With water sources drying up in many parts of the country, it is time for homeowners, and renters alike, to re-think the landscaping around their homes. Grass requires constant upkeep with mowing and fertilizing; and it uses far more water than can be justified. People who want large expanses of a perfectly groomed, weed-free lawn spend a great deal of money to keep it that way. They do not understand that regularly applying fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, that run off into the storm drains, is harmful and that those poisons culminate in nearby streams, rivers, lakes, and eventually the ocean, where they are responsible for the degradation of aquatic life. Their lawns are mostly devoid of life since grass does not provide food or shelter for native life forms. The good bugs are killed right along with the bad ones whenever pesticides are applied and nearby trees and shrubs are damaged from the overspray of herbicides, as well as from string trimmers. Gas guzzling lawn mowers contribute to both air and noise pollution. People who regularly allow the use of poisonous chemicals in their yards and in their homes, are not only responsible for the disappearance of bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects; they are also subjecting themselves, their children, and their grandchildren to possible health issues down the road.
There is a way to have a lovely yard without grass, which will be pollinator and wildlife friendly and pleasant for people. Even those yards that are sadly neglected, with depleted soil, weeds, and yellow spots left by dog urine, can be made to look more appealing, requiring less work, less water, and no mowing. There are several good choices for alternative ground covers that look nice and offer a benefit for other life forms. Creeping thyme, creeping phlox, chamomile, and even creeping Charlie, which is considered a weed, are great for sunny areas and they have flowers to provide nectar for bees. Clover is one of the best choices because it is a nitrogen fixer and helps to improve the soil. For your shady areas, you can consider sweet woodruff, snow on the mountain, pachysandra, and lily of the valley. If you live in a very humid area, moss makes a wonderful ground cover. Corsican mint is another good choice and helps to repel insects when planted near your doors and windows. Not only do these ground covers look pretty, but many of them smell wonderful as well.
We can each do our small part to help in reversing climate change. We can assist Mother Nature by working with her and not against her. We can take that small step of reducing our lawn, which in turn will reduce our water consumption. Now is the perfect time.
