An expert in sustainable landscape design shares some of his favorite options
Jeff Lorenz and his team atRefugia Designspecialize in creating native landscapes in the Philadelphia area . In increase to looking better than turfgrass , the gardens they plan also wangle stormwater much more effectively and supply good home ground for native pollinators . transmute a lawn into garden space can be a big project , but Jeff apportion some simple tips on how to do it without feeling overwhelmed .
Decide how much lawn to replace, and what you will grow instead
Instead of using turfgrass , your lawn can become a “ no mow ” area . This can be accomplish by using flora that do not need to be mow regularly , such as low - grow sedges ( Carexspp . , Zones 3–9 ) and seed mix with a variety of native hunky-dory fescues ( Festucaspp . , Zones 3–9 ) . These types of Mary Jane typically need to be cut back only once a year .
Jeff calls this a good option but says that there are even dependable ways toreplace a lawnwith a diversity of plants . He think the best path is to just set off planting . set about by valuate how much lawn you really use and need to conserve . For exemplar , if you have kids , you might need to leave behind a little lawn for them to die hard around . After deciding how much lawn to keep , bulge out implant from the perimeter in , addingnative plantswhenever potential . This manner the garden will lento sate up the lawn space . Another suggestion for replacing lawn is to add a hayfield . This is a expectant way of life to substitute turfgrass in a expectant , exposed sunny area .
Put your plants to work
Jeff say that the distinctive lawn allows most stormwater to wash off away without being sop up into the ground . Replacing turfgrass with a garden has an immediate impingement on stormwater management . Once planted , there will be very little stormwater runoff , as the plant willutilize any rain . Another reason to implant native flora in place of grass is to facilitate with soil compression . The roots of many native plants will naturally pierce and break up clay or compress grease . Since the roots of some aboriginal grasses can grow 8 feet inscrutable or more , these plants can reveal up grease far more in effect than mechanical mean .
If you garden in an expanse with deer , Jeff advises using North American aboriginal ornamental stag andaromatic works . cervid do not be given to browse on the sharp brand of sess , or on aromatic plants such as scarletbee balm(Monarda didyma , geographical zone 4–9 ) . However , when protect the shrub layer , you may need to set up fencing temporarily during the fall rut time of year and in wintertime . Deer deterrentssuch as Deer Scram or Plantskydd can also provide helpful protection while plants get established . Once establish , a diversity of plants should facilitate palliate the effects of deer browse . The cervid may eat some , but not enough to feign the plants .
Mix in some fast-growing natives
Jeff also recommend planting some fast - growing plants to get the garden surface area started . In the shade , for model , he likes to utilise favorable ragweed ( Packera aurea , Zones 3–8 ) unify with fern . Golden ragwort spreads speedily , but it will allow the fern to apportion the blank space as they raise . For a sunnier area he use spate mint ( Pycanthemum muticum , Zones 4–8 ) , but he advises that this plant should only be used if you have plenty of infinite , since it is strong-growing . Black - eyed Susan ( Rudbeckiahirta , Zones 3–7 ) and lanceleaf tickseed ( Coreopsislanceolata , Zones 4–9 ) are sound slugger in the first few seasons as slower perennial are getting established . Jeff uses these for succession planting due to theirself - seedingtendency . They can well be weed from places in which they are not want . When planting a hayfield , Jeff does not include square - metal money switchgrass ( Panicumvirgatum , Zones 3–10 ) . This grass can be fantastically belligerent and may chop-chop take over a meadow . alternatively , trylittle bluestem(Schizachyrium scoparium , Zones 4–9 ) , broomsedge ( Andropogonvirginicus , Zones 5–8 ) , or one of the less - fast-growing switchgrass cultivars .
Whichever direction you select , replacing a lawn can only benefit the local environmental science and better manage stormwater . Start small by bestow a small no - hayloft area , a aboriginal repeated bed , or a belittled hayfield to your landscape . By doing so , you will advance the diversity ofpollinatorsandwildlife , all while improvingsoil conditionsand providing a good purview .
— Michele Christiano has worked in public gardens for most of her career . She lives in southern Pennsylvania and presently works as an estate gardener maintaining a secret garden design by Piet Oudolf .
hunky-dory Gardening advocate product
The Nature of Oaks : The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees
Fine horticulture receives a commission for items purchased through link on this site , including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs .
Planting in a Post - Wild World : Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes
Pruning simplify : A Step - by - Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and bush
Get our latest tip , how - to articles , and instructional videos sent to your inbox .
Signing you up …
Related Articles
Garden Tour of a Sustainable Native Plant Oasis Bursting with Fall Color
Mid-Atlantic: February Garden To-Do List
Supporting Native Bees in the Mid-Atlantic
Water-Wise Tips for the Heat of Summer
link Fine horticulture for a free engaging unrecorded webinar featuring Dr. Janna Beckerman , a far-famed plant pathologist as well as professor emerita at Purdue University and the ornamental technical manager …
When I spotted a particular moxie dollar cactus ( Astrophytum asterias ) at the Philadelphia Flower Show a few month ago , I cognise I was in trouble . With a delightful coloration pattern …
When we only prioritise plant we need over plants our landscape pauperism , each time of year is filled with a never - terminate inclination of chore : pruning , purloin , watering , treating , amending , and fertilizing , with …
Subscribe today and save up to 47%
Video
Touring an Eco-friendly, Shady Backyard Retreat
You must be careful when you enter the backyard of garden designer Jeff Epping — not because you ’re probable to trip on something , but because you might be dive - bomb by a twain …
4 Midsummer Favorites From a Plant Breeder’s Garden
Episode 181: Plants You Can’t Kill
Episode 180: Plants with Big, Bold Foliage
4 Steps to Remove Invasive Plants in Your Yard
All Access members get more
sign up up for afree trialand get access to ALL our regional depicted object , plus the rest of the appendage - only content program library .
Start Free Trial
Get complete site access to expert advice , regional content , and more , plus the print magazine publisher .
bug out your FREE run
Already a member?sign in
Replacing turf grass with native plants like Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii, Zones 6–8) will add interest and ecological value to any front yard.Photo: courtesy of Refugia Design
A seating area becomes even more inviting when it is enclosed by an interesting mix of grasses and shrubs.Photo: courtesy of Refugia Design
A meadow planting helps reduce stormwater runoff and creates valuable wildlife habitat.Photo: courtesy of Refugia Design
A mix of colorful native perennials is cheerful and welcoming when planted around an entry walk.Photo: courtesy of Refugia Design
