You don’t want the greener grass.

Did you know, according to a study by Columbia University, in 2010 lawns made up 30-40 million acres in the USA and lawnmowers contributed to 5% of the nation’s pollution!? This is likely because they are often non-native mono-crops of grass that don’t contribute to any productive life cycle.

For whatever reason, curb appeal in modern history has come to include expansive green patches of land, with small productive plantings throughout. This doesn’t allow for much life to thrive in our landscapes, especially when the small patches of life are surrounded by areas sprayed with fertilizer and pesticides.

Imagined if instead of expanses we promoted walkways, surrounded by native life. Even low growing life, clover, foam-flower, green and gold, or strawberries! All of these are native to New England ground covers that when used as grass substitutions will bring color, interest, diversity and sometimes food, to your landscape!

If you’re interested in replacing your lawn, the first place to start is to google native ground covers in your region. Depending on how green your thumb is, that may be enough. Otherwise, go to a an Audubon society or botanical garden and speak with someone about native lawn substitutions. Native is key! Native = little to no maintenance.

It is always important to remember that diversity makes a difference in the success of your lawn replacement. Incorporate taller companion plants to the ground cover you select in order to have a symbiotic relationship and eliminate your need for intervention and fertilizers. There are loads of beautiful options for lawn replacements. A little creativity and a shift in perspective on the importance of whose grass is greener may be all you need to turn your unproductive green pasture into a buzzing, life filled, low maintenance, oasis.