Homeowner Shares 'absolutely Stunning' Before-and-after Photos Of Their Lawn Transformation: 'You've Done A Great Job'
One Redditor who decided to embrace the anti-lawn lifestyle showed off incredible pictures of their yard's transformation after only one year.
More and more homeowners are trading out their lawns for alternatives like drought-resistant native plants or stone landscaping. These options are low-maintenance, and they lower your utility bill because they require less water. They're even good for wildlife, including pollinators — not to mention they're gorgeous and full of character!
Companies like Yardzen can make this process simple. However, many homeowners who enjoy gardening have created their own designs, just like this Redditor.
Photo Credit: u/TheCountryOfWat / Reddit
In the post, the user shared a "before" photo of an ordinary lawn with a concrete path running through it. Another diagonal path was outlined in spray paint, but the hard work of removing the grass was yet to begin.
As the original poster explained in a comment, they used a sod cutter to take out the grass. "I then took the cut chunks and flipped them over to expose the roots and solarized for a few days," they said. "I then piled them up and used the sod strips as the filler for my berms."
With the dried-out sod, they built up small hills for plants, leaving the diagonal path clear. They then added irrigation, mulch, and a wide variety of plants, including hummingbird sage, Indian mallow, and cobweb thistle, as they explained in a comment.
"This design really embraced easy to grow and maintain plants," the poster said. In another comment, they added, "We had three primary sources: Calscape.Org, the 'recommended plant list' from our water company, and our own research done by poking our noses into people's yards talking to business owners about their plants."
The result could be seen in the "after" photo from just one year later. In that short time, the drought-hardy plants showed unbelievable growth, with several already 2 to 3 feet high. Colorful blossoms appeared everywhere, and along the diagonal path, stepping stones were surrounded by lush ground cover.
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"First of all, this is absolutely stunning!!!" said one commenter, adding that this type intentional and well-cared-for design was their favorite no-lawn look.
"Ecological and still beautiful," another user said. "This one feels 'done right' to me."
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Drought-tolerant Landscaping Ideas – 8 Solutions For A More Sustainable Backyard Design
drought tolerant landscaping and plants
Drought-tolerant landscaping is top of the agenda right now, with the availability of low-water landscaping rebates, lawn-to-garden conversion incentives, and irrigation grants meaning there's never been a better time to redesign your landscape using a more sustainable approach.
A landscape that has been designed with drought tolerance in mind will include a mix of hardscape elements like gravel, river stones, and permeable paving, together with plants, shrubs and trees that are native to your area and don't need frequent watering. Additionally, it will feature 'smart' irrigation such as water-saving devices, rainwater harvesting and gray water systems.
Maybe you're concerned about drought in your area or perhaps it's a case of opting for drought tolerant planting ideas as you no longer want to spend time watering your yard every day. Either way, find out what the experts have to say about drought-tolerant landscaping and what you can learn about making your own backyard more climate friendly.
drought resistant plants in gravel garden
Cut down on water usage with these drought-tolerant landscaping ideas'In the face of climate change and increasing water scarcity, it's crucial to make sustainable choices for our gardens,' says Andrew Laurier, gardening expert at Be.Green. 'By selecting drought-tolerant native plants and trees, we can create beautiful, resilient landscapes that conserve water and support local ecosystems.'
If in doubt about plants or any other aspect of drought-tolerant backyard ideas, it's a good idea to consult local nurseries, your local extension service, horticultural experts, or landscape professionals who have knowledge of the conditions in your region, and can provide invaluable advice.
1. Choose drought-resistant native plantsblack aeoniums growing in a container
Native plants are a great choice for drought-resistant landscaping as they're adapted to the local climate and need less water once established. 'Depending on the zone, native plants will vary but some popular drought-tolerant options include succulents like agave and yucca, ornamental grasses such as feather reed grass and blue fescue, and flowering perennials like lavender and coneflowers,' says Kevi Tara, owner of plant nursery LeafnJoy. Once established, plants like Elijah Blue Fescue (available from Nature Hills) require limited water.
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When choosing native drought-tolerant shrubs and plants, first look around your local area and see what's thriving. 'Even better if you can find an unmaintained plot of land,' suggests landscape and permaculture designer Samuil Iliev. 'There you will find the toughest plants. Most of them will be considered weeds, but a few will catch your attention. You can use one of the many apps that offer plant identification, then search for a local nursery that offers that plant or its seeds.'
Low water bunch grasses, such as Carex pansa, are easy to take care of, and incredibly versatile. 'They sway beautifully in the breeze too,' says California-based Camille Cimino, landscape designer at The Nature of Things Design. 'Other good choices include aloe, agave, and phormium tenax, which come in a variety of colors and have striking shapes.'
2. Make good use of mulching to retain moisturebark mulching in backyard in California
Bare soil is vulnerable to erosion, the seeds of weeds take root and it leads to water waste, but mulching has benefits that counteract all these. There are many types of mulch available and the main rule is 'the more the better'.
'Most tree trimming companies are happy to give away truckloads of perfectly good mulch,' says Kate Russell, author of Stop Wasting Your Yard! (available on Amazon) and founder of The Daily Garden. 'Coarse wood chips are ideal. They break down slowly, improving soil structure and feeding the soil micro-organisms that make plant life possible.'
Add a thick layer of mulch to the surface of the soil and it will act like a sponge to soak up any rainwater then hold it in the soil. This means it's a real asset for drought-tolerant landscaping ideas.
3. Mix up your hard landscaping optionsgravel garden with Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum)
Things that are authentic to place feel right, whether it's native plants or hardscaping. Choose permeable hardscaping as the natural partner to drought-tolerant planting ideas.
'For paths and rustic patios, local pea gravel is a chic, inexpensive, and eco-conscious choice,' says Heather Evans, master gardener and author of the Substack column Dear Avant Gardener. 'It lets rain run through, keeping much-needed water on your property.' Heather uses the local yellow-white limestone pea gravel in her yard in Florida.
Sarah Gill is a garden expert and landscaper at Hypedome. She is also a fan of gravel garden ideas for reducing water runoff and promoting better water infiltration as a key element of drought-tolerant landscaping.
'I also like decomposed granite, a crushed rock material that compacts well and provides a stable surface for paths and patios,' says Sarah. 'Decomposed granite allows water to infiltrate into the soil while providing a firm and durable surface. It can be used alone or with other hardscaping materials for added visual interest.'
You can also use river gravel, lava rocks, pumice, and even crushed concrete as a decorative accent in your drought-tolerant landscaping.
4. Opt for clever water management solutionscollecting rainwater using rain chains and a large water feature
For drought-tolerant landscaping to survive and thrive you need to be able to save and collect as much water as possible. Water plants deeply but less frequently, which uses less water and puts water where a plant most needs it, which is at the roots. Remember that not all plants need the same amount of water, and to minimize evaporation avoid the common garden watering mistake of watering during the hottest parts of the day.
In addition to mulching, try drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting. Making a rain barrel and combining it with rain chains can help you to maximize the amount of water you can collect.
'If you can set up rain barrels and collect your rainwater it is always a good thing. Try to capture as much water as possible,' says Kody J Ketterling, professional landscaper and owner of KJ Enterprises, who is based in Twin Falls, Idaho. 'Any time you can catch water you are helping to give plants and soil a cooling effect.'
5. Reduce your lawn area (or get rid of it)drought tolerant backyard with table, benches and planting
Another way to decrease water consumption is to either go lawn free or reduce the size of your lawn area. Popular conversion ideas include mixes of drought-resistant plants and permeable hardscaping.
'The traditional golf-course style lawn is out,' says Camille Cimino. 'It takes a ton of water, weekly mowing, and annual fertilizing. You can still create inviting spaces to stroll, play or gather in, by using gravel or mulch surrounded with greenery.'
The no grass backyard trend is really gathering pace, and is particularly popular among fans of rewilding. 'I started the process of introducing native plants by allowing my lawn to become a meadow,' says Kate Russell. 'The results were delightful. First, nearly all the work was eliminated. Once my meadow was established, I didn't have to water, weed, mow, or aerate it. I could just sit back and enjoy watching all the butterflies, birds, and other critters attracted to my new offering.'
6. Plant a drought-tolerant native tree or twoa Palo Verde tree in bloom in a desert landscaping style yard
By selecting drought-tolerant native trees that are well-suited to your climate, it's easy to create a beautiful, resilient landscape that conserves water and supports local ecosystems. It's also beneficial for wildlife garden ideas.
'We need more trees for shade in a warming world,' says Heather Evans. 'Native trees that evolved in your area will be best suited to its climate, including periods of drought. I love small, flowering trees because almost anyone can fit them into their yards, they nourish birds and pollinators, and they look gorgeous.'
Heather's favorite drought-tolerant flowering trees for a small garden are native to most of the US: serviceberry, American dogwood, Chickasaw plum (native to the Southeast) and chokecherry. 'Native plums and cherries are keystone species,' she adds, 'hosting about 400 butterfly and moth caterpillars – the primary food of nesting birds.'
One of Andrew Laurier's favorites is the palo verde tree. 'With its green trunk and bright yellow flowers, it's a drought-tolerant marvel,' he says. 'Native to the desert regions, it has evolved to withstand harsh conditions. Its canopy offers dappled shade while the flowers attract pollinators, helping to support local biodiversity.'
7. Hardscape with drought-friendly ground covercreeping thyme, gravel and rocks
Hardscaping with plants can enhance the beauty and functionality of outdoor spaces. By combining hardscaping with the best ground cover plants, you can add visual appeal while also conserving water.
'Create charming pathways and walkways by bordering them with low-growing ground covers such as creeping thyme or sedum, which can withstand foot traffic and release a pleasant aroma as you pass by,' says Brock Ingham, founder of Bigger Garden. 'Try integrating pockets of planting into crevices in retaining walls.' You could even consider replacing a lawn with walkable ground cover plants too.
Brock also suggests pairing rock gardens with drought-tolerant varieties like ice plants, blue fescue, or sedum to create an eye-catching display of texture and color.
8. Try edible xeriscapingpomegranates in San Joaquin Valley
'Having lived in California for much of my life, drought has always been part of my garden and landscape plans,' says Kate Russell. 'Most edible plants need far more water than would ordinarily be used in xeriscaping, but not all.'
Vegetables including pole beans, garlic, and onions, as well as herbs and mustard greens, and fruit such as figs, grapes and pomegranates all make it onto Kate's shortlist for edible xeriscaping plants. While these plants need some irrigation, especially as they are getting established, these drought-tolerant vegetables should be able to provide you with edible crops using far less water than other traditional garden crops. Also known as dryland farming, this method uses plants that have evolved to use water stored in the soil from the previous winter's rainfall.
'Identify moisture spots, such as downspouts and low areas suitable to plants that need more water,' recommends Kate. 'Identify how much sun each area gets throughout the day and over the seasons. Color-coding these areas can help you place your plants based on sun exposure needs.'
When it comes to drought tolerant landscaping, anything you can do to retain as much water as possible is going to be of benefit to your plants. 'Any soil that is exposed to the sun will dry out quicker and will expand your heat zone and take longer to replenish with water,' says Kody J Ketterling. 'So if you can cover the ground you give the soil an opportunity to retain more moisture which in turn will reduce the amount of water needed for plants.'
Homeowner Shows Off Their Beautiful, Lush Lawn That Requires Very Little Water Or Mowing: 'It's Looking Exactly Like I Wanted'
One Redditor recently posted to show r/NoLawns their take on the anti-lawn movement.
Traditional grass lawns are a source of frustration for a growing number of homeowners. These lawns need gallons of water, tons of fertilizer, and constant mowing throughout the warmer months. Many people are looking for low-cost, low-maintenance alternatives, like drought-resistant native plants from companies such as Yardzen.
Photo Credit: u/maxpowersr / Reddit
But many homeowners need to keep up the appearance of a healthy green lawn to meet a homeowner association's (HOA) requirements or keep neighbors from complaining — and this Redditor claimed to have found a way to do it without grass.
In the post, they shared a photo of their front lawn, which was covered in a tidy bed of clover. "Got myself a super tall forest of clover," they commented. "Looks beautiful!"
In another comment, they explained that they started out with nothing but weeds. "I just threw seeds down two years ago over top of the existing crabgrass/dandelion/etc. Lawn. And now it's looking exactly like I wanted!"
They also explained that it takes very little effort to maintain — just an occasional once-over with the lawn mower to get rid of tall dandelion stems. "I love the height the clover is at right now!" they said.
The Spruce recently published a rundown of all the benefits of a clover lawn. They don't need fertilizer, herbicides, or pesticides, and require only the bare minimum of water and mowing, making them cheap to maintain. They're also pet-friendly, and they help hold the topsoil in place so it doesn't wash away when it rains.
Perhaps best of all, clover feeds pollinators, like bees, making it eco-friendly.
But does it stand up to scrutiny from the rest of the neighborhood? One commenter asked, "I'm curious, any comments from the neighbors?"
The original poster replied, "None. But we were proactive when the kids were babies telling them we don't put chemicals in the lawn. Wait until August when mine's green and theirs is brown or they water three times a day. They'll comment then how amazing it is!"
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