Owner
Susan
City
Aurora
Skill Set
Intermediate
Project Size
250 - 500 sq ft
Project Location
Backyard
Sun Exposure
Full sun
Year Completed
2022
Time Commitment
21 - 30 hours of labor
Project Cost
less than $500
Other Project Elements
Native or drought-tolerant plants
Resource Central Programs
Grass to Garden, Lawn Removal Service, Garden In A Box, Slow the Flow
Advice from the Owner
We replaced approximately 400 sq ft of grass in our backyard with native plants. š. We and the bees love the result and have not had a lot of maintenance except pulling a few weeds since we planted. After we had the sod removed some grass began to sprout from the roots that were left. We were advised to lay down cardboard to prevent this, which we did and have only had to pull a few clumps of grass since then. We also surrounded the area with rabbit proof fencing since we have a lot of furry critters in our yard. Our plan is to install a drip system next spring in that area.
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Owner
Colleen
City
Aurora
Skill Set
Expert
Project Size
250 - 500 sq ft
Project Location
Front yard
Sun Exposure
Full sun
Year Completed
Never Finished
Time Commitment
21 - 30 hours of labor
Project Cost
less than $500
Other Project Elements
Native or drought-tolerant plants
Resource Central Programs
Advice from the Owner
Over 12 years, we have slowly removed grass and created a large flower bed. The front half is established and I replace a few dead plants every now and then. Our tree died last year and it was our 2nd tree in 20 years so we decided to plant flowers instead as they seem to live better. I saw the Garden in a Box offer and took advantage of it. That is the new young plants on the back half of the flower bed. Give them a few years and they will be large, full and happy like the front half. The bees, spiders, bugs and the occasional snake are thrilled with the flower bed and call it home.
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Owner
David
City
Aurora
Skill Set
Intermediate
Project Size
1,000+ sq ft
Project Location
Front yard
Sun Exposure
Full sun
Year Completed
2020
Time Commitment
21 - 30 hours of labor
Project Cost
less than $500
Other Project Elements
Drip irrigation system, Boulders, Low water/xeric plants
Resource Central Programs
Advice from the Owner
We like conserving more water due to xeriscape. We've found horticultural vinegar, which is stronger than household vinegar, is useful for controlling grass/weeds that sprout through the mulch.
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