Big, green lawn. Carefully delineated flower bed. Throw in a picket fence and you’ve got a postcard version of the American dream. But does your dream also include hours cutting grass, lots of weed pulling, and that parched, brown look you get all winter – or all summer in a dry spell?
If you’re like a large swath of suburban America, you have more lawn than not, and those chores and all that frustration are just part of a regular day. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
Don’t get us wrong – we like lawn. We just don’t like too much of it. Why resort to that high-maintenance, water-guzzling monoculture when you could have so much more beauty? Not only that, but you could make a lot better use of your outdoor space. We’ve collected some of our popular blogs on the topic, about living lawn-free (or lawn-minimal!), with plenty of ideas for what you can do instead. See if any of these inspire you.
1. Lawn Vs. Naturalistic Landscaping: Is That Big Yard Really Worth It?
There are some very good reasons to have a nice, big grassy back yard. Its can be a place for the dog to run and the kids to play, and when kept well, it can be soothing and beautiful. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only option.
Here we explore the reasons we’re so attached to our lawns, the down side of that one-sided love affair, and some alternatives that we think you’ll love. We’re not trying to convince you to lose the lawn, just to think differently about how much you really need and what you can do instead.
2. Lose The Lawn! Design A Stunning (And Grass-Less) Landscape
Ok, we’re trying to convince you to lose the lawn! But just this once. It’s common to default to “lawn” as a landscaping option. It’s what most homes have and what many people look for in curb appeal when shopping for a new home.
But if you’ve ever (or perhaps never) wondered what life would be like without it, keep reading. There are so many lovely, functional, low-maintenance and four-season options that we wouldn’t be surprised if you decided to forgo the lawn completely.
3. Design A Beautiful And Kid-Friendly Back Yard
If there’s one word synonymous with lawns, it’s kids! They need a place to play, explore and enjoy the outdoors. So of course you want to landscape with them in mind. And yes, they may need some open lawn to kick around the soccer ball or lay down for some star gazing. But you’re not stuck there.
Beauty and fun and not mutually exclusive! Turns out there is a lot you can do to create a yard worth exploring and playing in, and worth every bit of your adult attention and adoration, too. In fact, you will even be doing your kids a favor. Through smart landscape design you can actually give them a better, more enjoyable, and even more educational play space.
4. Kid Scaping: How To Create A Kid-Friendly, Grownup-Worthy Back Yard
In case you need more proof that there’s a lot you can do to make your back yard the delight of the whole family, we’ve got even more ideas to help you achieve that goal.
These practical ideas will prove that you can have a great looking space that is just as satisfying for the kids as it is for the adults. Strategic landscape elements can double as functional and attractive, with fun thrown in for good measure. The kids may grow out of their soccer phase but nobody will outgrow these great ideas!
5. How To Create A Welcoming Front Yard Living Space
When you think of curb appeal, there’s probably at least some vision of a lush, green lawn in your mind. Considering how much work it is, it’s hard to imagine hopeful homeowners getting all starry-eyed over it!
Not only are there so many better options, but there are options that can make your yard more than just a pretty place. With good planning, you can create a front yard that’s just as enjoyable as the back. These ideas may just change how you see – and use – your space.
6. Low Maintenance Landscape Ideas For A Stress-Free Summer
Let’s face it, lawn is not low-maintenance, especially not during summer when you most want it to be full and green. Mowing under the broiling sun, infestations of clover, browning during dry spells or water restrictions – all of that can put a serious crimp in your enjoyment.
Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of alternatives, all gorgeous, all stress-free. Bonus: these ideas won’t just look great all summer, but will add beauty to your space all year.
By now we hope you’re ready to give up the lawn mower for good and join the growing naturalistic movement. It’s a sustainable way to live beautifully and enjoy the space you’re in. Contact us for a consultation to find out how we can bring exactly this kind of design to your home.
