There are few sights more indicative of urban living than lawns. A short walk down any residential street can make clear how widespread they are; there is one in front of, and often a second behind, nearly every house.
For many homeowners, their lawns are much more than plots of grass. Lawns provide a comfortable and relatively durable surface, perfect for spending time outside playing, walking, or simply relaxing. And it makes sense; lawns are essentially a thick, green carpet growing out of the ground. They also serve as an aesthetic element of a home, and provide an enjoyable hobby for many homeowners.
We tend to accept and appreciate our lawns as they are; for most of us, the principle occasion for thinking about lawns is in their maintenance. Lawns are widespread and have some great qualities. However, there are good reasons to consider alternatives as well. One excellent option is native plant gardening.
Lawns often need regular maintenance work, as well as dedicated machines and irrigation systems. They also accompany the purchase of seed, fertilizer, and other related products. Altogether, lawns can be costly to upkeep. Irrigation in particular is necessary because these grasses are non-natives and are unadapted to Idaho conditions. As a result, they need a substantial amount of extra watering to grow here.
In comparison, native plants are far better equipped to thrive in Idaho. They require less irrigation because they are accustomed to the natural availability of water here in Idaho. Additionally, they are simpler to maintain once established– also because they are better adapted to these conditions. Rather than replicate, for non-native species, the conditions they need to live, lawn growers can plant species that perform in this environment, requiring less effort and expense.
Natives also support a diverse range of animals, including beneficial birds and insects. These animals pollinate and spread native plants in both gardens and natural areas, promoting a healthy ecosystem.
To preserve the benefits of lawns, native gardeners can divide their yards into recreational and garden areas, select plants that are both hardy and gentle, and continue to grow grass in select areas. From an aesthetic standpoint, there are thousands of Idaho native plant species to choose from, many of which have beautiful structures, colors, and flowers. With care comparable to the effort we put into our grass lawns, we could create even more beautiful gardens full with native plants.
A final point to consider is the relationship we have with our native ecology. Surrounding ourselves with common lawn grasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass (a Eurasian species), we are removed from the natural form of Idaho’s ecosystem– all its colors, shapes, textures, and interconnections are lost on us. I would guess that, while living our day to day life in town, we don’t even think of our surroundings as having a natural ecological state. By growing natives at home, we could learn about and appreciate the diverse plant life and ecosystem that belongs here.
In conclusion, Idaho residents have the chance to engage with many incredible native plant species, and the greater ecosystem that they are integral to. By replacing even a portion of our lawns with natives, we can surround our homes in both ecology and beauty, while simultaneously reducing our consumption.
