Landscape Design

In the photo, notice the neighbor’s yard compared to this bright, colorful, and striking new yard. The difference is easy to see.

When looking at a yard, large or small, most people turn to water hungry turf grass to fill in as the predominant groundcover, but we’re asking that you consider better options The following four options will be more striking and useful than your old-fashion lawn.

1. Ornamental Grasses

Low cut turf grass isn’t the only grass out there. Ornamental grasses are related, but tend to require less maintenance, are allowed to grow taller. They come in a variety of textures and vibrant colors, and require less water than turf grass. These grasses are elegant and graceful and include varieties such as fountain and feather grasses.

2. Edible Plants

Why not make make the land work for you? You can fill your yard with edible plants such as shrubs and ground-covers. Some examples include natal plum shrubs, as well as rosemary ground-covers. The list for this category of useful plants is long!

3. Succulents

Usually associated with drier climates, succulents come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Their architectural form and colors make them very popular among designers. Although they’re more often associated with desolate dry landscapes, their lively colors actually make for a lush landscape when mixed and matched with other low water use plants. Some are even very useful, such as Aloe vera, which has healing properties for skin.

4. Flowering Plants

Flowering ground covers are a colorful substitute for a lawn. They attract birds, bees, and butterflies. Wouldn’t you rather have your yard attract something you’d actually want in it, like butterflies, instead of grass destroying rabbits or even the occasional surprise left by passing dogs on their daily walks? And like the other three categories, little maintenance is required, so no more weekly lawn mowing with this option!