Is it possible to maintain a low-mow, water-efficient, biodiverse native lawn instead of a monotonous green carpet? The perfectly manicured lawn, a long-standing symbol of suburban prestige, is being reimagined, thanks to Cornell University’s Botanic Gardens. They hypothesized that they can create a lawn that is not just green in color but also in practice, and it looks like they have proven it. In fact, they have been so successful, other botanical gardens in our state and beyond are creating their own Native Lawn Demonstration Areas.
Leading with native plantings, with a special focus on the Antonius genus of poverty grasses, the Cornell team has been at the forefront of transitioning from a conventional non-native grass lawn to one that thrives with low maintenance and higher biodiversity. Their goal was ambitious yet straightforward: to design a lawn that preserves its visual charm, but in a way that significantly reduces its environmental toll. Think of a low and pleasant picnicking meadow.
Cornell’s efforts are bearing fruit. Ten species of herbaceous flowering plants and eleven species of grasses and sedges were originally planted in 2009, along with woodland and meadow herbs being added in over time. Plant species were selected that are suitable for both full sun and shady as well as wet and dry conditions. This sustainable lawn model has eliminated the dependency on fertilizers, minimized the use of pesticides after two years of hand weeding, and currently provides a thriving environment for local pollinators and invertebrates. Moreover, it demands infrequent mowing and conserves water, two elements traditionally synonymous with lawn care.
The urgency for such a sustainable shift is underscored by the current state of lawn care in the U.S. Massive expanses of traditional turf lawns, spanning an area roughly the size of Wisconsin, come with a heavy environmental price tag. Consider the startling emissions from mowing: a mower, in just an hour, emits pollutants equivalent to a car covering 100 miles. Add to this the liberal use of pesticides and fertilizers, the massive water consumption, and the ever-increasing landfill burden due to grass clippings, and the need for change becomes indisputable.
I believe Cornell’s model could be replicated in regions like the Piedmont. While local factors like native plant species and specific climatic conditions would play a role, with the right planning and commitment, the Piedmont could certainly join this eco-friendly lawn revolution. Can we recalibrate our ideals of beauty? True beauty can be seen in nature’s sustainable diversity.
If you want to learn more, feel free to swing by The Gathering Garden in Mount Gilead at the corner of W Allenton St and School St, if you want to discuss gardening with us, you can find out more about or workdays on our facebook page.
In these weekly columns, I will share the science of gardening and so many more interesting tidbits. Check back here every week for tailored Montgomery County garden advice, sharing our garden updates, and more.
Let’s grow together!
This article was originally published in the Montgomery Herald and is reused here with permission by Mary Poplin.