Ripping out front lawn, going with native plants - need design advice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:http://www.tjhsst.edu/~dhyatt/graphics/garden.html

The home of Don Hyatt in Fairfax is one of the first ones that comes to mind. . .

That is a lovely landscape. I cannot imagine anyone rejecting something like that on their street.

I think that there are landscapes that, while probably environmentally correct, lack the design strengths of the landscape in the photos. I know of a couple properties, near where I live, that do look out of place and lack connection with the adjoining yards and seem to cry for some organization. They both have a habitat sign in front, I guess to explain the appearance.

I don't disagree that there are plenty of poorly done native landscapes (just as there are plenty of poorly done lawns!). My argument is that it *can* be done well and without looking trashy.

I linked to Don's house because I knew he had a public website and wouldn't mind having it posted. Other neighbors might not take so kindly to having their front lawns photographed and posted on DCUM without permission. And yes, he has been at this for years, and has a much larger property out in the mountains as well.

There are some lovely native landscaped lawns in Takoma Park, too.

[Anonymous]

For me, it is important to be environmentally friendly and have a yard that is good for wildlife. However, it is equally important to work within the neighborhood context and not inflict my love of a prairie style landscape on others who may not enjoy it as much. Or, may not enjoy it if it is too out of control or doesn't relate some way to other yards on the street.

This article about a prairie landscape in Chicago that went too far. Interesting reading for gardeners. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-06-02/news/ct-met-weeds-dispute-0602-20120602_1_weeds-case-returns-prairie-garden/2

[Anonymous]

Tell me more about this buffalo grass stuff. It looks interesting. Will it play nicely with my existing grass? (I have a slew of bare spots and want to fill in with something that's weed-competitive. But I'm not slashing and starting over.