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FEATHERING OUR NESTS: O-MAMA’s Perspective on SPRING CLEANING

Spring is in the air.  The birds and the bees are flitting around doing their thing…nature abounds.  The birds are feathering their nests and laying their eggs, while the bees are busy pollinating every flower in the garden.  The air is crisp and clean.  Chirping and buzzing fills the air.

Everything seems fresh and new.  So, let’s take a new look at Spring, shall we? The first thing that comes to mind is cleaning. Ugggh.  But, let's talk about the birds and the bees instead...the part of the story that happens...

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LOSING THE PLOT: Mom Faces Jail For Vegetable Garden

Not to be crass, but apparently you can plant your dead kid in the woods, but you can't plant veggies in your yard?!  Really!?  Have you heard about the Michigan mom who is facing jail time for planting a vegetable garden in her front yard to teach her kids about healthy food?  

The city of Oak Park, MI, is taking issue because the veggies aren't considered "suitable plant material" on her neighborhood plot.  MAMAS - are we losing the plot?  What do you think the teachable MOMent here is?  Please share your opinion.

MSNBC
OakParkHatesVeggies.wordpress.com

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  • papawswanz

    1. She went to City Hall (which is more than I would have done) and found nothing prohibiting a garden. There was absolutely no need to go any further. 2. If vegtables are NOT "suitable plants" what in the world are? 3. Never under estimate the power of large numbers of very stupid people working together. Don :-))
    on 07/14/11
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  • witsend

    Since this Oak Park resident knew that her veggie plants were not allowed, she should have petitioned the city to change the ordinance or to offer a variance. If that failed, then it would have been the time to go public with the archaic zoning. By deliberately thumbing her nose at the policy, without trying to change it, she does deserve the citation and fine.
    on 07/13/11
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    • KellyJaye

      witsend - I suggest you read this: http://oakparkhatesveggies.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/my-side/
      on 07/13/11
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    • tiredmama

      I thought she did go to the city first?! Anyway, I get that some communities have guidelines, so people don't trash their front yard, but really? Jail? The city should produce the HOA guidelines and if she is in violation, have her remove garden from frontyard by a certain deadline, or she gets fined. But, don't threaten jail. Ridiculous.
      on 07/13/11
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    • witsend

      I did read it - that is how I came to the conclusion that she did not go beyond the first attempt at going through the channels. I certainly agree that the ordinance is absurd and needs to be changed!
      on 07/13/11
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    • KellyJaye

      Understood, witsend. All-in-all, I hope this ordinance gets buried with the compost ;-).
      on 07/13/11
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    • witsend

      She did go to the city first and found out it was not OK. She did not attempt to make changes to the rules; instead, she went ahead knowingly violating them. I totally believe that the guidelines of the city need to be revamped. I have never thought raised beds of vegetables was ugly or disorderly. I agree that the idea of jailtime is a misuse of our jails. She was given a warning to remove them, which she also ignored.
      on 07/13/11
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  • KellyJaye

    How ironic. We are being aggressively 'encouraged' to go green, grow gardens, stop the obesity epidemic by feeding our children fresh fruits and veggies and teaching the importance of such foods. Mom is checking all off on her to-do list. Hold the phone, though. You can't do so ~ on your own property ~ unless it is regulated and approved by the local government ~ and on up. I would not be surprised that not far in the future they will find a way to tax your gardens as well. FYI- there is a WordPress blog at oakparkhatesveggies.wordpress.com that has more links and the latest in this ridiculous dilemma.
    on 07/13/11
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    • MichelleO-MAMA

      Yes - it is absolutely absurb. We need to get our priorities in line and make sure that common sense prevails. Public outrage makes a huge difference in the national conversation. We all need to stay engaged. We posted the link you suggested. Thanks MAMA.
      on 07/13/11
      Reply

    • Debomama

      Love your post...and we wonder why Americans don't trust the government? It seems like the government is working for the good of its citizens..counter intuitive. Smarter government? How about a law against planting your baby in the ground instead of one against planting your veggies.
      on 07/13/11
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    • Debomama

      o.k., clearly I meant "it seems like the government is NOT working for the good of its citizens"...note to self, create an EDIT button on the site
      on 07/13/11
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    • KellyJaye

      Engagement is the key! Thank you as well, fellow MAMA!
      on 07/13/11
      Reply