Converting Lawns

Converting lawns to something else is what we are referring to here. In an effort to break away from a feature that requires enormous investments of time, energy and water, we arrive at a natural assumption that we might need something to replace it with that will look as good, if possible. Bearing in mind the overall effects lawns have on "microclimates" such as those surrounding a home, we find at least some need to come up with a vegetative solution - plants, at least in some measure.

Once again, we arrive at a design issue. Just as we needed that design to proceed on the smaller and very local "garden" we specified earlier, so now we must find some adequate replacement if we are to even consider giving up our precious and much-loved lawns to some other effect. Fortunately, we are in luck. There are many solutions. The fact is, there are fascinating solutions, nearly too numerous to count.

The simplest solution is cutting out a large area of lawn in some form or fashion. Naturally, as a designer, I advocate planning this well and including interesting curved bed features where the lawn is removed and planting replacing it. From here, it is equally possible to include features such as interesting boulders or garden art - even lighting to enhance the night time effect and change what used to be a flat plane into something much more interesting.

Naturally, it is as possible to convert more than one area from lawn to bed. Equally interesting is in changing the former lawn area into something else entirely,more along the lines of "hardscaping" or garden constructions. Hardscaping refers to typically cement or sand laid patios, surfaces of some kind or walls. The permanence and durability of these constructions are among its attractions but the newer sense they give of opening the home to the outdoors presents an entirely new ethic. Imagine having a sizable patio where there was once a huge lawn. Tale a barbecue out and roast something yummy and spend an evening outdoors knowing you won;t be tracking in grass clippings or mud from outdoors.

Consider as well, the idea of a gazebo sitting outdoors, looking graceful and allowing someone to go out in the outdoors with the notion of having some shade for reading or for some entertaining. Gazebos. like other aspects which are possible considering budgets and all, such as water features or creeks with waterfalls offer arresting and value-added home improvements which also offer the savings from reduced lawn endeavors to apply to them over a longer period of time.

Then, finally, the simplest of all solutions and conversions is to plantings. Plants use far less water than grass - up to 75% less, in fact. They also offer multiple hues, shapes and sizes, from the smallest succulents to the largest trees and can provide a riot of smells, sights and attracted wildlife which would never occurred had the conversion not taken place. The wonders of flowers and shrubbery and their blooms and general characteristics offer a fascinating alternative - at much less cost - than lawns.