Lawn Alternatives: Create a Sustainable Outdoor Space

So you’re thinking about ditching your lawn. Do it! We’ve done it, and we promise you won’t regret it! In fact, this whole crazy venture we have embarked on by starting Local Leaf first started with an idea to replace a small part of the lawn in our front yard. We started small (not really, though we tried to), but the project sort of took on a life of its own and just a few years later we finally converted the last part of our lawn, and ditched our lawnmower completely.

Front lawn then and now

Side Yard grass removal project (Spring 2024)

Sigh. Our side-yard. The most ignored, overgrown, weed and invasive plant ridden section of our property, and also the largest. This area faces south and is built on somewhat of a hill, so grass has never had a chance of surviving there. We finally ran out of things to do in the yard, so committed to transforming this space this spring. There is part shade provided by 2 large blue spruce trees and another crimson maple along the side closest to the house.

I’m amazing at NOT taking pictures at the start of a project, but I got better with this one as time went on, so you can see our progress.

I think it took us about 3 weeks to get to this point, and with this work I found we had essentially tripled the available space I typically have for vegetables and herbs. We built some other funky rock paths along the house, leading to the backyard, and I focused my planting efforts this year in this new “side-yard”. And check out the results, and transformation of this space, in 6 months.

It’s hard to believe a 6 month old garden can look this full, but there was NOTHING here except crabgrass and creeping weeds in April when we started. The organic soil amendments played a huge part, as they began breaking down slowly and releasing nutrients for the plants as their roots grew. I planted many perennial edible crops in these beds which took much of this year to establish roots, and should flourish next year. In the meantime, I used the large gaps to plant large crops of our favourite vegetables, and experimented with growing the same plants in different soil and sun conditions, with various companion plants, while also contrasting these with the same plants grown in our more traditional vegetable garden in the back-yard.

We didn’t buy tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, carrots, beets or lettuce once this summer, and instead picked them fresh from our garden most days. The kids ate them raw, and our 4 year old discovered that green vegetables are not, in fact, poison, as she firmly believed until this year. And all of this where this spring nothing grew.

Whether you’re looking to start small or rip it all out, there are so many reasons why swapping out your lawn (or even just part of it) can be a fantastic idea.

Benefits of Replacing Your Lawn

• Save Water: Lawns are thirsty! By replacing grass with drought-tolerant plants, you can save a ton of water. This is great for the environment (and your water bill if you are in Ontario, less so for us spoiled Quebecers).
• Less Maintenance: Imagine spending less time mowing, watering, and fertilising. With alternatives like native plants or ground covers, you can enjoy a beautiful yard without all that work.
• Save Money: Less water, fewer chemicals, and reduced maintenance all mean more money in your pocket. Plus, you won’t need to buy as much lawn care equipment. 
• Support Wildlife: Replacing your lawn with native plants can create a mini wildlife sanctuary. Birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators will love your yard, and you’ll be helping to support local ecosystems.
• Reduce Pollution: Is there anything lovelier than being woken up early on Sunday mornings by the thundering sound of your neighbour mowing their lawn? Lawnmowers and other lawn care equipment can contribute to air and noise pollution. By reducing the size of your lawn, you can help cut down on these pollutants, and improve your relationship with your neighbours.
• Beautiful and Unique: Lawn alternatives can be just as beautiful, if not more so, than traditional grass. Think colourful flowers and shrubs, interesting textures and shapes, and unique plants that make your yard stand out.
  • Better Use of Space: You can use the space for other things, like a vegetable garden, a play area, or a relaxing patio. This makes your yard more functional and enjoyable

Fun Fact

Did you know that lawns were originally a status symbol for the wealthy in Europe? They showed that you had enough money to maintain a space that wasn’t used for growing food. Nowadays, we can be just as stylish and eco-friendly by choosing lawn alternatives.