Forget Greener Grass, Consider Lawn Alternatives

There is a growing trend among many homeowners towards curtailing the use of chemicals in lawn care products. However, in order for such a trend to have a positive and lasting effect, many experts agree that we are going to have to change our societal preferences for large, lush green lawns in urban and suburban areas. Some advocates are calling for the outright abolishment of the traditional lawn. Others are merely urging a more natural approach to growing grass, or at least a reduction in the spare dedicated to residential lawns, as well as public and private lawns in parks, corporate grounds and golf courses.

Natural Insecticides
If you enjoy your lawn, and want to keep it healthy without chemicals, there are natural remedies you may want to consider. There are some well known biological insecticides, such as Endophytes, which is toxic to many insects, Bacillus Thuringiesis (known as BT), which is deadly to certain larvae, and Bacillus Popillae (also known as Milky Spore) which is used against white grubs. Although such organisms leave no lingering toxins, they can trigger allergies, so care must be taken in choosing your defense.

Other Creative Solutions You Can Live With
One of the best ways you can avoid or reduce using lawn chemicals is to limit or eliminate the extent of your lawn.

Landscape
Most people feel daunted by the idea of landscaping, but it doesn't have to be overly expensive, especially when you think of the time and money a lawn can demand. Sure, if your budget allows for it, hiring a professional landscaper is probably the best way to go. You should get lots of design ideas, proper plans, several competitive quotations, prearranged approvals (if required), and plenty of helpful gardening tips. But if that is not a reasonable option, there are plenty of things you can do yourself.

Growing Your Own Wildflowers
This sounds like an oxymoron, but you can cultivate "wild" flowers by planting bulk seeds that require nothing more than regular watering. Start a small patch as an experiment, then expand your garden as you appreciate the results.

Enhancing Existing Structures
Consider ways to work with (and around) your driveway, garage, shed or pool, so they appear more complemented by one another, rather than separated by an expense of lawn. Ideas could include adding stepping stones or a meandering walkway with flowerbed borders, or injecting height with a rock wall, some decorative flower containers, or an arbour with a climbing bush.

Extensive Ground Cover Options
There are various ways to reduce the size of your lawn, from something as simple as a blanket of garden fabric covered with gravel, mulch or chips, to a host of low growth plants, which perform beautifully as natural groundcover. There are many popular varieties, but consult an expert to ensure the choice selected is right for your area.

There are many ways to enhance the use and appearance of your yard, without having to give in to the conformity of a traditional lawn arrangement. Whatever you decide, remember it's not only about how it affects your lifestyle, but also how it reflect you, your family and your home.

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