The MN DNR has some websites showcasing landscaping with native plants in the Metro area... never could put up a link that actually worked, but try www.dnr.state.mn.us/gardens/nativeplants/index.html You've probably run across most of this in your "idea stage" for converting to natives, but in all the available info from the DNR there must be a key to local regs or at least as to what is generally considered acceptable on one's own property. We had a few hotly contested incidents when I lived in Maryland. And it was decided that there was a big difference between simply letting a yard revert to unkempt weeds and gardening with native plants.

Ok...here is what I have so far... I WILL EMAIL THIS TO YOU PLEASE DO NOT CCP THERE MAY BE MORE QUESTIONS ADDED OTHERS WANT ON HERE BEFORE WE ARE FINAL. I will ask you to answers all questions...Please take time to think about what your answers might be. IF you want to save this one to help you answer them later then please go ahead and do that, HOWEVER, if something gets added be sure to answer it on the one emailed to you. Personal Info: Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Email address: What type of movies do you like? Favorites? What are your least favorite movies? What type of books do you read? What are your least favorite books? What are your favorite types of music? What are your least favorite types of music? What are your favorite colors? What is you shoe size? What is your hat size? What is your belt size? Are you allergic to: Smells? (Perfumes, Lotions, Cologne) Do you have a favorite scent? Do you have a favorite lotion or shaving cream or after shave? Do you have any allergic triggers? (Clorox, detergents, soaps) Do you wear finger nail polish? What colors are you favorite? Would you prefer not to receive finger nail polishes? Would you like to receive manicure items? (clippers, emery board) Do you have long hair? Would you like to receive barrettes or ponytail holders? Do you have pierce ears? Can you were costume jewelry? Would you prefer not to receive any jewelry adornment items? Do you collect household indoor items? (ex: candles, tins, soaps) If so what types? Scents? What would you NOT want to receive for indoor décor? What type of theme do you have indoors? Kitchen? Bath? Do you have children? What are their ages? Would you want something including for them? If so what type of items? (coloring books, children books) Do you like novelty items? (pens, pencils, notepads, stickers, stamps and ink pads) Food Are you allergic to any foods? Do you like cooking? What are you favorite types of food? What types of foods do you dislike? Do you like chocolate? If you dont like chocolate what is your favorite candy(ies)? What is your favorite snack food? Would you want to receive homemade goodies? (cookies, brownies) What is your favorite types drink non-alcoholic? Coffee, Tea List your favorite flavors: Please list as many as you like: Teas: List your favorite flavors: Please list as many as you like: Coffees: Drinks others: Do you do alcoholic drinks? If so what are your favorite types? Garden Info: What zone are you in: Tell us a little about your specific growing conditions, for your yard: (sunny, hot/dry, wet, shady, hilly, flat) Are you allergic to any plants? Do you enjoy houseplants; Specific types? What if any do you prefer NOT to receive? What is you glove size? Would you like to receive garden tools? If so what types? Do you have a specific color you would like to receive if possible? Do you collect seeds? Would you want homemade seed packs or would you prefer plastic or paper envelopes? Would you like paint markers or sticks? Would you want plants makers? Purchased or homemade? What plants do you have too many of and do not want any more of? What plants would you like to receive more of? Is there any color plants you would like to receive? What themes/ color schemes do you have going on in your garden, if any? Do you plan on starting any themes or color schemes? Would you prefer plants or seeds of the above items? Do you have a pond in your yard? Are you planning a pond in the future? Do you need pond related items, if so what would you be wishing for? Do you want pond plants? Do you grow vegetables? Would you like to receive seeds for veggies? If so what types would you want? Do you grow herbs, or want to start? What types of plants do you have? Or would you want to receive? Would you care to receive herb seeds? Do you enjoy bulb type plants? What is your favorite bulb plant? What is your least favorite bulb plant? Would you want to receive onions sets and type? (Red, sweet) Would want to receive garlic? (Types) Would you want to receive potato seed? Is there any specialty plant or seeds you would just LOVE to have? Would you prefer NOT to receive seeds of ANY kind? Please list at least 10 favorite plants you would like to receive. Please list at least 10 seeds types you would like to receive. List types you DO NOT want to receive either plants or seeds wise. What are 3 plants you would hurt someone to get your hands on you just havent been able to find yet. Decorations: Do you enjoy yard art/decorations/ornaments? (if not say so, hey if you think it is trashy tell us) Do you collect any specific yard art/decorations/ornaments if so? Would you like to receive wind chimes? Would you like to receive outside flags? Is there any specific outside theme you would just not want? Do you decorate for holidays? If so which ones? Would you want to receive these appropriate decorations? Which holiday would you least likely wish to receive items for? What is you favorite Holiday? Do you have a least favorite holiday? What is your most favorite season or time of year? What is you least favorite season or time of year? Hobbies: Besides gardening what are your hobbies if any? Would you like items related to your favorite other hobbies? What would you enjoy receiving most relating to your other hobbies? What would least like to receive relating to your other hobbies? Do you scrapbook? Would you want items related to scrap booking? (ink pads, stamps, papers, déco scissors) Do you enjoy animals? Do you have any animals? (dog, cat, bird) Would you want something included for them? If so what? Toys? Biscuits? Do you have a specific color you prefer to receive if included? What is the least favorite item you would want to receive for your pet(s)? What is you favorite animal? What is your least favorite animal? Would you enjoy receiving animal related items? (notepads, stickers etc.) I KNOW it is long, BUT this will help us all to decide what everyone will want...I think it is pretty much all you could want to know, but maybe I over looked something I am sleepy and can't think of any thing esle right now. Ok, night everyone. :) Fran

Hes been there other then yesterday , But I dont think he noticed really until yesterday I heard him talking with his girlfriend that I have a green thumb and about what I did to the garage so yes he does notice, it was only yestersday that he explained to me about easements and city ownership. I looked around other easements and its pritty noticeable and very well done I might aid. No other easement on our block looks as nice, I have a huge flowering butterflyweed, some coneflowers native switch and porcupine grass a HUGE brown eyed susan must be nearly five feet tall and some HUGE wild voilets that just grew there naturally. I will call the city and have them warn me ahead of time, I also got someone at our local nurshery who will take the plants if they need to be rescued.

here's the link for the Lexington MA parkettes http://www.lexingtonma.gov/planning/Streetscape/CPC%20Presentation_2.pdf Too much to write all links. Just google Lexington MA pocket parks and there are reports of the design process etc. The most popular thing there was the sidewalk size checkers game. Kids played while parents with coffee dawdled. Here it is: http://lexington.wickedlocal.com/article/20150801/NEWS/150809561 I know kids may not play hopscotch any more that it strikes me its a perfect, low environmental impact, quiet game that can fit into a small space. Shoemakers probably stilll have heels to donate. How to play the game could posted or written on wall, and an on-line link could be provided to parents....imagine parents teaching kids how to play hopscotch. Some parents may even remember....or granparents. And two months later stodgy old f.....ts started complaining. http://lexington.wickedlocal.com/article/20150905/NEWS/150907810/?Start=2 Sometimes I hate living in an "historic" town. It's like having a homeowners association for governance. "I think the lanterns are the most egregious part of the design" "Egregious" should apply to human rights violations not lanterns. Perhaps there's a lesson here for your group. I tried to see what the follow up was, but didn't see anything. Let us know what's happening as you proceed. I think its great you wrote to GW about this. Nice change from scraped-bare front yard questions////1