A homeowner in Oregon has successfully transformed their front yard by replacing a traditional grass lawn with a garden featuring native plants.
In a Reddit post on the r/NativePlantGardening community, the gardener explained their approach. "We've been working on a long-term project to convert our front yard to a sustainably landscaped garden with native plants to support pollinators… I thought it might be helpful to see how we've phased the project."
The project was carried out in stages, with the gardener providing a timeline and cost details. Photos shared show the initial grassy lawn and the subsequent changes, including winding paths and prepared garden beds. Later images reveal young native plants and trees that have been established.
While such a transformation requires planning, it offers significant benefits for the local environment and can enhance the visual appeal of a property.
Traditional lawns typically consist of a single grass species, which limits biodiversity and provides little support for wildlife.
The gardener selected plants like Douglas Aster, Oregon Sunshine, and Western Yarrow, which are well-suited to the Oregon climate. These species require minimal fertilizers or pesticides, leading to potential savings and reduced chemical use.
Native plants play a crucial role in the ecosystem by supplying food and nectar for pollinators and other local animals.
Although the plants are currently small, they are expected to attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies within a season or two.
Reactions from other Reddit users were overwhelmingly positive. One person commented, "This is going to look incredible when it fills out."
Another user expressed inspiration, saying, "Wow! Amazing! I'm slowly adding natives to my yard; this is so inspiring."
A third simply noted, "This is beautiful, and it looks so much nicer than lawn."
