A tidy grass lawn is often considered a signal of welcoming weather and good landscaping. But from a climate and environmental perspective, a grass lawn is a biological desert. And those non-native plants in the garden beds aren’t helping the birds and the bees, either.
To reinvigorate your local ecosystem, you can rearrange your spring landscaping plans to incorporate ecological practices. As an extension master gardener with Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, Elaine Mills often gives sustainable landscaping talks to local homeowners interested in taking such steps.
“Many of the people in those classes are becoming aware of the importance of planting native plants and planting their gardens sustainably,” says Mills.
Thinking of taking your yard to new, eco-friendly heights? Read on.
Out with Grass, in with Ground Cover
Most common lawn grasses require a lot of water, time, and fuel. But replacing imported grass varieties with low-lying and native ground-cover plants can provide a similarly lush look without as many resources. For properties in NoVA, Mills suggests looking into no-mow fescue blends, Pennsylvania sedge, and poverty oat grass.
This advice applies to bushes, shrubs, flowering plants, and trees on your property, too. While invasive species — like English ivy, common periwinkle, and nandina — can be attractive, they make it hard for native plants to survive.
Minimize Grassy Areas
If you have active kids or pets, you may still want some grassy lawn space. And certain alternatives, like Pennsylvania sedge, can’t handle tons of foot traffic, Mills says. But unless you host weekly soccer games, you probably don’t use most of the grass you have. Instead, consider expanding the area of your tree and garden beds so only the grass you need remains.
Know the Bylaws
If you aren’t an armchair arborist, it’s understandable if you’re not knowledgeable on what invasive and native plants look like, let alone what would thrive in your neighborhood’s specific ecosystem.
Alyssa Morel, also an extension master gardener, says to make a beeline for a trusted local nursery for personalized recommendations. But before you’re shovel-ready, see what local requirements apply to you; certain homeowners associations, for example, may dictate your options.
Feature image courtesy Elaine Mills
This story originally ran in our March issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
