The ‘Lazy Lawn’ Method Designers Are Quietly Embracing For a Softer Look and Less Fuss
Experts share their tips for a longer lawn
Whether you prefer a softer, natural look in your yard or are just short on time, opting for the ‘lazy lawn’ method where you cultivate a longer length of grass can prove a revelation.
As many landscape architects and pro gardeners know this form of lawn care is not only good for the currently trending naturalistic style of planting, but also for local wildlife, beneficial insects and general plant and soil health. Some would also claim it is way more interesting and attractive to look upon, thanks to its gentle movement in the slightest breeze, heightened texture and subtle color variations rather than striving for a static, green monoculture.
We delve into the beauty and practicalities of a longer lawn and discover the design tips and tricks those in-the-know use to highlights it’s natural charm.
Benefits Of Growing a Longer Lawn
More than just a style choice, there are plenty of practical reasons to grow a longer length lawn.
'By allowing grass to grow a little longer, or by transitioning portions of a yard into low-mow or flowering lawn alternatives, you create a landscape that’s more resilient, more biodiverse, and far more forgiving in extreme weather,' says master gardener Tabar Gibson.
'Taller grass blades also shade the soil, helping lawns retain moisture and develop deeper root systems that are naturally more drought tolerant.'
Opt For Contrast
Longer, softer lawns – or dense areas of planting – are easy-on-the-eye but can appear untamed and rampant in a yard setting if there is little contrast.
Knowing how to use architectural hardscaping elements in garden design, including details such as crisp border edges, smooth paving and linear stepping stones, throw the texture of feathery grasses and criss-crossed stems into focus as landscape contractor Coleman Cosby explains: ‘Neatly maintained borders along planting beds and hardscape, makes the lawn feel intentional, not accidental.’
Statement boulders placed strategically between border planting and a long lawn have a similar effect but also introduce scale for drama. Find natural stone boulders at Home Depot.
Swap In A No-Mow Grass Alternative
The principle of ‘right plant, right place’ is often overlooked when it comes to lawns, but ditching the vision of a verdant close-clipped lawn traditional can prove key when it comes to thriving, low-effort ground cover, particularly in tricky sites.
‘For a no mow or low-mow lawn alternative, there are a number of excellent options, but it’s important to choose species appropriate to your region, light conditions, irrigation levels, and expected foot traffic,’ says Coleman Cosby.
‘One of my personal favorites is Carex tumulicola (Berkeley sedge), which is highly versatile and adapts well to a range of conditions. Carex pansa (California Meadow Sedge) and Bouteloua dactyloides (buffalo grass) are great choices for areas with more regular foot traffic.’
As Coleman states: ‘Successful establishment starts with good soil preparation and diligent weeding before the lawn alternative has fully filled in. From there, maintenance can be very minimal.’
Take a look at the grass selection at Nature Hills which includes the blue-green and burgundy hues of Shenandoah Switch Grass.
Coleman Cosby is a Bay Area native and licensed landscape contractor with over 25 years of experience and a lifelong passion for building and gardening. As Yardzen’s In-House Construction Manager, he helps homeowners turn their outdoor designs into reality with practical, buildable solutions and a clear path from concept to installation.
Ramp Up The ‘Ruffle-Me’ Appeal
Embrace the unchecked movement of a longer lawn by interplanting it with tall, slender grasses that gently intermingle and sway in the breeze.
‘I’m always fond of soft, billowy grasses that respond to the wind and evoke a softer, slower moment,’ landscape designer Stacilyn Feldman. ‘We like the slender leaves of Carex pensylvanica that grow in clumps and small ripples across a larger mass planting. It can be mowed once or twice a year at a higher setting (2-4 inches) to create a more manicured look.’
‘Alternatively,’ Stacilyn continues ‘consider adding Schizachyrium scoparium, Little Bluestem, or similar tall grass in a semi-regular pattern (8-10’ on center) to an unmown lawn. It will evoke a semi-wild prairie character while catching the wind and somewhat magically changing color through the seasons.’
Burpee has a good selection of live grasses including Little Bluestem Standing Ovation.
Weave In Threads Of Seasonal Color
One of the joys of growing a ‘longer lawn’ is the notion of breaking with tradition. Ditch the idea of cultivating a uniform all-green monoculture and welcome in textural contrast, soft movement and height. Why not take the look one step further and introduce seasonal color, through planting areas of perennial flowering ground cover. While the best bulbs for naturalizing in a lawn will provide seasonal color, perennials work well too.
‘To add color to a ‘lazy lawn’ consider Ajuga reptans,’ says Stacilyn. ‘The pop of purple color in springtime flows out across a lawn in slender tendrils that help elongate the horizon line in a broad field. Also, the broad leaf turns a spectacular bronzy color in the fall.’ You can find Ajuga Reptan seeds at Amazon.
'Fine fescues, creeping red fescue, and chewings fescue all perform beautifully when left longer,' continues Tabar. 'These grasses also pair exceptionally well with flowering lawn plants like microclover (Trifolium repens), Dutch white clover, self-heal (Prunella vulgaris), violets, and yarrow - all species that provide nectar and shelter for native bees, butterflies, hoverflies, ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects.'
Other options to try include creeping thyme or rockcress, for sunny well drained spots or sweet woodruff for woodland, shady areas. You can find these plants at Nature Hills.
Stacilyn Feldman is a Principal at Oehme, van Sweden in Washington, DC. She has designed, managed, and shepherded over a decade’s worth of the firm’s landmark projects including green roofs, urban development, botanic gardens, and residential estates. Stacilyn holds a Bachelors of Landscape Architecture from The Pennsylvania State University.
Growing a longer lawn is just one way to make your garden less demanding and more naturalistic in style.
Take this approach to your borders and swap high maintenance plants for easy, native alternatives plus discover just how to make the worst gardening jobs easier.
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