Gardeners have many options for beautiful grass-less or low-grass landscaping. It is simply a matter of taste and imagination limited only by the sky itself.
Work with the Landscape
- First, examine the elements already present, such as trees and large rocks. Consider how they can be worked into a grass-less landscape.
- Using graph paper, draw a design for a no-mow lawn incorporating large, hard-to-move elements.
Getting Rid of Grass
The cheapest and most eco-friendly way to get rid of areas of grass is by putting down newspaper over the grass, and then covering the newspaper with dirt and mulch. This is best done in the winter months, since this is the time for soil preparation. Then, when spring comes, the area will be ready for new plantings.
Plant Choices
The choice of plants depends on what gardening zone the area to be landscaped is in. In the Southwest, for example, more water-saving plants are the best choices. In the Northeast, gardeners face an entirely different range of choices.
- For information on gardening zones, visit the web site of the United States National Arboretum.
- For more information on gardening zones and suggestions for specific plants in each zone, visit the web site for the National Gardening Association.
Landscaping Designs
Some gardeners may not be able to totally trash the turf. Others, especially those in so-called hot zones where it does not rain very often, may be content with mulch spread everywhere, and a few hardy plants growing in various locations.
- For those who still want some grass, start slowly. Remove the grass in sweeping border areas close to the house and at the outer edge of the lawn. Plant shrubs, roses, and taller plants at the outside edges, and smaller plants at the front. That is a design basic. Also, consider replacing high-water usage grass varieties, such as St. Augustine, with lower-maintenance options such as Bermuda and Zoysia.
- Gardeners who do not mind getting rid of the grass have many options. They can plant a variety of greenery in a cottage garden style, with pathways and benches and treasures tucked amongst the plants and accessories such as statues and gazing balls to accentuate the uniqueness of the garden.
- Another option, especially if there is a lot of shade covering the lawn, is ivy as a groundcover. Asiatic jasmine is a great option, and can simply be trimmed with a weed trimmer when necessary, and allowed to spread and climb up trees and columns for an elegant, English Regency-style look.
It is possible to have a no-mow lawn or a low-maintenance reduced-turf lawn that is beautiful, useful, and easy to maintain. It just takes a little planning, some preparation, and, of course, a bit of love thrown in to make it a successful natural work of art.
As quoted in the Country Friends Herbs Collection (Gooseberry Patch, 1997): Charles, Prince of Wales said, “To get the best results you must talk to your vegetables.” And Edmund Spenser said, “All that in this delightful garden grows, should happy be and have immortal bliss.”
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