Quite recently, 10 minutes ago to be precise, I stumbled upon this header at msn.com: "Tired of mowing? Pave over your lawn. Home owners are replacing grass with stone, concrete, or fake vegetation."

I cringe. Even now, I have to take a moment to compose myself before continuing on. Yes, that is overly dramatic, but I must explain piece by piece.

"Tired of mowing?" Me? No, I live in apartment. But, you? Yes, it is quite possible that many homeowners out there are legitimately tired of cutting their grass. I have nothing against lawns. As a Designer, I see that they accomplish certain goals in the landscape and can be quite beautiful. Think tapis vert.

I know, I know, who would want to mow the "tapis vert" at Versailles? What a job!

Moving on, the next line of the quote is "...pave over your lawn." My first visualization of this line is quite literal. I imagine something lovely and green, like in the above picture, completely paved over, impermeable, bright, and hard. Yuck! It seems slightly reminiscent of a parking lot. Now, I understand what they are trying to accomplish the replacement of lawn with a hardscape feature like a patio. While this is a good idea, the word "pave" is synonymous with concrete in my mind. And nothing against concrete either. Concrete is actually a very cool material and has its place in practical or contemporary installations. Imagine your lawn as it is, though, and now imagine it all paved over. Not a good idea by itself.

Skip over to the phrase "fake vegetation." What? Read that again. While I understand that fake vegetation is the ultimate low maintenance solution, there are many plants that, once established, take very little attention. All in all, there are plenty alternatives to lawn that will look and preform better than a paved over lawn with a side of fake vegetation.

1. Hire a maintenance or lawn service.

It can be as easy as the kid down the street who wants to make a couple extra dollars during the summer, or a hired professional to knows how to properly prune and tend to your whole landscape.

2. Add planting bed areas for native shrubs, perennials, and evergreens.

The advantage of native plants is that they are already conditioned to soil types and conditions of a given location. Therefore, they will preform and grow better in the long run with less of your attention.

3. Define a space for a patio.

Not parking lot size, but a usable size instead. A permeable surface (pea gravel) or semi-permeable (non mortared stone) is best. Combine this with alternative #2, and you have less lawn, a patio, place to sit, and plants to enjoy.

4. Creat a play area for kids!

My childhood memories of playing outside are in the woods, or under a large magnolia tree. Cut out a section of lawn around a big tree, or make a sand pit, pond, or place to build forts. All of this activity can take place without a lawn.

5. Use a grass alternative.

These can be plants like sweet woodruff or creeping jenny. Check out the Stepables website for choices specific to your conditions.

6. Consider artificial turf.

I don't know much about it, but I would be remiss if I didn't divulge all available options. One thing I do know is that they tend to be shiny. There are also a variety of color and length options for you to choose from.

7. Use of gravel or rocks.

Create an architectural rock garden with a couple of plants, or use gravel for a pathway to help minimize plant or lawn use. It is often a good drainage solution in the form of a creek bed as well.

If you have already gone lawn-less and feel suffocated, try expanding the size of some key areas around the outside of your house. For example, don't be afraid to expand the size of the entryway at the front of your home to the size of a normal patio. It would be a good space for a bench or a couple of colorful containers.

If you have any questions of would like to discuss the possibility of reducing your lawn, feel free to contact us here at Father Nature for design solutions. If you like your lawn and landscape, but would like professional maintenance, then contact us as well. We offer a professional horticulturalist on site at all times to guide the care of your landscape.

Remember, perhaps the best solution for you is not "lawnless," but less lawn. Think about it.

A prosperous garden is one that is designed well and built and maintained to last. A design keeps you from wasting time and money by giving you a clear, thought out direction. Maintenance is much more than pruning. It is proper plant care that translates to long term happy, healthy plants. Building features to last means constructing them properly from the very beginning to cut the odds of having continual repair jobs.

There are four key elements to consider as you move to make an enjoyable garden.

1. Soil

Taking care of your soil by adding amendments is taking care of your plants as well. It is important to consider weaning your plants off of chemical applicants. They only have short term, albeit pretty, effects. Remember, a prosperous garden is one that lasts! (Compost is always a good choice!) Also pay attention to soil contouring. Make sure that all slopes are angled away from your home to ensure proper water management. There are many different ways to resolve drainage issues as well. For example, a dry creek bed is a good and artful way to redirect water away from your residence and to a good location.

2. Plant Selection

This is slightly more exciting than talking about soil! If you want all natives, then stick with it. We prefer to use a combination of natives and "proven performers." The latter are plants that have proven to grow well in a given hardiness zone. They may not necessarily be native, but in combination with successful natives, "proven performers" are a welcome addition to your plant palette. If you enjoy being outside, include a space in your garden for perennials and annuals so that you can satisfy your green thumb.

3. Installation

The installation of plant material and hardscape is essential to a lasting garden. Important tasks such as digging a hole twice the size of a root ball, scoring the root ball and along the hole, and the addition of a root stimulant are all essential to the healthy of your new plants. Equally important is making sure they have an adequate amount of water within the first days of being planted. Hardscape construction should be designed and built by knowledgeable individuals. The quality is not only in design or construction, but materials as well. You decide, pay now for quality work that will last, or pay for poor installation and repairs later.

4. Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential to prosperous plant life. There are different types of cuts while pruning for a reason. Some plants need a lot off the top, some need adequate air circulation, and others need a little growth stimulation. Maintenance, however, is not just pruning but know when to prune as well. It is also being able to spot plant pests and diseases, curing them, and preventing them. This involves IPM (integrated pest management), knowing how much mulch and when, cleaning out beds and when, cleaning out plant crowns, systemic insecticides/fungicides, and dormant oils.

Here at Father Nature, we want what we design and install to last, and we want you to have a timeless garden.

We are your quality professionals for a prosperous garden!