I’m looking for some advice on what to do with my backyard. Photo shown is the yard in its current state. This will be my 5th year living in this house. When we bought the house, the yard was much more manicured looking than it is now. My husband and I don’t care at all about having the classic lawn look, and so now, it looks like this.
We really love the “no lawn” concept, but are struggling with knowing where to start and figuring out what is actually realistic/manageable for us to do (we have a 1 year old and both work full time). Another factor to consider is our chickens. They currently free range in the backyard during the day, but we are going to build them a fenced-in enclosure because they absolutely destroy my garden beds every year (shown on the right) and I’m really wanting to have a garden this year. They have also made us apathetic about the space since they literally dig up and destroy everything.
Looking for some advice to make this a less/no-lawn space that is actually enjoyable and a place we want to spend time in. I love gardening and really do value having a natural space outside that is good for pollinators/wildlife/the overall ecosystem. We are interested in putting in native plants and expanding out the garden bed area but again have difficulty with knowing what is actually reasonable/feasible.
Let me know your low-maintenance, beginner and new-parent friendly thoughts for our yard! Located in central Indiana (urban/downtown, zone 6b). Thanks in advance!
by rugulagirl
3 Comments
congrats
Garden and some fruit trees.
Are you able to make a map and plot out any ideas you might have together? That would be the first step. I imagine you’d want the space closer to you to still be a bit open, so your toddler will have some area to move around in, with the backside being more filled in plant wise.
Maybe a space in the middle for a fire pit? And then a certain distance off the beds can circle around it? That’s the first thing that comes to my mind.
You’ll also want to kill the grass when you’re ready to start changing it. Then use preventative measures under any new soil to make sure it does not come back (cardboard, etc).
On the point of natives, this is a fantastic idea. Once established, they are extremely low maintanence, and will really only require weeding around them. It’s fun to pick out your favorite ones, and after a year or two you can start harvesting their seeds and continue to spread them for low cost. They also are the most successful with assisting the local but life 😌
The best step might be to talk to your partner, and write out your needs. Make a general map of the this idea and figure out how you can tackle this plan in sequences. General rule of permaculture: have any areas that you plan on being more active in: closer to your house or walking space. (Ie: garden beds) have items with less maintanence (natives) further off the path. This makes the flow better and much more manageable.
Personally I would do all of this and then start with mapping outer parts of your yard you want more plants, killing it with cardboard when you have time and then putting down soil, or mulch, whatever you choose and establishing some natives this summer. From there you can continue on whatever course you choose best.
Good luck!