Despite the original posters overly extensive post, with certain questionable content, the central point is still quite vaild. We as a nation spend more money on grass than on any other crop. That by itself should be reason enough. Read up on the history of lawns and you'll find that they were orginally created as a means of demonstrating wealth (aka, I have this big area and I can afford to do nothing with it except grow grass I can't eat) Regarding the comments of junegem13 and zachslc, you might want to read up on the legal history of this movement. As it turns out, most weed laws (ones based on hight, not on noxious weeds) are unconstitutional. Nonetheless, if you are in a city or subdivision and decide to do a wildflower meadow where there is not an reasonable ordinance, then you should notify your neighbors and the city about why you are doing and the legal preceedants. The EPA has all this information. Regarding property values, that was the original complaint neighbors made against one landowner when she converted her lawn into meadow. When they were unable to demonstrate an actual decrease in property values, the city ordinance was ruled unconstitutional. Afterwards, the neighbors decided if they couldn't beat her that they'd join her and replace their own yards with meadows. Property values in that one neighborhood are now some of the highest in the city (Specific names and places, are available if you want them). Time and time again, lawn alternatives done correctly have shown to raise values, not lower them. In Charlottesville, VA local government is working on an ammendment to exclude native meadows from our weed ordinance. Other cities are doing the same very quicky, especially since the weed ordinance as written by many localites constitutes a legal liability to local governments.

I'm saving links/urls and reading and trying to wrap my head around the plethora of information. Thank you all for sharing the links. I feel much more comfortable using reference material that others actually recommend first-hand, rather than a web search that could turn up erroneous material. A few years ago there were some local posts about bees - like in people's walls that they wanted out, but while I had an interest, I had absolutely no clue how to go about collecting them (and as yet, still don't). I have NEVER seen a swarm where I'm at - all I have noted is that I went from seeing some honeybees (gathering nectar from the spots of clover growth - unfortunately some of them killed by accident when stepped on or getting into a shoe) with some regularity but not en masse, to thinking the last honeybee I saw was ONE last year... ONE... horrible, huh? While I understand the sense in capturing a swarm that is unwanted somewhere else (there haven't been anymore local posts like that in a long time), truthfully - based upon my reading in the past and the fact that one (out of four) of my kids is more sensitive/allergic to stings than "most people", I think I would prefer (preference not necessarily meaning it will turn out that way) to get a specific type of honeybee that is known for being "less aggressive". I remembered at least that much from past reading - different types being rated on their nature. I would have to re-read to know which ones were which of course, but I figure I have time. I can scavenge materials for building hives. The only thing I don't feel confident about is jumping into 2 or "even better" 3 right off the bat. I understand the sense of it in the event of something happening and one or another needing some help, but at the same time, jumping right in like that would automatically have me tackling more than I think I'm ready for. Since it will probably be next Spring (???) before it would be "the time" for acquiring "starter stock", I guess I've got time to think on it and weigh things out. While there is unquestionably a shortage of honeybees - we don't seem to be lacking with wasps, carpenter bees, some bumblebees, etc. Would siting a hive or three on the property have an effect with these other insects? I mean I'd happily give up the wasps and hornets and such, but by the same token, would these other types of "bees" pose any sort of threat to honeybees? I've seen other species of critters (generically speaking, but not in reference to bees) compete with one another and territory. If this would be an issue; honeybees I intentionally brought in, is there anything I should or could do to protect the honeybees from other insects? (I suss that other types of bees/wasps/hornets wouldn't be the only insect that could be a threat or problem for honeybees and their hives) There's a section of the property that I could probably get tilled (with a tractor, way too much to handle with a hand-tiller) and sow that is "wide open" and full sun... right now that section is all-natural with a mix of grasses, "weeds", and some small spots of clover dotting it. What would you all recommend as a "choice" plant to sow it with (it would still be mixed because I won't use a blanket poison to kill what already exists there and tilling wouldn't nix all of the stuff either) for honeybees? I know there's more than just "clover" as a crop for them.... and I'm trying to think-ahead in that I would like to still mow (it's enough space that I mow with a tractor and bush-hog) it. I get less than positive comments when I let it grow up completely (because it looks like it should be baled :) so *ideally* I'd like something that would still bloom for honeybees but not grow terribly tall. I don't mind letting it grow to say around 6 inches tall - give or take, but the shorter while still being able to bloom, would be better. That area is also a section of the property that is used by multiple canines and people for recreation - so would I encounter issues between "us" and honeybees for use of the space or ...? I'm not explaining this very well I'm afraid. I'm just trying to keep everyone happy, ya know? We need to be able to live in harmony with the honeybees - rather than me ending up with complaints from "everyone else" about the honeybees. (hence, all of my questions and research before I jump in) I *might* be able to arrange fair use of another small chunk of property owned by family that could be sown for honeybees and hives kept there - but in the event that I could use that, the competition I already know I would encounter for the bees, would be deer and rabbits grazing. They feel totally safe grazing there and my family actually spent the last several years putting out corn for the deer and providing them with water as well. I only have sporadic and late-night visits from the deer myself as they are far more cautious on my property because of the dogs who usually don't ignore their presence except late at night. The deer and rabbits though, especially when we have high heat and drought like now, become incredibly bold in their quest for high-moisture content greens and will come right up to the homes - they pretty much destroyed shrubs and other plants last year and beginning this year that they had never before bothered and even "deer resistant" plants (that taste bad). So I have a concern about them eating everything intended to grow and bloom for bees.

'U' are preaching to the choir here...

I just came in from the first firefly catching expedition of the season. I'm glad my daughter still gets excited about it, and I have to admit even at my age the sparkling all over was pretty cool. My yard is a decent size but still suburban and one of the most interesting (to me) parts is the back corner where I only mow on and off starting in August. I call it the meadow, my wife calls it the weed and tick patch, but it's always filled with better things than weeds and ticks. Crickets, fireflies, butterflies, and all the other less fun bugs that go with a lively outside all keep the corner interesting. It's not a prairie since I mow it, but it's more than a lawn. I guess my point is if you're mowing your lawn just for the sake of mowing it consider taking a break. The kids have plenty of lawn in front to play, but the back part is overkill and instead I just mow a few paths to keep it legit looking, and enjoy. Quite a few wildflowers have come in on their own. I pull what I don't like. Duffy that's pretty impressive. I'd be overwhelmed by something of that scale!