When you think of landscaping, the first thing that pops into your mind is probably lush green grasses sprawling with plants and flowers. However, that's not the only way you can design a landscape: there are other designs without grasses that will still make your yard unique and aesthetically pleasing.
Patios, sloped stones, and even pool decks can instantly transform your yard. Having a unique approach will reflect your character better and make your yard more functional and effortlessly beautiful.
Though grassy lawns have their own charm, front yards don't have to be sprawling with green grass to look beautiful. There are other solutions that will add more value to your home and enhance curb appeal and are less high-maintenance to boot.
We have gathered 15 ideas that will inspire you to create a more functional yard as an alternative to a grassy landscape.
1. Build a patio
Patios will make your yard more functional and modern-looking. It's the perfect place to entertain guests, and depending on the material you use, they are usually low-maintenance.
Since they are essentially an extension of your home, patios significantly add value to your home.
The only thing you'll think about when you build a patio is how you're going to decorate them in a way that looks inviting and relaxing.
Your patio should fit in with the overall ambiance of your house--you don't want it to look out of place. If you're planning to have guests over often, go with neutral colors to make it more palatable to a lot of people.
2. Create sloped stones
Sloped stones give off an almost mystical and zen-like appeal especially when it's surrounded by rich greenery. It adds character to your curb, significantly increasing its value.
The tiers can highlight your plants better, and it minimizes the possibility of erosion, protecting your plants in unpredictable weather patterns. This design is ideal if you want to utilize all your space and want to add visual structure to your landscape.
When building a sloped and tiered landscape, make sure you use natural rocks. You can also technically use wood, but it may not be able to hold itself against too much moisture caused by the plants.
3. Build an in-ground pool
For a more refreshing vibe that will make you feel as if you're always on vacation, you can build an in-ground pool in your yard if you have the space and the budget for it.
Surround the pool with rocks and pavers for a more tropical and natural appeal, and place chairs and cushions around for maximum relaxation.
However, a pool might also make the space too high-maintenance. If you want something more low-key but still want the refreshing properties of having a body of water in your home, you can build a small pond or fountain in your yard.
4. Plant lush greenery
Having no grass in your yard doesn't mean you have to do away with all types of greenery. Plant low-maintenance shrubs and small trees in your yard not only for aesthetic appeal but also to get more fresh air in your yard.
The trees can also make your soil healthier, and you can include edible plants that you can use for cooking too. That way, your yard will be teeming with life instead of just having trimmed grass that can dry out easily.
5. Get an artificial turf
If you still want the appeal of having a perfectly-mowed lawn without going through rigorous upkeep, installing artificial turf is one way to achieve this.
Artificial grass can make your yard feel perpetually polished, and it doesn't need to be watered and fertilized to achieve an excellent visual appeal.
Artificial grass is also safe for children to play in, and dogs won't be ruining your curb with their constant digging.
However, note that the installation of artificial turfs can be more expensive than having a manicured lawn. However, the cost is offset by the minimal to zero amount of upkeep.
See this artificial grass on Amazon
6. Cover with Silk Tassel
Silk tassel bushes are a great way to add a unique appeal to your yard. They are more eye-catching, and they can provide shade to your curb, walkway, or patio if you're planning to have them in your yard.
Note that silk tassels can only thrive in places that don't experience heat waves and scorching summers.
7. Combine artificial grass and bricks
Bricks will seamlessly blend with artificial grass, giving your curb a classic and inviting look. You can incorporate bricks either on your walkways or on the elevation where you plant your greenery.
Bricks last for a long time, so even if your artificial turf shows signs of wear and tear, you'll have a permanent fixture that will add value to your home.
8. Go with a gravel landscape
If you want a landscape that has a natural appeal but requires little to no maintenance, layer your landscape with gravel. They are affordable, and they will highlight the natural vibe of your yard especially if you have a lot of greenery.
However, even without the greenery, your yard will still have a unique and rustic charm. They are also functional, catching rainwater to avoid flash floods.
See these gravel stones on Amazon
9. Install decking tiles
Another way you can enhance your yard without stressing about upkeep is by installing decking tiles. They will make your yard look more put-together, and you can use the area for relaxing or exercising.
However, they are not permanently attached to the ground so they can shift or get misaligned. They are ideal if you have just moved in and need to make the yard more appealing.
See these decking tiles on Amazon
10. Layer with red mulch
Red mulch is an eye-catching material because of its rich red color. They will highlight your plants better and make your landscape more striking.
However, you need to replace them once the red color starts to fade because of natural elements. Having red mulch may also not be a good choice if you're planting crops and produce since the mulch contains a chemical that makes the mulch red.
11. Cover with ferns
Cover your yard with ferns to make your yard stand out. These ferns will add a unique charm to your landscape, and they are highlighted better without grass.
Make sure you layer your garden plants properly so the ferns won't overshadow the other plants.
12. Cover with ivy
Instead of grass, covering the ground with ivy is a more unique alternative. They will make your yard more natural and charmingly rugged especially when paired with wooden fences.
They also require less maintenance than mowed grass, and they thrive in various types of soil without the need for too much fertilizer.
13. Cover with flagstone
Switching from mowed grass to flagstone will make your yard more rugged and rustic. It will add character to the curb, and they will highlight the greenery better.
They are also low-maintenance--you just need to sweep and wash them occasionally so they'll retain their luster.
See these flagstones on Amazon
14. Create stone pathways
There are other options apart from flagstone. If you want a more polished and structured appeal in your yard, go for stone pathways. They are easily walkable, and they blend with any landscape design.
15. Line with potted plants
Having potted plants in the middle of stone pathways will make your yard look effortlessly chic and elegant. They will also save space, so this is ideal if you have a small yard that you want to utilize.
Final Thoughts
Designing your landscape is challenging, and it's better if your yard can retain its beauty without too much maintenance. After all, you want to be able to relax in your house without having to worry about how your lawn looks.
Designing with these alternatives is a great way to improve your yard both in form and function.
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