A Reddit user's lawn makeover is drawing praise from native plant gardeners online. It showcases a stunning transformation from a bland, empty yard to a native plant oasis.
The before-and-after photos, shared on r/NativePlantGardening, reveal a dramatic change from 2022 to 2024.
The Hudson Valley, New York, resident's journey began in 2022 with a sparse, uninspiring lawn. Fast-forward to 2024, and the same space teems with life, bursting with colorful native flora that towers over the once-barren ground.
The homeowner achieved this eco-friendly paradise on a shoestring budget. They collected seeds, embraced volunteer plants, and sourced free supplies to create their dream landscape. The result is a thriving ecosystem that's "buzzing all summer long," as the gardener puts it.
By ditching the traditional grass lawn for native plants, this savvy gardener is likely saving a bundle on water bills and lawn maintenance costs. Native plants are adapted to local conditions and require less upkeep than non-native species.
This new native plant haven is a healthier ecosystem for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. These tiny creatures protect our food supply, making every native plant garden a small step toward a more sustainable future.
Those inspired by this green transformation have a wealth of eco-friendly, low-maintenance lawn alternatives to explore. Options including clover, buffalo grass, and xeriscaping can also lead to similar financial and environmental benefits. Even replacing part of your lawn can make a significant impact.
The online community responded enthusiastically.
"Great work! It looks so good. I can imagine the insect sightseeing from that front porch is something else!" one commenter gushed.
🗣️ What's the hardest thing about taking care of your yard?
🔘 Mowing the lawn 🏡
🔘 Controlling weeds 🌿
🔘 Keeping pests at bay 🐿️
🔘 I don't have a yard 🤷
🗳️ Click your choice to see results and speak your mind
Another aspiring native gardener shared: "The garden looks gorgeous! This is something I'm aspiring to have but moving very slowly with my progress. I like your approach to creating it - seeds collecting and replanting volunteers, I try to do this as well in my own garden."
A third summarized the collective sentiment, writing: "It really looks lovely. Excellent work."
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
