In this episode of Changehampton Presents: Save the Planet One Yard at a Time, host Francesca Rheannon speaks with Abby Lawless, designer of the East Hampton Town Hall Pollinator Garden, and Jason LaGarenne, owner of Whitney’s Landscaping. Together, they discuss the evolution, philosophy, and impact of East Hampton’s public pollinator garden and its upcoming expansion into native grassland meadows. This inspiring conversation explores how native plants, ecological landscaping, and community engagement can help combat biodiversity loss and build resilience to climate change—starting in our own backyards.

Detailed Show Notes

🌿 Segment 1: Designing for Pollinators and People

Guests:

• Abby Lawless, Landscape Designer, Farm Landscape Design
• Jason LaGarenne, Owner, Whitney's Landscaping

Highlights:

• The East Hampton Town Hall Pollinator Garden was designed with both ecological and aesthetic goals: 4,000 square feet of native-rich planting that welcomes people and wildlife.
• The design incorporates formal geometry to appeal to traditional tastes while championing native biodiversity.
• The garden includes about 79% native plants, with the remaining 21% non-native but non-invasive, like Russian sage, chosen for beauty and resilience.

Key Quote:

“We had two clients: humans and nature.” — Abby Lawless

Key Topics:

• Designing with deer-resistance and low maintenance in mind
• Using formal design to increase native plant garden acceptance
• Why it's not “all or nothing” with native plants

Keywords:
East Hampton Pollinator Garden, native plant design, sustainable landscaping, deer-resistant plants, low-maintenance gardens, Abby Lawless, Jason LaGarenne

🌱 Segment 2: From Static Lawns to Dynamic Landscapes

Highlights:

• Ecological landscaping challenges the outdated “mow-and-blow” model of lawn care.
• Jason emphasizes “management over maintenance”—creating evolving, healthy ecosystems instead of static yards.
• Native plant communities are more resilient and better adapted to local climate, reducing the need for chemical inputs.

Key Quote:

“Maintenance implies something static. Management implies life.” — Jason LaGarenne

Key Topics:

• Building living landscapes rather than static scenery
• Overcoming resistance from conventional landscapers and clients
• Combatting landscape myths: disease prevention, fertilization, pest control

Keywords:
ecological landscaping, organic lawn care, sustainable horticulture, plant community dynamics, lawn alternatives, living landscapes, regenerative design

🌾 Segment 3: Grassland Meadows and Climate Resilience

Highlights:

• A new native grassland meadow is being installed on the East Hampton Town Hall campus as a model of non-toxic, biodiverse land management.
• The meadow avoids synthetic chemicals like Roundup and uses closed-loop soil regeneration practices.
• Changehampton provides DIY resources, including plug planting guides and designs for homeowners on a budget.

Key Quote:

“If it’s not modeled, it can’t be replicated.” — Abby Lawless

Key Topics:

• Pollinator meadows as climate adaptation tools
• Affordable native landscaping through plug planting
• Closed-loop composting and microbial soil health
• Connecting soil health to water quality and human health

Keywords:
native grassland meadow, climate change landscaping, closed-loop composting, regenerative gardening, plug plants, meadow installation, non-toxic gardening

🐝 Segment 4: Hope in the Garden—Why This Work Matters

Highlights:

• Even small native plantings can become “islands of biodiversity” that support pollinators, birds, and soil life.
• Changing how we view landscapes—from ornamental to ecological—can shift public behavior and policy.
• Both guests emphasize the power of joyful experimentation and the importance of modeling success at every scale.

Key Quote:

“We’re building hope plot by plot.” — Abby Lawless

Key Topics:

• Creating backyard biodiversity oases
• Inspiration from natural meadows and native ecosystems
• The importance of visible, tangible success stories
• Fighting climate despair with hands-on action

Keywords:
backyard biodiversity, climate hope, native bees, pollinator habitat, ecological education, homeowner landscaping, Changehampton, Save the Planet One Yard at a Time

📚 Resources Mentioned

• Changehampton.org: Designs, plant lists, and guides for starting your own pollinator garden
• Doug Tallamy’s Bringing Nature Home
• Perfect Earth Project: Organic landscaping support
• Pete Oudolf & New Perennial Movement (design inspiration)