New Hyde park woman's attempt to turn yard into haven for pollinators sparks battle over regulations, landscaping & environmental awareness
Xilin Zhang transformed her front yard into a native plant garden, part of a growing trend supported by conservation groups like ReWild Long Island, but village officials initially viewed as a property maintenance issue.
Jul 21, 2025, 5:31 PM
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A local garden has stirred up more than just bees and butterflies.
In New Hyde Park, one resident’s attempt to turn her yard into a haven for pollinators sparked a monthslong battle over local regulations, landscaping choices and environmental awareness.
Xilin Zhang transformed her front yard into a native plant garden, part of a growing trend supported by conservation groups like ReWild Long Island.
“I love it,” Zhang said. “At different times, you see flowers and a lot of bees and butterflies. I am trying to make the Earth cleaner.”
But what Zhang saw as an environmental effort, village officials initially viewed as a property maintenance issue. According to Mayor Christopher Devane, of the Village of New Hyde Park, Zhang failed to notify the village of her garden plans and received a property maintenance summons.
“She didn't notify us,” said Devane. “So, she got a property maintenance summons for failing to maintain her yard like anybody else would.”
Zhang says she received multiple summonses facing fines of up to $2,000 and was required to appear in village court four times over the issue. The garden project had been partially funded by a rebate program from the Town of North Hempstead, which offered up to $500 for residents who switched to native plants.
The mayor emphasized that the village isn’t against native plant gardens, but said proper communication is essential.
“If she told us about this, we could have worked with her collaboratively,” said Devane.
Supporters of the native plant movement, including local environmental advocates, argue the benefits are clear: more pollinators, better water retention and improved local biodiversity.
“What’s not to love?” said one Raju Rajan, with Rewild Long Island. “It puts water in our aquifer. This is so environmentally as well as aesthetically pleasing—it’s kind of a no-brainer.”
Eventually, a compromise was reached in December - Zhang can keep her garden, as long as all plants stay under 4 feet tall.
Mayor Devane maintains the village supports eco-friendly efforts—so long as they're done by the book.
