Chaparral Green Thumbs for March

Letting Go of Lawns?

Contributed by Jolene Ottosen for the Chaparral Green Thumbs

About five years ago, I wrote a column about lawns. Apparently, I still have feelings about them. Add Calgary’s latest water woes and a recent Chinook that stripped away our snow cover, and I find myself staring at my crispy front yard thinking maybe it’s time to talk about this again.

So, here’s my confession: I know how to grow a gorgeous, magazine-worthy lawn. I’ve even written helpful (hopefully), step-by-step instructions for other people. But my own yard? Let’s just say it’s… alive. Mostly. On a good week.

Please don’t misunderstand me—I know many people adore their lawns. They mow, fertilize, edge, and lovingly whisper sweet nothings to their turf. I deeply respect the commitment and admire their efforts as I walk around the community. I just do not share it.

Why Grass and I Are on a Break

From an environmental and economic standpoint, grass doesn’t really pull its weight—especially in Calgary. According to the City, in 2003 Calgarians used 518 litres of water per person per day. By 2023, that number had dropped to 350 litres. Better yet, residential use now sits at about 170 litres per person per day, well below the Canadian average of 220.

Honestly? That’s impressive. Go us.

But even with those improvements, we’re still being asked to cut back. And here’s the kicker: watering a typical lawn for just one hour can use up to 950 litres of water per week. That’s practically a small swimming pool—poured directly onto your grass.

And the environmental downsides don’t end there. A significant portion of the herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers used on lawns ends up in storm drains through runoff, flowing straight into waterways that treatment plants can’t fully clean. Plus, grass is essentially a biodiversity desert. For pollinators, caterpillars, and most other creatures with wings or legs, a lawn might as well be a parking lot.

My Lawn (A Work in Minimal Progress)

For now, most of my front and back yards are covered in a mix of scraggly, well-intentioned grass. When it rains, it looks decent. When it doesn’t, it takes on a “sunset gold” tone—which is a poetic way of saying “dead-looking.” Someday I’ll fully transform it… but first, I must convince my husband that curb appeal is, in fact, a real thing.

Luckily, the alternatives are plentiful—and far more exciting than staring at a patchy green rectangle.

Water‑Smart Lawn Alternatives

1. Native or Low‑Water Grasses

If you still want something lawn-ish, native fescue blends are a great compromise. They’re not as soft or bright green as traditional turf, but they require far less water and grow more slowly. You still get a “lawn look,” without the weekly mowing guilt.

2. Naturalized, Unmowed Yards

This is the cottage-core dream: tall, flowing, drought-tolerant plants that move in the breeze and require minimal mowing. But—and this is important—you don’t want your yard to look like you’ve abandoned your home and possibly fled the country.

City bylaws limit grass and herbaceous plants to 15 cm (6 inches) unless the area is a cultivated garden or xeriscape, so the key is making naturalization look intentional. Advocates recommend:

• Using borders such as paths, fences, or hedges

• Mixing plant heights and textures so it looks designed, not chaotic

• Expecting some early weeding— “low maintenance” does not mean “zero maintenance”

Edmonton even has an official guide for this. Calgary… has enthusiasm. And for now, I guess that’s something.

3. Clover or Groundcovers

Want something pretty, soft, drought-tolerant, and genuinely beneficial to pollinators? Clover, creeping thyme, and similar groundcovers are excellent options. They rarely need watering or mowing, and many smell wonderful.

That said, they’re not ideal for heavy foot traffic, and some spread enthusiastically. Be prepared for a little wanderlust—especially if your neighbours are more “golf course curator” than “natural garden enthusiast.”

4. Replace Lawn with Beds (Flowers, Food, or Both!)

Turning part of your yard into garden beds can use up to 60% less water than grass, especially when plants are watered directly.

Plus, you might get tomatoes. Or raspberries. Or kale that looks like it escaped from an art exhibit.

To make your garden look intentional:

• Create borders or raised beds

• Layer plants by height and colour

• Plant in bunches rather than single rows

• Weed early and often

• Mulch generously (your water bill will thank you)

• Add a fall cover crop—such as peas or clover—to protect and feed the soil

Bonus: Many vegetables are secretly gorgeous. Consider:

• Beets (they come in rainbow‑coloured greens!)

• Pole beans (scarlet runners offer flowers and height)

• Cabbage (surprisingly glamorous)

• Kale (practically ornamental)

• Swiss chard (instant joy in rainbow stems)

• Squash (dramatic vines, big leaves, autumn vibes)

And don’t forget the flowers—edible or otherwise. Beauty counts too.

So… Maybe It’s Time?

There are countless ways to reduce water use, support biodiversity, and still have a yard you love looking at—possibly more than you ever loved your lawn. I’m ready. My yard is (mostly) ready. Now I just need to bring my husband into the “life beyond grass” movement.

Wish me luck.

If you are interested in joining us in the garden next season, we would love to hear from you! Please email us at [email protected].

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