The great American lawn is under attack. Not by insects or disease, but by gardeners and environmentalists.
The movement hasn't reached the level of an all-out assault just yet. It's more of a grass-roots effort by those who believe that turf plays too prominent a role in our lives and in our landscapes. Lawns, they claim, hog too much of everything: water, pesticides, fertilizers, time, money, equipment and gasoline
They're right, of course. Lawns represent a $25 billion industry in this country. That's a lot of mowing!
But change of such monumental proportions is hard to effect. Lawn is the major component of our front yards, and has been since the 18th century. Even if they wanted to, most homeowners wouldn't know how to get along without a front yard.
Gardeners and garden designers in all regions of the country are setting examples by planting front yards with just a small patch of lawn or with no lawn at all.
It's not easy. Less turf means rethinking how our front yards work, and how they'll fit with adjacent yards if we don't plant grass, since lawns in most areas simply run together, establishing a green expanse between homes.
One of the most prevalent arguments I've encountered is from homeowners who believe that their house won't "fit into the neighborhood" if they eliminate grass. Even people who embrace diversity in other aspects of their lives are unnerved by the fear that they'll be perceived by their neighbors as poor stewards of their property.
In fact, what usually occurs is exactly the opposite. Whenever I've had occasion to facilitate a front yard "makeover," neighbors have been overwhelmingly supportive--even fascinated--by the process.
Not only are they enthusiastic during the installation phase (neighbors who haven't spoken for years may stop by to chat), but they enjoy the garden thereafter. Whether driving by or walking, they often slow down or stop to admire it. That new yard is more interesting than others on their street, and it becomes even more beautiful as the plantings grow.
Concerns about not "fitting in" proved unfounded in every instance. In fact, neighbors were often curious about copying certain favorite elements of the design--an ornamental tree, a border of wildflowers, a low wall. The trailblazers seemed to enjoy the positive feedback from their neighbors as much as they enjoyed their new landscape.
From my experience, then, it would appear that the real obstacle to re-thinking the front yard is not in being different, or in defending that position, but how to accomplish it.
For gardeners desperate to take the plunge, start with a good landscaping book. Don't look for a single design to copy, but study elements to imitate. The appealing curve of a bed, a section of decorative fencing, some interesting steps, artistically arranged boulders, a privacy screen--any one of these can trigger the creative process.
Many gardeners begin at the perimeter and work in. This is a valid approach and helps to define boundaries and scale. Hedges are fine, but mixed borders have greater depth. They're also more interesting, featuring a blend of blooms and foliage that extend the season of color.
A perennial border along the front of the yard is a gift shared with the neighborhood. Be sure you have the time to care for it, however, because a weedy, poorly maintained flower garden in such a prominent spot is bound to get noticed.
Widen the front walk and give it a curve. The change may present the opportunity for a low wall or fence to screen a portion of the front yard from the street, especially if the land is gently sloped.
Inside the enclosure, build a small seating area, or even a simple pond. Work out from a shade tree to enlarge a bed of groundcover to accommodate a sculpture or bench.
The improvements will not only say "welcome" to visitors, but the view from indoors will become an oasis of horticultural inspiration amidst the suburban grassland beyond your property lines.
(Lindsay Bond Totten, a horticulturist, writes about gardening for Scripps Howard News Service.)
