Amy Reinke, of 3910 Bullfrog Road, requested continuing use as she creates a pollination opportunity with native plants at her property’s sand mound. Reinke recently received a notice from township code enforcement following notice from residents that the weeds were too high and needed to be removed.

"We’re used to seeing the sand mound mowed and grooved," Chairman Edward Deardorff noted.

Reinke stated the property was within its boundaries according to the township ordinance. Regarding brush, grass, and weeds, the ordinance stated that vegetation without purpose cannot exceed ten inches on a residential property.

Reinke noted that the ornamental grass, weeds, and perennials have purpose toward the creation of a native pollinator garden. She shared photos of the property project with the supervisors that noted a grove of local pollinators as well as weeds.

"The project so far it is in process and every year it will get better and better to become more of a wildflower grove and a pollination grove," she said. Reinke said low cabbage-like weeds were planted with grass and flowers and she has been hesitant to pull out anything that may be considered a flower versus a weed. "It’s a work in progress, and this was its first year."

Reinke is waiting to see how everything grows, and as the cultivation of the project continues, she has plans to put down more grass seed, soil, and perennials. Reinke looks to keep the ornamental grass for wildlife covered and assure that the grasses will be properly mowed to add definition. Reinke also said she is willing to have large weed bushes mowed out at the end of the property.

The Township Ordinance were written some time ago, Solicitor Matthew Battersby noted, "And there is certainly change in attitude about wildflowers, pollinators and preserving native insects."

Understanding these changes in values, the council can appreciate the ecological benefit of a native pollinator garden, he said.

The council granted permission for the pollinator garden to continue as long as it is maintained periodically. "We’re not here to fight people, we’re here to work with people," Deardorff said.

Supervisor Coleen Reamer noted pollinator gardens traditionally reach maximum height by their third year and native plant gardens can be registered in order to find maps of other local area plots.

Deardorff also recommended the addition of purple foxtails to the garden, which are not only native and wild, but would add a vibrant hue as well.

"I don’t think that any one of us have a problem with you trying to do a pollinator type garden; it’s just we want to make sure there is a purpose there," Reamer said.