Why Lawns?

It is amazing the value a beautiful lawn brings. A healthy, green yard provides a sense of accomplishment for the hobbyist, brings a taste of nature to our concrete lives, provides a refuge for relaxation, and so much more. Unfortunately, current climate conditions in California have put strain on our water resources and threaten our lawns with extinction. In response to these conditions, the governor and local water agencies have put water use restrictions in place that mainly target landscape irrigation. A luscious landscape is a perceived luxury, ready to be sacrificed in the face of extended drought. Does this mean the end of an era for the lawn lovers? Never!  It’s simply an opportunity to modernize and adapt to the current needs of our society.

Why keep a living lawn?

Not surprisingly, the obvious solution would be to remove lawns and replace them with interesting stonework or maybe some artificial turf. Completely cut out the need for irrigating a thirsty lawn while simultaneously maintaining a beautiful green yard. It’s almost too simple.

On the surface removing turf to save water sounds perfect. What is there to lose? Besides the mental and emotional benefits living plants impart humans. Or even the numerous environmental benefits related to biodiversity and hydrology. Multiple studies have examined the human experience in relation to plants. Although it is difficult to quantify, all signs point to a marked improvement in mental health after time spent outdoors. This improvement is proportional to the amount of ‘green time’ or nature exposure a person can incorporate into daily life. The extinction of lawns will drastically reduce living green space and effectively remove daily exposure to plant life for people who are bound by urban development.

Beyond concern for ourselves, there is the concern for local environments. Yes, lawns use water, but they also provide a portal for the return of that same water to underground systems. The foliage from an abundance of open grassy areas works to slow down rain and irrigation water, effectively reducing erosion and run off. Their roots work with the foliage providing a pathway for water to seep back into the topsoil and down into underground reservoirs. Those same roots and leaves also provide a pathway for controlled evaporation effectively regulating soil moisture. Inadvertently, this obvious solution may serve to exacerbate existing drought conditions.

More than the relationship of lawns to the water cycle is their biodiversity potential. On the surface we see a uniform green space with a chemical culture focused on sterilization. Dig a little deeper and those pests we fight are an indicator of a hopeful picture. The right plants implemented in an intentional manner are a biodiversity hotspot! In nature grassy areas provide refuge and resources for local wildlife. Our lawns are a potential resource for them, creating a pathway between conservation areas and allowing the interaction of otherwise isolated populations. With a small tweak in design and the right plants the otherwise wasteful lawn can be transformed into a water conscious and beautiful environmental agent.

How can we as a society harness this potential? Not by removing lawns but by replacing lawns. Replacing them with locally adapted plants, suited to a landscape environment. Even going beyond the monoculture of turf and building a meadow of happy grasses providing a service in exchange for their water needs.

We bring several recommendations for easy lawn replacements. When recommending grasses for a project we roughly divide them into two categories: meadow plants and lawn replacements. Consider meadow a loose term here, used to impart a mental picture of tranquility and beauty, rather than a strict plant community. A meadow needs minimal maintenance (usually annual) and anticipates occasional foot traffic. A lawn replacement expects to be regularly mowed and anticipates moderate foot traffic.

What are the options?

Visually beautiful the ‘meadow’ grasses are excellent for large open spaces, hillsides, adding a spot of texture and interest, you name it! But where to start? The task of removing an existing landscape and installing a new one is daunting. That's why we at Greenbelt Growers, Inc created: Meadows in a Box. An all inclusive lawn alternative with step by step guides and links to every tool and trick available. 

With 6 designs there is a lawn replacement option for every area of California!

For the purist we have 'Lost Prairie', 'Desert Oasis' and 'Native Love' beautiful blends of California Native Grasses that will leave you stunned. The benefit to the environment and your budget will have you feeling good for years to come.  

For the the environmentally conscious gardener under HOA restrictions we created the 'Clean Cut' box, a native Fescue blend sure to stay green year round and ready to be mowed regularly. 

Not convinced yet? We are always here to answer questions via email or phone! Just fill out the contact form and we will respond ASAP