Design Your New Garden
Wondering where to start? When planning your new landscape, begin by familiarizing with the size and shape of the space you’d like to transform. Whether it’s a corner of your lawn or a narrow strip of grass along the sidewalk, watch your space throughout the day to understand how much sun it receives.
To make your planning easier, HC3 partnered with the local experts at Great Pines Landscaping to develop full-sun, part-shade and full-shade garden designs complete with detailed plant lists.
Remove Your Grass
When it comes to removing an existing lawn, you’ve got options. From smothering the grass to cutting it out with a machine, spraying with herbicide or digging it up, each method has its pros and cons. Consider your timeline, costs, and priorities. No method is perfect and no matter the option you choose, you’ll be supporting pollinators, saving natural resources and reducing your water bill in the long run.
Overhaul Your Irrigation
Your new garden will not need as much water as your old lawn. Those with an existing irrigation system may decide to cap a zone and instead hand water their new plants.
A great option is converting to drip irrigation. Drip systems come in several forms and all types prevent water waste by delivering water at or near the plants’ root zones. You can even manage your system with a timer to make watering your garden a breeze.
What about Artificial Turf?
Many people think that artificial turf is an eco-friendly alternative to grass because it doesn’t need to be watered. Turns out that is not the case. Not only does artificial turf need to be hosed off to keep it cool on hot days, it also ruins the soil underneath. You probably know that artificial turf is made from plastic, meaning that it can release harmful chemicals and create a major waste problem. And, if your dog uses artificial turf as a bathroom – you must clean and sanitize it. Gross!
