doesnt happen again! |
|
|
|
paradiseplantation
True Blue Farmgirl
1277 Posts
julie
social springs community
Louisiana
USA
1277 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2011 : 06:26:29 AM
|
Please tell me this is a joke. I know. I read the news reports. I read her blog. But surely, someone down at City Hall is either joking, or completely lost his mind. For his (or her) information, vegetables in the front yard ARE common! My raised bed is less than 50 yards from my road. Of course, I'll admit, I don't live in a city or town, but it's still 'common'. In Shreveport, many of my neighbors incorporated vegetables with their flowers. And, y'all are right -- urban gardening is such a hot push right now that a front yard veggie bed will be in at least half the houses in neighborhoods before long. I wish we were all eligible to vote on that -- at best, I wish I could be on the jury. After all, if they choose the jury correctly, it will be a jury of HER peers -- and her peers would all be farmgirls!
from the hearts of paradise...
1Thess. 4:11 |
|
|
|
craftystranger
True Blue Farmgirl
525 Posts
Barbara
Franklin
NC
USA
525 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2011 : 6:26:19 PM
|
I just left a post on her blog. This is just about the craziest thing that I have heard. I will also be following along. I guess the people or person that made the original complaint has a golf like lawn and well behaved trees. You know the ones where the leaves all fall in a perfect pile. All I can say is thank goodness for stupid people ...... They make me feel like a rocket scientist. I'm going to plant some herbs in my front yard this weekend. I am such a dare devil....LOL
Don't forget to laugh! |
|
|
|
FarmDream
True Blue Farmgirl
1085 Posts
Julie
TX
USA
1085 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2011 : 9:44:36 PM
|
Barbara you're a wild one!
I think it's a clash of ideas. The "green" thinking is going to win in the end. The days of perfectly manicured lawns that serve no other purpose than ornamental decoration are coming to an end. It's ridiculous knowing how many people need food and you know what the BIGGEST crop grown in this country is? Lawn.
Our state is about to pass some regulations on HOA's. They've become overreaching. Some of their "rules" are unconstitutional. Even if a person signs an agreement, it doesn't mean those rules can actually be enforced if it goes against a person's constitutional rights.
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com
http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
|
|
|
Across the Fence: Julie Bass update - Oak Park Hates Veggies |
|
Julie Bass update - Oak Park Hates Veggies
