Or, even better, remove grass from your landscaping and return your yard to a naturescape. That is my current project in the smaller portion of our large backyard that is closest to the house.
The East Multnomah County Soil and Water Conservation District (Portland, Oregon area) has a great website devoted to naturescaping. Check out the website to read their innovative and helpful "Naturescape in 8 Steps." Below are some introductory remarks from the same website.
Naturescaping.Naturescaping is beauty and function. It is the practice of designing (or redesigning) a landscape so that it reduces water use, stormwater runoff, and pollution without sacrificing splendor. Plus, it saves you time, money, and energy – all while providing a beautiful habitat for birds, wildlife, and you. The practice focuses primarily on native plants, helping you to choose the best ones for your particular setting and needs. Native plants are recommended because they are adapted to our soil and climate so they need relatively little or no watering, fertilizing, or care once established. They are also less susceptible to common garden pests and diseases, and they attract a variety of native birds and butterflies by providing food and shelter.
