Sometimes, the grass is greener when there’s less to care for.
Maintenance, sustainability, personal stylethere are plenty of reasons to consider an alternative to the traditionalgrass backyard.
If you’ve got low-mow, no-maintenance yards on your mind, you’re not alone.
Credit: Photography Ralph Anderson
Starting to sound like a fairytale?
Planning and imagination allow you to create your ownno-mow, easy-maintenance backyard.
(No fake stuff required!)
Credit: Photo: Ryann Ford
Here are no-grass backyard ideas that make maintenance a snap in any season.
Not only will this yard withstand periods of no rain, but it also looks good.
Using trellises to extend the greenery vertically adds interest to compensate for losing the yard.
Credit: Ralph Anderson
The guiding principle was to “work with nature, not against it.”
Using various species ensures a kaleidoscope of colors.
While this won’t eliminate your to-do list, it will make the payoff much sweeter.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey
Garden beds provide structure to the space and can make keeping track of the vegetables planted easier.
Use shade-loving plants in areas that don’t receive enough sunlight.
Raised beds with herbs andeasy-to-grow fruits and veggiesstrike the right balance.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez
An herb garden near your kitchen guarantees a fresh supply when needed.
Stones, shrubs, and structural elements help define the space and reduce the square footage needing coverage.
Use fences and hedges to denote the garden’s boundaries.
Credit: Photo by: Ralph Anderson
Credit: Photo: Ralph Lee Anderson
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Ralph Anderson
Credit: Photo: Van Chaplin
