When Jeff Lorenz and Kayla Fell purchased this property in the Philadelphia suburbs, they knew they had their work cut out for them. A front and back yard of mostly lawn was overrun with invasive plants, and invasives like English ivy (Hedera helix) were everywhere. Even worse, major flooding would occur during increasingly frequent storms. This property needed a major overhaul. It was time to put their knowledge of sustainable horticulture to work.

They incorporated native plants that could withstand the climate and that would benefit wildlife. Once the lawn and invasives were removed, they were replaced with a palette of 100% native plants, often ones from the Southeast due to the ongoing warming of the environment. These plants are tough and can handle hot Philadelphia summers with minimal maintenance. They have four-season appeal, and the planting beds themselves are deep and layered, mimicking natural spaces and taking up much of yard.

Environmentally friendly hardscaping elements were installed to manage stormwater and create a more natural aesthetic. The garden used to be filled with a concrete patio and concrete pathways, the latter of which awkwardly went up an incline and looked like a ramp. These were removed. A permeable driveway was installed to deal with stormwater issues, with a French drain put under an abutting bluestone pathway. This bluestone made  for a much more natural walkway to the front door and backyard. Boulders were then installed for seating around the deck and to create a more natural feeling. Finally, the house was resided to look more naturalistic.

A no-mow lawn was planted that is easy to care for and more ecologically sound. The existing turf was replaced in part by the deep planting beds and also with native lawn alternatives. Not only does this eco-friendly lawn not need to be mowed, but it creates native habitat and is better at absorbing excess water than a traditional lawn.

Learn more about this garden:

How to Create Functional Outdoor Family Spaces in an Eco-friendly Landscape

Planting Plan for an Eco-Friendly Garden

Explore more garden tours: 

Tour an Architect’s Spring Garden in Coastal Connecticut

Tour a Sustainable Backyard Garden Retreat

Tour a Cottage Garden Bursting With Blooms

Diana Koehm is the content editor.

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