GARDENING: 'Rewilding' lawns, gardens not just a trend

Welcome to this week's Crown of Flowers where we're shining a spotlight on the vibrant and cheerful zinnias_ a sunny smile in your garden!

Zinnias are the perfect start-and-stagger project for your garden. Directly sow your seeds in intervals—a batch this week, another next—to enjoy a continuous bloom show. This seemingly lazy approach cleverly extends your flower parade well beyond the usual season.

Plant your zinnias post-last frost in a sunny spot with good air circulation to prevent mildew. Opt for medium, well-draining soil and get ready for minimal upkeep with maximum impact.

Zinnias are the botanical equivalent of a wardrobe bursting with outfits.

With more than 20 species and hundreds of cultivars, these flowers offer endless customization. Choose from single, semi-double, or double-flowered types, with petals that could rival the intricacy of any designer dress in hues that cover every imaginable colour from fiery reds to soft pastels, and even striking greens.

Whether you want towering blooms or petite blossoms like the six-inch Thumbelina Dwarf, zinnias cater to every gardener’s height preference.

Their robust stems make them excellent for bouquets; the more you clip, the more they bloom. These vibrant  flowers aren't just a feast for the eyes; they're a buffet for pollinators and even a tasty edible treat, adding a splash of colour to salads, desserts and drinks.

For a garden that's as functional as it is beautiful, pair zinnias with tomatoes to deter pests, or mix them with cosmos for a stunning vertical display of colour and texture. Introduce dill for a touch of airiness, or front with salvia to neatly frame your vibrant zinnia backdrop.

These companions not only enhance each other’s growth but  ensure your garden is both a visual and ecological triumph.

Trash the lawn! 

With growing concerns over climate change, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity, more homeowners are exploring eco-friendly, low-maintenance lawn alternatives. In fact, ditching the lawn is not just a trend here. It's in vogue where "rewilding" and natural gardens have become the new standard of beauty and sustainability.

By removing a traditional grass lawn, you can create a more climate-conscious yard while also introducing functional, beautiful spaces. And all the time you spend mowing...that’s history.

 Photo Credit: Regis Lefebure, Backyard Bounty

When you see a beautifully landscaped yard, do you think, "wow, what a great habitat," imagine the stormwater it's saving, or just admire its beauty? By replacing traditional lawns with low-maintenance plantings, you can enjoy all these benefits and more.

And now, welcome to a new feature called Garden Talks where we dive into the dynamic world of backyard transformations.

Today, we’re eavesdropping on a fascinating conversation between two neighbours, Hugo and Gertrude, who bring vastly different gardening philosophies right into their backyards.

Hugo, a cautious and traditional homeowner, has always tried to keep his yard impeccable, mirroring the pristine lawns of his neighbours. On the other hand, we have Gertrude, our quirky and intellectually curious plant enthusiast, who not only cherishes her diverse garden but also shares her space with her beloved dog Basil. Let’s dive right in!

Illustration by Monika and Rita Rekola

Trash the Lawn: A Conversation Between Hugo and Gertrude

Hugo: “Howdy, Gertrude, I’ve been thinking…My lawn is nice, but it’s becoming a hassle. The constant watering,  mowing and the money I sink into it every year is wearing me out. I see you’ve switched to something more eco-friendly. How much of a difference does it really make?”

Gertrude, with a spark of enthusiasm replies: “Oh, Hugo, darling, the difference is massive! I replaced my lawn with a wildlife-friendly garden, and it’s saving me time, money and I’m doing something good for the planet. My yard is now full of native plants, buzzing with life and requires barely any maintenance compared to your lawn!”

Now intrigued, Hugo probes further: “That sounds almost too good. What did you do exactly, and what did it set you back? I’m bracing for the shock.”

Gertrude, keen to share her secrets, explains: “Fear not, Hugo. Last fall, I simply layered cardboard over the grass, topped it with leaves, compost and a layer of mulch. Come spring, that cardboard had decomposed, and what was left was rich, fertile soil. No digging, no chemicals, and hardly any weeds.”

Hugo, amazed, wants to confirm: “Really? That’s it? No tearing up turf or harsh chemicals?”

Gertrude nods: “Absolutely. It’s all about low-cost, eco-friendly solutions here. After planting native perennials, the first year was just about light watering and minimal weeding. By the second year, my garden exploded with life. Truly, it was instant gratification.”

Admiring her garden, Hugo compliments: “Your garden is stunning, Gertrude. It’s lush and vibrant.”

Proud and pleased, Gertrude goes on: “Thanks, Hugo. I opted for low-maintenance ground covers like wild strawberry and creeping thyme, and then added layers with Pennsylvania Sedge that brings that soft, grassy feel without the hassle.

"I also added serviceberry, haskap berries and crab apples. The crab apples intoxicate with their spring blooms, radiant fruit in the fall, and shade for those lazy summer afternoons, while  the serviceberries delicate white flowers are pure magic. Now, my yard hums with wonderful pollinators and it practically takes care of itself."

Hugo, considering his options, asks thoughtfully: “What if I wanted a different feel, something unique?”

Gertrude, always ready with ideas, suggests: “There’s so much room for creativity. How about a native grassland or a wildflower meadow? It might look a bit wild, but strategic mowing can keep it looking tidy. It’s like crafting your own natural retreat.”

"Wondering about practical uses, Hugo queries: “A meadow sounds charming, but I don’t know if that’s practical.  What if I want something more functional?" 

Gertrude encourages: “Turn it into an edible landscape: Plant fruits and vegetables.” 

Feeling inspired, Hugo decides: “Gertrude, that’s brilliant. I could turn part of my lawn into a kitchen garden.You  know I love cooking with fresh ingredients. I could transform my front yard into a garden and set the trend for the neighbourhood. I’m ready to start making the switch. Any last words of wisdom before I dive in?” 

Gertrude offers a final piece of advice: “Take it step by step, Hugo. Start with a small section and watch it transform. This isn’t just about following a trend—it’s about making a lasting impact on our environment.”

Let these gardens enchant and inspire you!

Photo credit: Darcy Daniels, Bloomtown Gardens, Portland OR; Mae Day Farm, housebeautiful.com

The Science Behind It: Why Trash the Lawn?

Maintaining a traditional lawn can be expensive. Between watering, fertilizing and mowing, the costs add up quickly. With sheet mulching and native plants, Gertrude eliminated those costs altogether.

Lawns guzzle water, especially in hot summer months. Native plants, on the other hand, are drought-tolerant and adapted to local conditions, requiring far less water.

Lawns are ecological deserts, providing little to no benefit for wildlife. By replacing her lawn, Gertrude  created a habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are vital to the ecosystem.

Once native ground covers and sedges are established, they require minimal care. No more mowing,  fertilizing, or pesticide use.

When did we become so obsessed with perfectly manicured lawns? This cultural fixation runs so deep that  municipal regulations and homeowners associations often enforce strict lawn maintenance rules to uphold our  vision of flawless grass. But behind their aesthetic appeal, lawns are environmentally damaging. 

As of 2024, about 51% of households with lawns water them, and this can dramatically increase water use in the  summer. Canadian households use up to 50% more water during hot months for lawns and gardens, contributing  significantly to overall consumption.  

Gas consumption for mowing is another issue with millions of litres of gasoline are burned annually for lawn care,  contributing to air pollution and emissions. Pesticide use also remains a concern: about 19 per cent of households in  Ontario still use chemical pesticides, though rates have been decreasing due to provincial bans (Canadian lawns and gardens: Where are they the "greenest"?)

Lawns not only drain resources, but also harm biodiversity and pollute our waterways.

Fertilizers, often synthetic, are a major culprit. Runoff from lawns contaminates rivers and drinking water, causing algae blooms that harm wildlife. And think about it: Do we really want our kids rolling around in grass treated with chemicals? 

In short, lawns in Canada demand high levels of water, fuel, and chemicals, making them resource-intensive. Encouraging wildlife-friendly alternatives could help reduce these environmental impacts.