For some grass grows easily, is no frustration and not too difficult to cut once every two weeks. For others, a grassy yard is a nightmare. Depending on the climate and soil in your area grass can be exceedingly difficult to grow and end up looking like a yellow/brown mess even after you’ve put a lot of effort into seeding and watering it for months. So, if you are one of those people that would be happier without grass, this is for you!
PATIOS AND DECKS:
A great way to take up a lot of lawn space and avoid the grass is building a deck or patio. These can be stone patios and maybe a firepit for a little extra flair, or a simple wood deck where you can enjoy barbequing in the summer with your family. Decks and Patios require little maintenance and are easy to clean off if need be.
PLANT GROUND COVER:
Sometimes when grass is hard to grow, other ground cover plants grow quickly and can take over a lot of space, making them a good alternative to grass. They don’t need cutting every two weeks and some of them even produce flowers. Here is a list of common native ground cover plants in our area: Packasandra, Vinca, Sweet Woodruff, Lamium, Seedums, Lambs Ear, Calamintha, Ajuga, and Japanese Forrest Grass.
FOLLOW THE PATHWAY:
Pathways can be a great way to add some more deign aspect to your yard as there are so many different types of stone that can be used, and they can bend and turn leading you around to different areas of the yard. Adding a pathway out to a pond or pool works great, or even a bench under that old oak tree in the back of the yard is nice too.
GRAVEL AND MULCH:
Mulch a wider area around your plants, or even use Gravel to create a larger garden area without the grass. Gravel or River Stone is great for creating a more natural style patio area where you could put a fireplace or picnic table to enjoy time with family as well.
POTTED PLANTS OR RAISED GARDEN BEDS:
Potted plants can give you some more depth and design to your backyard oasis, while raised garden beds are a good way to take up more space that you don’t have to plant grass in and can create a cottage like feel as well.
ADD SOME WATER FEATURES:
Ponds and waterfalls will never go out of style. You could design a natural pond that would attract frogs and turtles or go for a more modern look with a stone lined pond and maybe even some goldfish. Waterfalls can add some tranquility to your garden providing a little calming noise. With so many different designs you can repurpose, and old wooden barrel or watering can or go more natural with some stone waterfalls.
PERGOLAS OR GOZEBOS:
Add some fun gathering areas for your family and friends by installing a pergola above a stone patio or a gazebo out in the yard. These again will take up space that you won’t need to maintain a grassy area in and can make your yard enjoyable at night as you can hang lanterns or fairy lights from them.
If any of this interests you feel free to give Masseo Landscape a call to further discuss your options on how you can make your yard less grassy.