Excellent book by Isabella Tree. Got me thinking about lots of things.

Isabella and her partner decided to quit farming their extensive estate about 40 miles south of London, and then to rewild it. Added ancient breeds of cattle, horse, and pigs, and then let things go. Fascinating results.

In addition to other things, they encountered significant pushback from neighbors who were appalled by the sudden flush of “weeds” like Ragwort and thistle. Things didn’t look pretty (though eventually nature cleared things up to some degree). So what about here in Whitewater? We cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes—unlike the neighbor across the street. Last year we even hired a lawn service to deal with the proliferation of creeping charlie. Who’s right?

I have always believed that esthetics matter: the only good garden is a beautiful garden; a yard should look well kept; unkempt places are the result of laziness.

Am I wrong?

I do know that the yard here has half a dozen trees and dozens of shrubs that were not here originally, providing shade, shelter, and food for wildlife. And, while some of the autumn leaves are removed, others are mulched. All kitchen scraps, along with leaves and garden residue, are turned into compost. The yard service was a one-time thing.

Since I live in town, I’m willing to accept a compromise—wild is good, but it must look good, too.

But then, what about the Kagawong property?