Lawn Alternatives and Natural Gardens
From coast to coast the lawn is one the most ubiquitous garden features in the landscape. Though all gardens require some maintenance, lawns require far more than most. Between fertilizing, weekly mowing and other requirements such as aerating and thatching, lawns are among the most labor intensive and chemically drenched types of landscape. While some lawn space may be managed with little trouble, large vast, weed-free lawns should be rethought. Consider the alternative, introducing native plants species into your garden. Reducing the size of your lawn and replacing it with a more low maintenance garden would be an environmentally friendly alternative.
Natural gardens emphasize native plant species of a local environment. Plants which are native to a specific area have adapted to certain site conditions and are generally self sustaining. They’ll need little, if any, fertilizer and no more water than is provided by rain. Natural gardens introduce diversity to the landscape and use trees, shrubs and perennials not found in traditional gardens. They also provide a garden with a sense of place. Lawns are everywhere and it’s often difficult to distinguish a garden in New York from one in Washington even though their landscapes and climates are completely different.
Gardens which draw inspiration from the natural environment are successful because they’re easy to maintain and will thrive even in the most extreme conditions. Planting a natural garden can help restore the landscape, attract a variety of bird species and provide the garden with a wonderful mix of under utilized, interesting plants.
The woodland garden, for instance, is a landscape which focuses on the forest ecosystem. Woodland gardens are low maintenance and provide your garden with a wide range of plants which add seasonal interest. In the dappled shade beneath deciduous trees, perennials bloom profusely throughout the spring months. In the shadier conditions of the woodland garden in summer, the spring floral display gives way to perennials and shrubs with rich varied foliage. Woodland gardens also provide a shady respite from the hot afternoon sun of summer. In the fall, colorful leaves brighten up the garden.
Wildflower meadows are another natural landscape type. Meadows are noted for their easy maintenance, wide diversity of plants, vibrant colors, interesting textures and distinct seasonal changes. Along with these aesthetic benefits there are ecological benefits as well, including the reduced need for maintenance, the creation of a habitat for native species of animals and the fact that wildflower meadows are very effective at trapping airborne pollutants. Meadows are relatively easy to create and need minimal maintenance once established. The reward is a colorful, self sustaining, low maintenance landscape.
All gardens require some sort of care and attention, natural gardens, those requiring less of it, are no exception. As with any garden, you’ll need to deadhead, prune and occasionally weed in order to encourage blooming flowers and healthy growth.
If you’re attached to the more traditional garden setting you can still introduce native trees, shrubs or perennials to your garden. Many of them flower just as beautifully as the ones commonly found in the garden.
R Birch
|
|
NWT RARE COLLECTOR’S DREAM ALEXANDER MCQUEEN SPRING 2009 FLORAL NUDE DRESS 42 $9,995.00 |
|
|
Couristan Floral Eden Spring Blooms Cream / Azure Contemporary Rug 9′ x 12′ $6,659.00 |
|
|
Couristan Floral Eden Spring Blooms Cream / Azure Contemporary Rug 9′ x 12′ $5,139.00 |
|
|
Couristan Floral Eden Spring Blooms Cream / Azure Contemporary Rug 9′ x 12′ $2,569.00 |
|
|
Frank Howell Spring Floral 93′Original Lithograph Artwork Hand Signed Make Offer $2,375.00 |
|
|
Cast Bronze Trimmed Spring Floral Bowl $1,597.20 |
|
|
Couristan Floral Eden Spring Blooms Cream / Azure Contemporary Rug 9′ x 12′ $1,139.00 |
|
|
70% OFF”Spring Melody” Greg Singley Floral tryptych LTD $995.00 |
|
|
Frank Howell s/n lithograph, Spring Floral $950.00 |
|
|
*PERFECT* spring/summer handbag! FENDI Zucchino floral handbag. NWT. Unique! $875.00 |
|
|
** SOLD OUT ** SPRING 2012 RED FLORAL DRESS Isabel Marant etoile sz 38 $790.00 |
|
|
NEW $850 TRACY FEITH PINK FLORAL LACE DRESS SPRING BABY COCO SIZE XP PETITE $749.99 |
|
|
Pottery Barn Spring Sparrow Bird Floral rug 9×12 – Sold out from PB! $699.97 |
|
|
RETAIL $1,575-STELLA MCCARTNEY SPRING 2012-FLORAL PRINTS DRESS $699.00 |
|
|
Authentic Gucci Spring 2007 Beige Leather Green Floral Pelham Handbag $649.99 |
|
|
Wild Spring Flowers Floral Pencil Sketch Drawing $594.30 |
|
|
$2195 GIANNI VERSACE RUNWAY SPRING FLORAL DRESS IT 40 – US 6 $539.99 |
|
|
Shoulder Floral Printed Shirt, Givenchy, Brand new with tags! Spring/Summer. $545.00 |
|
|
Shoulder Floral Printed Shirt, Givenchy, Brand new with tags! Spring/Summer. $545.00 |
|
|
2011 SPRING -STELLA MCCARTNEY-HIBICUS FLORAL PRINT DRESS $499.00 |
|
|
CBJORK ART Spring Nature ORIGINAL PAINTING Landscape IRIS Floral $450.00 |
|
|
New EMANUEL UNGARO Jacket Blazer Sz 40 8 Spring Floral Stunning LUXE $1.8k NWT $439.00 |
|
|
HERMES SPRING FLORAL beach / sports / travel / shopping $399.00 |
|
|
57X45 Spring Bouquet Blue Floral Tapestry Wall Hanging $425.00 |
|
|
ASHLEY COLL – SPRING LOTUS – GICLEE ON CANVAS – FLORAL $420.00 |
|
|
Meyda Tiffany Style 25″ X 14″ Spring Triptych Floral Stained Glass Window 23818 $372.00 |
|
|
Paragon Spring Blossoms by Burris Florals Art -46″ x 36″ 3033 $370.99 |
|
|
Sounds of Spring by B. Guy; Floral Bouquet & Birds $350.00 |
|
|
Hermes Institut Pasteur Orange Melon Spring Silk Scarf 90cmx90cm. RARE!!! $349.00 |
|
|
“Paragon” Flowers in Spring by Kammar Florals Art -31″ x 43″ 7552 $351.99 |
|
|
SPRING FRENCH FLORAL DESIGN NEEDLEPOINT RUG $350.00 |
|
|
Fenton Lamp Sandblast REV PNTD Spring Floral 6609VS NIB $349.99 |
|
|
MINT Longaberger Set 3 Basket Bowls , Spring Floral Liners, Protectors & Lids $339.99 |
|
|
ST JOHN Black Label 2pc Skirt Suit Size 6-8 EUC Spring Blue & FLoral MINT $325.00 |
|
|
NIB 20 pc Lenox Spring Vista China set Floral Green 24kt Gold Ivory 4 Place Set $324.99 |
|
|
“Paragon” Spring Bulb Still Life by Nai Florals Art -28″ x 40″ 7547 $311.99 |
|
|
Pucci Bright Floral Spring Motif Multi-color Tote $310.00 |
|
|
ANTIQUE VINTAGE 30S PINK GREEN FLORAL APPLIQUE QUILT SPRING COTTAGE GARDEN $292.74 |
|
|
$268 NWT BETSEY JOHNSON LIBERTY FLORAL COTTON BUBBLE spring pink dress (sz-10) $268.00 |
|
|
FLORAL WHITE PAINTED ANTIQUE IRON BED HEADBOARD FOOTBOARD SPRINGS ~TAPERED PIN $278.00 |
|
|
BNWT AUTH Milly New York Shift Poppy Field floral spring dress US 12 UK 16 $345 $269.99 |
|
|
CREED Spring Flowers Floral Fragrance 2.5oz (75ml) $270.75 |
|
|
COACH F16259 Ashley Floral & Gold Carryall – NWT – Perfect Spring/Summer Bag! $275.00 |
|
|
Old Gringo*New In Box*Marsha*White/Floral Slides/Mules~8.5M~Super For Spring $275.00 |
|
|
Meyda Tiffany Style 15″W X 25″H Spring Bouquet Floral Stained Glass Window 38738 $248.40 |
|
|
Nancy Denison “Spring Grand Dames” flowers floral Signed Serigraph, MAKE OFFER! $250.00 |
|
|
10 SPRING FLORAL Wedding Centerpieces Wholesale Lot $249.99 |
|
|
40 Pc Set STUDIO NOVA Angelica FINE CHINA Japan ~ Gorgeous Easter Spring Floral $262.50 |
|
|
NWT $850 Tibi Runway Yellow Eyelet Lace Strapless Dress Spring Sun Floral 4 $249.00 |
|
|
Fleur de Lis Tuscan door Wreath LUX Rich Floral design Spring Summer 4 season $250.00 |
|
|
4p Pottery Barn Kid SPRING FLORAL Flower Lavender/Pink Full Duvet Sheet Case New $249.99 |
|
|
NEW Kate Spade Fleur Vine Green White Floral Leaf Print Spring Dress UK 4 US 0 $249.00 |
|
|
Annelore Spring 2012 Floral Ruffle Dress $235.00 |
|
|
Annelore Spring 2012 Floral Ruffle Dress $235.00 |
|
|
MAXCERA “GROUP FLORAL” SPRING /EASTER 24PC DINNERWARE SET SERVICE FOR 6 NEW $189.99 |
|
|
New Givenchy Spring 2012 Floral Flower Print Square Silk Shawl Wrap Scarf $239.00 |
|
|
50″x40″ SPRING BAROQUE by LIV CARSON COLORFUL FLORAL CANVAS $239.00 |
|
|
222 FIFTH GABRIELLE PAISLEY FLORAL SPRING BLUE 24 PC DINNERWARE SET SERVICE 6 $237.49 |
|
|
PRADA Silk Floral Skirt BNWT Ret. $995 SPRING! LOOK!!!! $225.00 |
|
|
‘ Spring Flower Daisy ‘ Floral Modern Art Canvas Deco Wall More Size & Color $174.05 |
|
|
LUXURY PEMBROKE SPRING COUNTRY GARDEN FLORAL 3PC QUEEN QUILT SET $219.99 |
|
|
Mary Frances Vamp Black White Bridal Bag Handbag Flowers Floral Purse NEW Spring $227.50 |
|
|
Matching PAIR Tiffany Style Spring Floral Roses Stained Glass Window Panels $227.05 |
|
|
Silk Obi Textile Spring Sakura Floral Flow 11a4705 $225.00 |
|
|
SALE floral still life LAURA WINTER Arlington Spring Lake Irvington NJ $225.00 |
|
|
Spring Wreath Floral Flower Arrangement Wall Grassy Vertical Swag Centerpiece $225.00 |
|
|
Large COACH Limited Edition Floral / Bumblebee Straw Tote Perfect For Spring!! $206.10 |
|
|
Spring Beauty Vera Oxley Floral Garden Canvas Giclee $219.00 |
|
|
Tuscan Wreath Spring Summer Elegant Luxe Designer Wall Floral Arrangement Door $215.00 |
|
|
‘ Spring Flower Daisy ‘ Floral Modern Art Canvas Deco Wall More Size & Color $156.80 |
|
|
‘ Spring Voilet Tulips ‘ Floral Modern Art Canvas Deco Wall More Size & Color $156.80 |
|
|
“Spring Fantasy II” Hand Signed Limited Ed. Aquatint Etching iris floral OBO $200.00 |
|
|
‘ Spring Flower Daisy ‘ Floral Modern Art Canvas Deco Wall More Size & Color $155.24 |
|
|
RENOIR SPRING BOUQUET BELGIAN FLORAL TAPESTRY FINE ART $199.99 |
|
|
POTTERY BARN SPRING SPARROW DUVET COVER KING 108X92″ 4 SHAMS NEW IVORY FLORAL $199.98 |
|
|
PotteryBarn Kids SPRING FLORAL Flower Lavender/Pink Full/Queen Duvet Sham 3p New $199.95 |
|
|
Heinrich Germany Spring Flowers Floral Primavera China 20 piece set $175.00 |
|
|
NWT VALENTINO Blouse Spring Floral Print Pastel Silk Lingerie sz 14 L XL $199.00 |
|
|
Annelore Spring 2012 Grey and White Floral Dress $199.00 |
|
|
Spring Beauty Vera Oxley Floral Garden Canvas Giclee $199.00 |
|
|
‘ Spring Flower Daisy ‘ Floral Modern Art Canvas Deco Wall More Size & Color $150.53 |
|
|
NEW POTTERY BARN Spring Sparrow King Duvet Cover & 2 Euro Shams $208.05 |
|
|
GUCCI NEW! SPRING YELLOW FLORAL SANDALS STRAP LADIES HEELS SHOES SIZE 39C WEDGES $179.00 |
|
|
Spring Fall Wreath Silk Floral Rust Lime Yellow Lowest Price this Season! $201.99 |
|
|
Zack and Zoey Spring Garden Light Pink Paisley Floral and Butterfly Print w/ Hot $200.17 |
|
|
Frontgate Agapanthuys Potted 4′ Floral Purple Tree Urn Spring floral flower Pot $174.99 |
|
|
Robert Graham “SUPER NOVA” (Sz 3XL) SPRING 2012 Wild FLORAL Shirt NWT $268 $199.99 |
|
|
MILLY White Floral Eyelet Sleeveless Spring/Summer Dress 10 UK 14 NWT$375 $199.99 |
|
|
Pottery Barn SPRING SPARROW RUG RUNNER 2.5 X 9 NEW $179.99 |
|
|
NEW Corelle Floral Spring Pink Plates Bowl Mug Dinnerware Set 64 Pieces For 16 $199.95 |
|
|
Purple Tulips Gray Flowers Spring Floral Original Oil Painting Impressionist $199.00 |
|
|
‘ Spring Flower Daisy ‘ Floral Modern Art Canvas Deco Wall More Size & Color $141.12 |
|
|
‘ Spring Flower Daisy ‘ Floral Modern Art Canvas Deco Wall More Size & Color $141.12 |
|
|
‘ Spring Voilet Tulips ‘ Floral Modern Art Canvas Deco Wall More Size & Color $141.12 |
|
|
NEW Ladies Love Moschino Pink Floral Print Silk Dress s Size 6 NWT Spring Summer $189.97 |
|
|
Christian Lacroix Spring Floral Silk Blend Jacket Top Med Made in France Garden $195.00 |
|
|
Spring Summer Wreath Floral Door Zebra Print Hot Pink Black Party Decoration $195.00 |
|
|
NWT $298 ELIE TAHARI Ivy Spring Navy Floral Viscose Jersey Dress Small S 4 6 $195.00 |
|
|
NWT $298 ELIE TAHARI Ivy Spring Navy Floral Viscose Jersey Dress Large L 12 14 $195.00 |
|
|
$298 ELIE TAHARI Ivy Spring Navy Floral Viscose Jersey Dress Medium M 8 10 $195.00 |
|
|
Corelle Contours Spring Pink 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 4 $28.49 Corelle Livingware dinnerware collection is created using a hub lamination process producing a lightweight chip resistant glass dish. The result is an incredibly durable dinnerware set that is built to stand the test of time. Corelle is microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe for carefree maintenance. Its durability is unmatched and comes with a 3 year limited break and chip warranty. Service for 4 i… |
|
|
Nordic Ware Platinum Rose Cast Aluminum Bundt Pan $19.50 With petals that are good enough to eat, the cake that comes from this pan is extraordinary in both looks and taste. The latest creation to the Bundt family of specialty baking pans, this one brings the beauty of the flower garden to your dessert or buffet table.The Platinum Series by NordicWare is nonstick and made of heavy cast aluminum which provides finer details and superior baking performanc… |
|
|
Lenox Butterfly Meadow 18-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 6 $129.00 Emblazoned with a sweet butterfly and wildflower motif, this summery dinnerware pattern is versatile enough to serve everyday meals or stand in for special occasion dining. Perfect for an average family, this set packs six 10-3/4-inch dinner plates, six 9-inch salad plates, and six 12-ounce mugs. Made of fine china, the dinnerware has a beautiful reflective quality to its ivory base color yet is s… |
|
|
The Martha Stewart Gardening Collection – Martha’s Spring Garden $24.98 Martha’s Spring Gardening is a practical video reference guide to spring gardening filled with inspirational footage of Martha Stewart’s Westport, Connecticut gardens and 374-minutes of solid garden expertise. Offering tidbits of history and helpful hints every step of the way, Martha Stewart accomplishes every imaginable garden task with ease. She begins with a look at early season weeding, be… |
|
|
Oswald: Airs For The Seasons (Floral Suites) $17.98 … |
|
|
Happiness and Sorrow Born Spring Bloom’s first full length album…. |
|
|
Gardening Naturally: Preparing for Spring [VHS] $11.40 … |
|
|
Penelope Hobhouse – The Art & Practice of Gardening: Color in the Garden & Flower Gardens Vol. 2 [VHS] $19.95 To understand how seriously the British take their gardens, all you have to do is watch Color in the Garden. Penelope Hobhouse, the British garden authority, strolls through Helen Dillon’s private garden in Ireland, commenting with unquenchable enthusiasm on the luscious color combinations that make up the various colored borders. While it seems almost comical to hear the colors of flowers talked … |
|
|
Spring Flowering Bulbs [VHS] $14.99 … |
|
|
Fiskars 9921 Softouch Micro-Tip Pruning Snip $6.91 … |
