An alternative to lawn

This is a photo from the fall when we starting working on a new patio area in the back yard. JD made use of his time off to get scrap granite for us and started building this patio. For now we just put it on top of the lawn on the area where we want to clear out the grass. We will decide how to proceed in the spring. It is a pretty flat area, so it was a simple process. JD had Ryan's help in deciding on the design.




I just love the patchwork effect it has, most especially when it is wet. Then the patterns show through. When you use granite, you have to put it on the wrong side, as the finished side would be too slippery to walk on!! But when it rains, the colors who through beautifully!!



I am very happy with the decision to reduce our lawn. It will save on water, gas for the lawn mower and reduce the amount of chemicals used around here. One thing I have never been able to get my hubby to do was to change his method of keeping the lawn green!! Now where we do have lawn, it will be green from the native species going up through it!! And most of it won't need to be mowed as there will be low growing perennials instead of lawn. I am planning to introduce Dutch Whit clover as well this spring as it is shorter than the clover than I do have in some areas. I also have lots of Violets, Thyme, Myrtle, Pachysandra, Ajuga and lots more great ground cover already growing all over!!