• Why Naturescape
  

• Fort Whyte Backyard Biodiversity Program
  

• BYB Program Components
  

• Other Lawn Alternatives
  

• Organic Lawn Care
  

• References
  

Naturescaping is perhaps the most ecologically friendly lawn alternative but there are a number of landscaping alternatives to traditional lawns which are summarized below.

Naturescaping
Naturescaping refers to the landscaping practice that reintroduces a variety of native plants into our yards and parks, which attracts and supports local wildlife.  Its focus is to bring back natural habitat to our surroundings.

Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is landscaping that requires minimal watering.  It is usually accomplished by selecting plants that thrive in local climatic conditions.  Native plants are encouraged as they have evolved with the natural climate therefore; they thrive in these conditions, are very hardy, and require less maintenance. However, there is no requirement to select and use native plants (Colorado WaterWise Council).

Vegetable gardens and flowerbeds
Vegetable gardens and flowerbeds can be used to reduce or replace lawn surfaces. Vegetable gardens can provide a healthly, colourful, and wonderfully fresh food source during the summer and fall and can reduce household organic wastes through composting.  Flowerbeds can introduce colour, variety, and delight into a landscape.  Depending on the plant species selected, vegetable gardens and flowerbeds can attract visitors such as butterflies and other insects, birds, and rabbits.

Groundcover
These are low-growing plants that spread easily and do not require mowing (EarthEasy, 2007).  Groundcover is usually composed of perennial plants or evergreens and can be edible such as trailing strawberry or herbs, or be used to create colour and texture.  One popular groundcover is clover as it spreads readily, adds nutrients to the soil, is soft, and remains green without extensive watering (EarthEasy, 2007). An edge barrier is needed in order to stop the plants from spreading.  This may take the form of a low brick wall, logs or another edging practice (EarthEasy, 2007).

Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are drought resistant, relatively easy to grow, attractive, and can be used to reduce lawn size. Considerations for choosing grass species include growing season (cool or warm) and growth patterns (spreading or clumping) (EarthEasy, 2007).