| 03 July 2008
First in a Series on 'Letting Go of Your Lawn'
Native lovegrass (Eragrostis elliottii), is one of several native groundcovers that make a low maintenance alternative to traditional lawns.
Some scientists believe that humans may be genetically encoded with a need to surround ourselves with low-growing turfgrass. Tens of thousands of years ago in Africa, our ancestors stayed fit by chasing and being chased by big wild animals. The African savannas, large areas of low grasses, enabled human hunters to easily stalk their prey and spot predators at a distance.
Historians, however, believe that the human desire for lawns came about much later, in 17th century Europe, when the ruling royals flaunted their wealth by surrounding themselves with lawns. Lawns did a great job of showing off castles and manor homes. They also let the neighbors know that the lawn owner was so wealthy that he could afford to use the land as a playground, rather than a source of food. Thus, the lawn became a status symbol.
No mowing required! Sunshine mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa), is another native ground cover that can replace grass. For natives specific to your county see link below.
In the United States, early colonists were far too busy to be bothered with something as time-consuming and useless as a lawn. Their yards were cottage gardens planted with edible and medicinal plants and surrounded by pathways and storage areas of hard-packed dirt, swept clean daily. And so it remained until enough wealth and leisure time was accumulated to start decorating the yard and creating play areas. Not surprisingly, our immigrant ancestors brought with them their Old World ideas -- and Old World plants.
By the mid 1800s, the desire to emulate upper crust Europe was in full swing. Literate Americans began to see magazine articles and books touting the lawn as essential for beautiful homes. At first, only the wealthy could afford the labor provided by hired servants to maintain lawns. Of course, this further cemented the idea of lawn as status symbol. The push mower came on the scene in 1870 and suddenly almost any property owner who wanted to could have a lawn
Seizing on this opportunity to push forward an "improved" lifestyle and supporting industry, the Garden Clubs of America, the U.S. Department of the Agriculture, and the U.S. Golf Association jointly spread the gospel of grass throughout the country in the early 1900s. Contests were held to reward lawn owners. Garden writers focused on the neighborly desire to conform and acquire status. Lawns became not just an aesthetic issue but a moral imperative
Creeping Charlie (Phyla nodiflora) requires no watering or fertilizer (mowing optional). Use this Florida native instead of grass to cover your ground or walls
With ever-improving technology, gas-powered lawn-mowers came on the scene and after World War II, chemical weapons manufacturers turned their attention to the lawn and the formidable perceived enemy: insects. Warehouses of potent chemicals turned into fertilizer and pesticide products. This came at the perfect time for the postwar boom era, when Americans everywhere became suburbanites and felt they needed lawns.Fortunately for all of us, scientists like Rachel Carson (author of Silent Spring) came along to explain the danger that such chemicals presented to all life, including ours, and the modern environmental movement was born.
Close up of native Lovegrass. There are many non-native species so be aware - Elliotti's Lovegrass or Eragrostis elliottii is the Florida native pictured as a groundcover at the top of this page.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created by the Nixon Administration in 1970, and laws such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act followed. Scientists and activists battled to institute these legal protections for public health and welfare and continue to do so today. Thanks to their efforts, many homeowners already want to reduce or eliminate the use of chemicals in and around their homes.
Now we're beginning to recognize the need to conserve water and preserve habitat. The average homeowner can do a lot by pulling the plug on irrigation and water-wasting lawn grass. Planting regionally indigenous plants that thrive on rainfall and natural nutrients conserves the amount and quality of water available, and also provides habitat for many small wild creatures. All over the country, Americans are choosing less lawn, more native plants, and a healthier home landscape.
More about plants in your specific zone: Natives to Plant by Florida County
Reprinted with permission, The Guide for Real Florida Gardeners
