Landscape without a lawn
By Ted Schaaf
Gardens on Spring Creek
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During the 1960s, the lawn was the focal point of the entire landscape.
The only choice, of course, was bluegrass.
Some 50 years later, we no longer view the lawn as our focal point. We
now have thousands of new plants to grace our landscapes, not to mention
a slew of hardscapes that bring about more year-round enjoyment.
We're entering a new age of landscaping where entire living areas are moving
out of doors. Complete cooking kitchens are replacing barbecue grills.
Fire pits and fountains are being replaced by full-size fireplaces and
soothing water cascading down manmade streambeds.
Walkways
There are many choices for covering walkways. Keep your walkways curved
so that there is something exciting around every corner. My favorite material
is flagstone. Its warm, red tone complements green plants in the landscape.
The added joy in using flagstone is growing plants such as wooly thyme
between the stones.
Pavers are also a good choice for walkways. They come in an assortment
of colors and fit together like bricks. Larger pavers that are a different
color than those used in the walkway can help define edges. Another advantage
of both flagstone and pavers is that they heat up quickly, shedding snow
and ice in winter.
Concrete, which has come a long way from the boring gray walkways of the
past, is another excellent option. Stamped concrete has a high gloss and
comes in a variety of patterns and colors.
Crusher fines is the least expensive option.
Decks
It used to be that decks were always attached to a house, which meant
your gardens could only be viewed from the outside. That is no longer the
case. These days, decks are often placed directly inside the garden, which
then becomes a focal point for entertaining. The most common decking materials
are cedar and redwood. Although both materials can hold up well to weather,
they require continual maintenance.
One decking material that has surged in popularity is TREX, which is made
from reclaimed wood and plastic. This material is available in both wood
grain and smooth finishes and comes in a variety of colors. It also requires
little or no maintenance. Its only flaw is that it heats up in the summer,
which can be painful for bare feet. I know this from experience. Placing
a pergola over the structure, however, will provide shade and allow another
opportunity for using plants.
Gardens
Many people are proudly telling me they are removing their lawns and planting
gardens. The most popular gardens these days are vegetable gardens, and
sustainability is the new buzzword.
Pollinator gardens are also very popular because they bring many creatures
into your landscape. The best plant choices are rich in nectar and allow
insects to complete their life cycles right in your own yard. For example,
parsley is the host plant for the beautiful black swallowtail butterfly.
Children will marvel at the striped caterpillars.
Flower gardens have the power to bring smiles to just about everyone, young
and old. The different fragrances enliven our senses and are often associated
with warm memories. At this time of year, lilacs take center stage.
Try placing daphnes near doorways to greet visitors. When brushed against,
lavender planted near a pathway is a joy.
Water gardens open up a whole new world of aquatic life, from ducks and
frogs to turtles and fish and beautiful water lilies, rushes and sedges
gracing the edges of the pond.
Rock gardens bring the Rocky Mountains right to your home, and you don't
have to fight the traffic on Trail Ridge Road to enjoy these alpine wonders.
We, in the green industry, are creating new Western gardens that are good
for the soul. They also sustain us and the wild creatures with which we
share the world. It's time to say goodbye to our water-loving bluegrass.
In the arid West there are better choices.
Come visit us at the Gardens on Spring Creek where we can show you examples
of everything mentioned in this article. It's our hope that, as your botanical
gardens for northern Colorado, we can become a valuable resource and inspire
you to make a difference in your own back yard.
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