Why You Don’t Need All That Lawn (And What to Plant Instead)

Philippa Dunstan
May 2
2 min read

On the drive into town, I pass a newly built home — the house is shiny and new, the garden perfectly edged, and the entire front and backyard? Lawn. Nothing but lawn.

And I get it. After moving to the country myself, I understand the satisfaction of mowing a clean, open space and calling the job done. But here’s the truth: a lawn-only garden might feel simple, but it misses the mark when it comes to beauty, biodiversity, and wellbeing.

The Problem With “Just Lawn”

Lawns are thirsty, energy-intensive, and offer little in return. They don’t feed pollinators. They don’t provide shade or food. They don’t create hiding spots for kids, homes for insects, or joy in the form of blooms, textures, and scent.

Worse, in many new developments, lawns have become the default — not because they’re the best choice, but because they’re the easiest.

What Happens When You Replace Even a Small Patch?

The magic begins. Pollinators visit. You start noticing seasonal changes. Your kids explore. You get excited about planting something new.

Gardening stops being a chore and becomes a relationship.

What You Can Do Instead

You don’t have to rip up your whole yard. Just start small:

Add a circular garden bed in the middle of your lawn — it creates a “destination” and a focal point.
Plant a mix of native grasses, shrubs, and flowers — they need less water and bring in bees and butterflies.
Grow food — even one raised bed of herbs or lettuces changes how you experience your yard.
Let part of the lawn go wild — mow a path through it and watch what grows back.