Say goodbye to lawn and hello to perennial gardens

Lawns might be the default landscaping choice for most Canadian homes—but are they not the best use of our outdoor space. It’s time to rethink the lawn and reclaim that green patch for something far more beneficial: garden beds full of life, color, and purpose.

Whether you're growing perennials, pollinator plants, herbs, or edibles, transforming even part of your lawn into a garden bed brings measurable environmental benefits. 

Lawns offer nothing but work and resources

Lawns are ecological dead zones

A traditional lawn offers little more than aesthetics. Most turf grass species are non-native, monoculture plants that support almost no wildlife. Insects, birds, and pollinators need diverse plants to survive—something a sea of grass simply can't offer.

Lawns waste water

Maintaining a lush green lawn requires significant irrigation, especially during dry summer months. That’s water being diverted from local ecosystems or your municipal supply to keep grass alive, with no return on ecological investment.

Lawns need high input for low yield

Think fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and gas-powered mowers. Not only do these inputs create runoff that pollutes waterways, but they also release greenhouse gases and disrupt healthy soil microbiology.

Lawns contribute to urban heat

Grass does little to shade or cool the ground. In contrast, a well-planted garden bed with tall perennials, shrubs, or even small trees helps regulate ground temperatures and creates microclimates that benefit the surrounding environment.

Perennial gardens less work and environmental beneficial

Biodiversity boost

Replacing lawn with garden beds increases plant diversity, which attracts pollinators, birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. It turns your yard into a habitat, not a maintenance chore.

Carbon capture

Healthy garden soil stores carbon. The deeper the roots (like those of many perennials), the more carbon gets locked underground instead of circulating in the atmosphere.

Soil regeneration

Unlike compacted lawn soil that gets mowed and trampled, garden beds—especially no-till beds—encourage thriving soil ecosystems. That means better water retention, fewer weeds, and healthier plants.

No-till gardening: The cardboard method

One of the easiest and most environmentally friendly ways to convert lawn to garden bed is no-till gardening, and it starts with something simple: cardboard.

What Is no-till gardening?
No-till gardening avoids digging or turning the soil. Why? Because tilling disrupts soil structure, exposes carbon to the air, and harms essential microorganisms and fungi networks.

The cardboard method allows you to smother grass and weeds while building up new soil life from the top down. It’s low effort, high impact, and incredibly effective.

How to do It:

1. Mow the lawn short where you want your bed to be. Don’t worry about removing the grass.
2. Lay down overlapping sheets of cardboard, without tape or glossy coatings.
3. Saturate the cardboard with water.
4. Pile on layers of organic matter: compost and soil. Aim for 6–12 inches deep.
5. Let it sit for a few weeks or plant directly into it. You can punch holes into the cardboard layer for planting if you're eager to get started. Use an electric drill and earth auger to easily drill holes into a well watered cardboard and topping.
6. This method smothers the lawn, feeds the soil as the cardboard and organic matter break down, and builds a living, breathable growing space.

Ready to Start?

Replacing lawn with gardens doesn’t mean losing your yard—it means gaining a space that works for you and the planet. Start small. Add one bed in the center of your lawn this season, then expand year by year. Your soil, your ecosystem, and your sense of purpose will thank you.

VISIT GARDENER NATION TODAY FOR UNMATCHED CUSTOMER SERVICE:

Say goodbye to endless wandering through crowded nurseries and hello to a relaxing, personalized shopping adventure. 🌸🌼

You will be seated overlooking Ruth Lake and while sipping a refreshing beverage, you will handpick your dream garden from our stunning look-book of locally grown perennials. 🧋📒

Our expert team, will gather your chosen plants while you unwind in style. It's that easy! 😎

OR 

🚐 WE DELIVER FOR ORDERS OVER $200:
Place your order over the phone or online.
👩🏽💻 www.GardenerNation.com 
☎️ Landline: 705-724-5050

Hours June 7 - September 28, 2025:
Thursday: 9:00 to 6:00 
Fri, Sat, Sun: 9:00 to 4:00

Gardener Nation Perennials:
On Ruth Lake ⛱
494 Swalwell Drive,  Powassan, ON

🛒 Please shop local. 
Over 300 varieties grown from seed on site.