I have nothing against lawns. There was a time when the boys were growing that the rear lawn was our ballfield. Later, the flatter, lower, rear lawn was well worn from fierce family badminton games. But, as happens, the kids grew and moved on, and so did the practicality of the lawn.

As my passion for plants multiplied, sections of grass were lopped off and turned to garden in large chunks, often with Barbara raising a ruckus. More than several times, she warned that no more lawn should be removed, but steadily, pieces were cut out and trees, ponds, paths, and patios were added. There was never a master plan, just one inspiration after the other until a year ago only two small sections of lawn remained on our acre and a quarter.

The front lawn and garden (above) is a fraction of the property, and while I have not removed areas of grass in recent years, the lawn diminishes annually as a purple leafed European beech, ‘Bloodgood’ Japanese maple, and a yellow flowered ‘Elizabeth’ magnolia continue their spread. As the grass thins, I will eventually plant more hostas and barrenworts (Epimedium, below) that thrive in the dry shade closer to the tree’s massive trunk.

A small section of lawn has been left in the upper, rear garden. Yes, to placate my wife, but this covers the septic field, so no deep roots can be planted here. If only my druthers mattered, this would be planted as a flowering meadow with paths cut to wander the garden. Instead, this lawn is a mix of clover, mazus, with sprinklings of grass and seasonal weeds that remains mostly green through the summer months. It is not watered or fertilized, only mowed, which keeps taller weeds in check.

The lawn that once served as our badminton court deteriorated significantly after the developer dug a retention pond behind our property that must have raised the water table. The lawn was saturated for extended periods. Nutgrass grew rampantly, and finally I had to dig the entire mess out to turn it into a raised planting bed (above). No games will be played here, but I think even Barbara is pleased to be rid of the lawn.