Having a large expanse of green, lush grass can be great; however, some people don’t like it and other times it’s just not financially smart because of all the water and management it takes to keep the grass alive. If you live in a heat-prone region where growing and keeping grass alive is difficult, or if you just don’t enjoy having to mow your lawn, here are some great ideas to landscape without grass.
Squares and Spheres
Decorate your yard with shapes and sculptures that go well together. A little arranging of some square stepping stones and spherical decorations can really make your yard look great, even without the grass!
Photo from Houzz
Rocks
Cover your yard with a spread of classy, colorful rocks and then sprinkle plants, stones, and other material throughout it! This will give your yard a comfortable feel without too much clutter or distraction.
Photo from Google+
Moss
If you love green but just can’t get yourself to plant grass, then try using moss! It’s a great alternative that can go well with many of the other decorations you choose to put in your backyard. Also, some moss even give off pleasant fragrances when stepped on!
Photo from HGTV Gardens
Park
Go all out and make your yard look like a city park with neat sidewalks, organized plants, and scenic sitting spaces! This is a fun idea because you can design it however you want and still keep the comfort and security of your own backyard!
Photo from Sunset
Woods
While this idea won’t work for everyone, if you have the space and money, then convert your backyard into a lush woodland escape for you and all your guests to enjoy. This often works best when you live in a naturally wooded area that your yard can blend in to.
Photo from Pinterest
Gravel
Some people don’t like gravel, but with enough creativity and artistic skill, you can make an awesome backyard gravel design. Combine it with green plants and dark bark to create a great color contrast to your yard that is sure to be eye-catching.
Photo from Pinterest
Drought Free
Many people don’t use grass in their lawns because of droughts and other watering issues. If that’s your case, then try this drought free design that will keep your yard fresh and alive without as much water.
Photo from Curbly
Patio and Pool
If you have the time and money, then turn your backyard into a great pool and patio combination! Place furniture around the patio that will complement the design and use plants and bushes where you feel a little green is needed.
Photo from HGTV Gardens
Pathway
Turn your yard into a sweeping pathway with just a few simple design ideas! While a pathway can be made in various styles and with numerous materials, choose ones that will make your yard the best looking it can be.
Photo from HGTV Gardens
Succulents
Succulents are a great grass replacement because they don’t require as much water to stay alive and can add a flare of color and style that grass can’t. Not only that, but if you have a hilly or steep yard, succulents work great with a tiered look.
Photo from Revive Your Landscape
Hedges and Plants
Just because you don’t have grass doesn’t mean you can’t have green! Plant lots of hedges and shrubs around your yard that don’t require as much water but that still give you all the colors you want to see in your yard. Just make sure to keep them trimmed, so as to not look overgrown and shabby.
Photo from Mosaic Gardens
Garden
Convert your whole yard into a garden where you can grow flowers, fruits, and all kinds of vegetables! This may require more effort and time than a normal grass lawn, but it’s a great way to use all your outdoor space to its max potential!
Photo from Sunset
Water Feature
Water features are great for creating a calming and relaxing environment to your backyard and also work great to add a sense of privacy that grass can’t give. Build a water feature as big or as small as your yard will allow that still lets you enjoy the pleasure of relaxing in your own space.
Photo from Indulgy
Courtyard
While this may take time to design and implement, a courtyard style backyard adds a whole new level of class and sophistication to your home. Add a water feature to the center or simply design it with beautiful flagstone that won’t make you miss grass at all!
Photo from Home One
Flowers
If you love color then here’s an idea for you! Simply take out all your grass and plant as many colorful flowers as you want throughout your whole yard! Insert a small path between the flowerbeds to make your yard navigable and easier to water where you need.
Photo from Serenity In Design
