Green Lawns are a Misnomer

While writing my book, I did some research on the history of lawns. An interesting subject!

Lawns aren't really green. What I mean to say is that they are not usually natural nor sustainable.  The word "lawn" likely came from a Celtic word "lan/llan/laun" which meant enclosure, often in relation to a place of workship.

Lawns were originally grasslands surrounding medieval settlements that were kept free of trees to allow for open views of approaching enemies or animals. They also were used as pastures for livestock grazing, receiving organic fertilizer from the animals and were native plants.

Lawns become seen as a status symbol in Northern Europe, mainly France and England, where the aristocracy were the only ones that could afford the labor to maintain the fields. Typically chamomile or thyme were used as groundcovers rather than grasses.

Immigrants from these countries brought along the tradition to the New World as well as seeds to grown the lawns.

In the mid-19th century, recreational activities such as lawn bowling and golf furthered the idea of lawns as belonging to the rich. So post-WWII, with the suburban boom, the proliferation of the lawn equipment, fertilizers and pesticides, lawns became a fixture in the American way of life. Tons of public relations, proclaiming how to create and maintain the "ideal" lawn, were disseminated by suburban and local associations.

It's interesting to note that some native groundcovers, such as clover were acceptable lawn material until the 1950's when they were designated weed status when herbicides killed them off along with dandelions.

In addition to the chemical assault of artificial fertilizers and pesticides that are killing native plantings, leaching into our water supply and in turn, killing off necessary insects and limiting the bird population, the drain on our fresh water supply is enough to want me to dig it all up. 

Fortunately, we have given up on the ideal lawn, forsaking chemicals and limiting our watering to only the most dry weeks in the summer. Clover and crab grass are my friends!

Source-
sod-delivery-orlando.com

Resources: Organic Lawn Care 101, Wikipedia. Space Coast Audobon

Photo: Lawn Institute