Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Taking out the lawn
A number of years ago I interviewed Benjamin Vogt on his book “A New Garden Ethic”. I’ve mentioned him before. Earlier this year, in fact, on the dandelion debate.
As owner of Monarch Gardens he designs prairie landscapes specifically to remove expanses of lawns. In his new book, “Prairie Up – An Introduction to Natural Garden Design” Vogt shares his expertise with prairie plants aimed at gardeners and homeowners, making big ideas about design approachable and actionable. More of his photos HERE.
My area is heading into winter with a 10 inch deficit of moisture in our soil. Prairie landscapes can endure while our lawns are brown or watered.
If you’re tired of the upkeep and heavy water usage, consider the prairie lawn. Also referred to as natural gardens, residential prairies or meadow lawns, a prairie lawn consists of a varied mix of grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees that are native to the Great Plains.
If you live outside of this area, you can easily find native plants from your own state Departments of Natural Resources. In an article in the Nebraska News Service, Vogt is quoted,
“I firmly believe native plants are going to be the most adaptable plants we’re going to have for climate change,” he said. “These plants will give us more buffer than if we’re using exotic species”.
While Vogt would love to see us rip out our entire lawns and replant, it’s not real practical all at once. Taking it a foot or 5 at a time is just fine. Most of us also don’t have the time or even the dollars to change our lawns to native landscapes all at once. There’s also design to consider. So maybe over the coming winter months, you consider certain areas of your lawn that you would like to convert and do some research. You can also send me questions through my Garden Bite facebook page or email me at tkgardenbite@gmail.com.
