Out with the lawn and in with the pollinator garden

Why should I replace my lawn for a pollinator garden?

This isn’t and shouldn’t be “just a trend”, but a change in our culture especially for Australians. As a nation we have adopted the western idealised green lawn as part of our own and it’s even a sense of pride for some, but for most of us we don’t even know why?

Why is it that having a perfectly maintained lawn, constantly mowed, weeded, trimmed, and sometimes sprayed, has become the standard? If you're like me and grew up where this is the norm without really questioning it, you're not alone. But it's worth asking: where did this tradition come from, and is it still the best option? And why it might be time to rethink them in favor of something more sustainable and beneficial.

The modern lawn traces its roots to 17th-century European aristocracy, where perfectly manicured grass areas around estates were symbols of wealth and power, as only the affluent could afford the labor to maintain them. Inspired by English and French formal gardens, lawns grew popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. With the invention of the lawn mower in 1830 and the rise of suburban development in post–World War II America, lawns became a widespread feature of western homes, symbolizing order, leisure, and property pride.

Let’s start with why lawns are still so common. For starters, they do look good when freshly mowed and lush, offering a space to take the shoes, kick the footy around, or play with the dog. But there’s a downside. Whether you maintain it yourself or hire someone else, lawns cost time and money. More importantly, the biggest cost isn’t just personal, it’s environmental. The impact of maintaining traditional lawns takes a toll on ecosystems and natural resources.

The valuable space lawns take up could be transformed into a biodiverse garden built to attract birds, bees, and a wide range of beneficial pollinators. In many suburban areas, biodiversity is declining rapidly due to excessive built-up concrete areas, widespread use of herbicides like glyphosate, and a lack of plant variety. As a result, pollinator populations are shrinking. The good news is that we can all help by planting a pollinator garden, which in turn reduces the risks of pests and diseases and thus the need for herbicides and pesticides.

So, what is a pollinator garden? And how can I get one?

A pollinator garden includes a variety of flowering plants that provide food and habitat for pollinating insects like bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and birds. These pollinators play a crucial role in healthy ecosystems by helping plants reproduce, transferring pollen from one flower to another, which leads to the production of fruits and seeds.

A well-planned pollinator garden includes a mix of native plants that bloom at different times throughout the year, ensuring a consistent source of nectar and pollen. Avoiding pesticides and synthetic chemicals creates a safe environment for all. By attracting and supporting pollinators, these gardens not only help maintain biodiversity but also improve the health of surrounding plant and animal communities, making them a vital part of restoring balance in suburban and urban areas.

Do I have to get rid of my lawn?

No. Of course, there are perks to having a lawn. The question is just this: How big does it need to be? Maybe start by reducing the size of it, think less lawn, less maintenance, more birds and bees.