I love this, Sari! Your sartorial history made me smile, but even more importantly, a friend was just asking me last night what to do with his backyard lawn. So I've been researching. It's kind of overwhelming at first. And I know he wants a space for the dog to be able to run (and do her business). But I'm looking for ways to make the lawn area more sustainable -- right now it just looks like a harsh rectangle of regret.
I love the violets idea -- might not work here in CO (but I'm sure there is an alternative), and I can't wait to see how yours come along!
I will get in trouble with the native plant folks--as clover isn't native--but can I suggest clover?
It's so hearty, more drought tolerant than grass, and feeds bees. The dogs got three bee stings (between the two of them) in 8 years with clover and I was willing to call that acceptable.
I love this, Sari! Your sartorial history made me smile, but even more importantly, a friend was just asking me last night what to do with his backyard lawn. So I've been researching. It's kind of overwhelming at first. And I know he wants a space for the dog to be able to run (and do her business). But I'm looking for ways to make the lawn area more sustainable -- right now it just looks like a harsh rectangle of regret.
I love the violets idea -- might not work here in CO (but I'm sure there is an alternative), and I can't wait to see how yours come along!
I will get in trouble with the native plant folks--as clover isn't native--but can I suggest clover?
It's so hearty, more drought tolerant than grass, and feeds bees. The dogs got three bee stings (between the two of them) in 8 years with clover and I was willing to call that acceptable.
So much this!! Add in the noise and air pollution of the leaf blowers for even a few blades of grass.
No kidding. And in one year, 2020, lawn equipment emitted more than 30 million tons of carbon dioxide.