By Mary Marvin, Mayor of Bronxville

Feb. 24, 2026: The trustees and I are fortunate to have the Village’s own Bronxville Green Committee to keep us on our toes when it comes to practices that support a healthy environment. On March 3^rd, 7 p.m. at the Bronxville Library, the Green Committee will host a special event called “How Healthy is Your Yard?” featuring two outstanding speakers whose work promotes healthy gardens. The Green Committee is partnering with the Bronxville Adult School, an outstanding resource in our community for more than 75 years.

Bram Gunther of Plan It Wild and Leslie Needham of Leslie Needham Design LLC, both based in Bedford, have extensive knowledge and experience in restorative gardening practices and sustainable design.  Bram served as Chief of Forestry, Horticulture, and Natural Resources in New York City and graduated from the Yale School of the Environment. Leslie was trained at the New York Botanical Garden and writes and speaks throughout the area; her home garden has been recognized by the Smithsonian, and her articles have appeared in Martha Stewart Living.  We are honored to have two such stellar speakers. 

If past experience holds true, I will come away from the event having learned something new that’s both surprising and useful. Even if you hire landscaping services or don’t have access to a garden—or, like me, don’t consider yourself a gardener--I encourage you to attend.  In recent years, our understanding has shifted. By becoming aware of the latest research in what makes a healthy garden, you may be inspired to become an advocate for healthy gardens to your friends, neighbors, and co-op boards.

Healthy landscaping practices are essential for cleaning our water, controlling flooding, keeping our storm sewer system operating at maximum capacity, and helping to reverse steep declines in pollinator populations.  Healthy practices go hand in hand with preserving and restoring our tree canopy, which contributes to our quality of life in countless ways.

More than 15 years ago, our Department of Public Works adopted two healthy yard practices on municipal property, including:

*We never use artificial chemicals, including pesticides and fertilizer, which helps keep our water systems clean.

*We mulch the leaves so that those nutrients can return to the soil and support healthy soil structure.

Other Bronxville programs also support a healthy ecosystem:

*Bronxville’s distinctive tree canopy is a defining feature of our Village, yet our trees are under stress. The Right-of-Way Tree-Planting Program seeks to address this concern by encouraging residents to work with the Village to plant native trees in the right-of-way in front of their homes, the 10-15 feet from the street into their property.  If you’re interested in getting a tree, email Town Administrator Jim Palmer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Learn more here.

*The Bronxville Beautification Council’s use of native plants in the containers and gardens that it maintains throughout the Village is an example of our efforts to support pollinator populations.

*Our ban on gas-powered leaf blowers for eight months of the year has improved air quality and quality of life for residents. As landscape service providers gradually transition their business models to all-electric equipment, we will all benefit.

Many thanks to the many Bronxville organizations and residents who support healthy landscaping practices.  There’s always more to learn. Why not start by registering here for “How Healthy is Your Yard?” March 3^rd, 7 p.m., Bronxville Library.