For the purpose of this chapter, the following are defined:
BEE LAWNS: A lawn planting method developed by the University of Minnesota that mixes low-growing flowers with turfgrasses to balance the look and feel of a traditional lawn with pollinator-supportive flower varieties. Bee lawns are still subject to mowing requirements of 11-4-1.
NATIVE PLANTING AREAS: An area in which native plants are being or have been planted in a well-defined and maintained border with the intention of restoring the traditional regional ecosystem as limited by 11-6-3. Commonly described as “re-wilding”. Native planting areas are composed of entirely native species. Native planting areas are denser and larger in scale than gardens or pollinator gardens. Native planting areas are created with intention, care, and management.
NATIVE PLANTS: Grasses, including meadow vegetation, sedges (solid, triangular-stemmed plants resembling grasses), forbs (flowering broadleaf plants), trees, and shrubs that are plant species native to or naturalized to the region of Southern Illinois, excluding prohibited exotic, invasive, and or noxious species as defined by the Illinois Exotic Weed Act.
POLLINATOR GARDENS: A type of garden with definite boundaries planted predominantly with long-blooming flower varieties that will provide support to pollinator species and beautification to our community.
POLLINATOR-SUPPORTIVE LANDSCAPE: The umbrella term used to reference well-maintained and bounded landscape installed with the intention of supporting pollinator species and providing aesthetic value to our community. Pollinator-supportive landscapes do not use pesticides.
RAIN GARDENS/BIOSWALES: Shallow landscape features planted with moisture-loving species, used to manage stormwater run-off by directing and slowing water infiltration while filtering out pollutants.
TURFGRASS: Commercially available cultured grass varieties that are grown to create turf, including bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass blends, commonly used in regularly cut lawn areas.
WEEDS: Noxious plantings as defined and designated pursuant to the Illinois Exotic Weed Act, the City Manager, or their designee as amended from time to time. Weeds do not include dandelions or clover.
(Ord. 2023-19)