A Backyard Gift for Dad
Like wildlife
dads, our dads work hard to provide for their families, often putting
the needs of their young ahead of their own. For Father's Day, a great
way to ho
nor and thank dad is to lighten his load a little. And the
backyard is a perfect place to do that!
For dads who work too hard and long on the lawn, here are a few ways you can offer to help him. Encourage him to shrink the lawn and the work of maintaining it. Here's how:
● Remove an area of grass and plant a beautiful native tree. Put mulch or shade-loving plants below. Trees add interest and value to a property, while increasing food, cover, and nesting opportunities for birds.
●
Replace an area of
lawn with native plants and wildflowers. The mini-meadow minimizes
mowing time and attracts butterflies and other helpful pollinators.
● Take over a back corner for a compost pile, a brush pile, or both. They reduce the time and effort of bagging yard waste and create food and shelter for wildlife. They also create a safe place for helpful insects to spend the winter, as well as providing mulch for next year's garden.
For dads who don't have lawns—or who won't part with any of their grass—plant a tree in their honor through a park program or charitable organization. Trees symbolize and support life on many levels. So let our dad know the tree is a symbol of the many ways he has helped you in life.
Even if your dad didn't have to sit on you to keep you warm and safe, he probably had to be pretty patient and supportive in other ways! Take time to let him know you appreciate all he has done for you. Being a dad is often a selfless job, but it doesn't have to be a thankless one!
