Four Ways To Unlawn Your Property: Benefit the Environment and Yourself

​Lush green lawns, once a sign of prestige and luxury, are now viewed as environmentally unfriendly and toxic.  As awareness grows about the research linking weed-killing chemicals like glyphosate to cancer and other illnesses and the need for more native plants to help support wildlife, property owners are taking action by unlawning.
 
Removing grass and replacing it with other options has many potential benefits, in addition to decreasing toxicity and helping our pollinators and other critters. It can help promote biodiversity, which studies have shown enhances our well-being. It may also save money and time.
 
Looking for ways to jump on this sustainable trend?  Here are four:
 
Create a Vegetable Garden:
Imagine the joy of harvesting your own homegrown tomatoes. Section off a sunny part of your lawn, till the soil, add some compost and a fence if needed, and fill it with your favorite veggies.  To learn more about how to get started, check out the Healthy Green Thumbs video series.  
 
Make Yourself a Nature Sanctuary
Do you yearn for the soothing sound of water running over rocks or the shade of a tree on a hot summer day? The possibilities for creating your own tranquil space are endless! Designate a section of your property as a quiet space and add natural elements that will bring you joy: a water feature, a bird feeder, an Adirondack chair, some trees, and seasonal perennials.  You don’t have to do it all at once.  Make it a hobby.  Ask for gifts that will add to the serenity of your special place.
 
Add a Forest
Do you love the color of fall foliage or the magnificent blooms of spring?  Plant trees that offer color and accent the seasons.  Enjoy watching the trees mature and provide birds, squirrels, and other wildlife homes.
 
Go Native
Plant some native plants amongst the lawn and let nature take over.  Plants commonly considered ‘weeds’ may start growing, providing essential nutrients to bees, and some benefit people.  Take a class to learn how to forage and create teas, tinctures, and more with plants outside our doors.
 
Are you excited to learn more about how you can live a more joyful, vibrant life in harmony with Mother Nature?  Sign up for my free seasonal e-newsletter on the homepage of TheNatureNurse.com .