When spring rolls around, most of us are eager to fire up the lawnmower and tidy up our yards. But what if this year, you gave your lawn a break—and helped the planet in the process? Welcome to No Mow May, a simple but powerful movement that encourages homeowners to leave their lawns alone for the month of May to support pollinators and biodiversity. Here is some of the best information on why you should participate in No Mow May: a small act with a big environmental impact.

As someone who’s become more mindful about the natural world, especially after my journey through breast cancer, I’ve learned that healing isn’t just personal. It’s also about healing our connection with the environment. And what better way to give back than by letting nature flourish right in your backyard?

No Mow May: A Small Act With Big Environmental Impact

What Is No Mow May?

No Mow May began in the UK and has spread across the globe as people recognize the critical role early spring flowers play in supporting pollinators. The idea is simple: don’t mow your lawn for the entire month of May. Why? Because those so-called “weeds” like dandelions, clover, and violets are lifesavers for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators coming out of winter hibernation.

Why It Matters

🐝 Pollinators Are in Trouble

Bees and other pollinators are responsible for one in every three bites of food we eat, yet their populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. By not mowing, you’re giving them access to essential nectar and pollen at a time when food is scarce.

🌸 Biodiversity Starts at Home

Your lawn may seem small, but every patch of grass that’s allowed to grow wild becomes a mini nature reserve. You’re not just helping bees—you’re supporting butterflies, beetles, and even birds who feed on those insects.

🌱 It Reduces Carbon Emissions

Lawnmowers, especially gas-powered ones, contribute to air pollution. By skipping a few weeks of mowing, you’re cutting back on emissions and saving energy.

💧 It Helps with Water Retention

Longer grass and deeper root systems mean better soil health and moisture retention. That can reduce the need for watering and make your yard more drought-resistant in the summer months.

How to Participate

• Put up a sign: Let neighbors know you’re participating in No Mow May and why. It’s a great way to start conversations and inspire others.
• Be gentle with yourself: If you need to mow some areas for safety or local regulations, that’s okay! Even reducing mowing frequency helps.
• Let it grow beyond May: Consider creating a permanent wildflower area or pollinator garden in your yard.

A Shift in Perspective

No Mow May is about more than just skipping a chore—it’s about rethinking our relationship with nature. It’s a reminder that our yards don’t need to be pristine to be beautiful. In fact, a lawn full of life is far more vibrant than a perfectly manicured one. As someone who’s come to deeply value moments of peace, renewal, and connection after surviving breast cancer, I find No Mow May to be an invitation: to slow down, to observe, and to let nature do what it does best—thrive.

So this May, let’s put the mower away and let our lawns bloom—for the bees, for the planet, and for the hope of a greener tomorrow.

🌼🐝🌎
With care and wildflowers,
A conscious cancer survivor and nature lover

Let us know if you have any other no-Mow May Ideas!