Creating an Eco-friendly lawn

I’ve always aimed to have an eco-friendly lawn at my home.  I try  to achieve this by learning about and adding native plants wherever I can.  With the awareness of loss of habitat for birds, and pollinators, coupled with the consistent drought we have been experiencing, there is a definite sense of urgency to make small changes to private homes that will both serve the environment and make a meaningful difference in supporting these habitats.   

One Step at a Time

I decided to plan and act intentionally to build this habitat one step at a time.  My starting point was changing the actual equipment that I use. I replaced  my gas powered weed wacker and leaf blower with battery powered ones.  I chose a manually operated reel mower for mowing the lawn.  The reel mower may seem like a strange choice as there are incredible battery powered options available.  I’ve noticed other homeowners using them  and thought I’d give it a try! Turns out the  good old fashioned reel mower was a great choice,  I couldn’t be happier with it!  I purchased a 5 blade mower by the American Lawn Mower Co. They are available in different widths, mine is 14inches.  I chose the smallest one because of the maneuverability.  My home is up on a rise so there are slopes to cut.  The smaller reel mower makes this a job I can handle myself. It has a removable catcher for when I want to collect the clippings, although I mostly let the clippings fall to act as compost for the soil.  The maintenance is easy. Simply  wipe the blades with WD-40 after each use and, if needed, there is a sharpener specifically designed for the mowers blades.

3 Immediate Improvements 

Replacing the gas powered tools to battery power has noticeable advantages.  First,there is a significant  reduction in noise pollution, which I immediately appreciated (I’m sure my neighbors did too!).  Secondly, there is a substantial decrease in the weight of each unit. This makes completing the job without reaching total exhaustion a complete breeze!  And lastly, and best of all,  is  the ease of charging a battery vs. handling gasoline!  Ease of use is something that I consider with every purchase. This Jagrom weedwacker weighs a mere 5 pounds! I’m able to finish the entire job without exhausting or exerting myself. It comes with 2 batteries so I am never having to wait to continue working,  and it includes 7 spools of extra line.  I use a Craftsman leaf blower which also has the same benefits; lightweight, powerful, and charges quickly.

With the benefits of a lower noise level, a lighter weight,  and the ease of charging a battery rather than fussing with gasoline, I have made my yard maintenance something that is completely manageable. I can’t stress enough how convenient, powerful and easy to use these tools are to work with.  Their features make them convenient enough that a big job is easy and a quick touch up is effortless. 

Add the Clover

I planted white clover to replace my lawn. Actually it’s really not replacing a lawn. My yard is a slope which is in full sun for much of the day.  It is very difficult to grow what is typically considered a lush green suburban lawn.  Much of it is empty, dry patches of soil. I used an aerator tool to prep and loosen the soil before spreading the seed.The clover is beautiful.  The flowers are short, the bunnies and the bees love them.  The reel mower is set to a higher level so most of the flowers don’t get cut when I mow. The clover is drought resistant and helps add nitrogen to the soil.  It’s evergreen and makes a beautiful low maintenance carpet.  You can combine it with other meadow flowers, ground cover, or lawn, depending on your aesthetic and on what look you want to achieve. 

I’m starting with just the clover.  After that is established I intend on adding more ‘meadow’ inspired seeds in different areas like under trees and along rock walls. It’s a process! The clover will serve as my base and I am excited to expand with each coming season.

I planted chicory seed in a small empty patch at the base of my driveway. This area has always been an eyesore full of weeds. Chicory is a hardy, drought resistant perennial that will (hopefully) be able to survive next to the road all while adding  beautiful purple flowers that bloom into fall, complementing the planting on the rock wall above them. 

My intention is that both the clover and the chicory will suppress invasive weeds,  and add natural beauty to my ever-expanding habitat. 

First Step Complete! ✅

This is my first step. I feel good about it.  I’m seeing a gradual transformation that is incredible. I’m starting slowly and deliberately.  I intend to layer by  focusing on what is thriving and by constantly reassessing and readjusting.  It’s a living canvas! I now have the  base that will  help me create and maintain the critter friendly habitat I’ve always wanted. The natural beauty of the native plants and knowing that everything is intentional and servesthe eco-system in some way, literally for the greater good, makes gardening such a joy!

Click the link to visit my Amazon Storefront and check out the equipment I use.  Happy gardening!