There are many ways to cultivate your garden, as the online community likes to display.
One Redditor shared pictures of their lawn that gathered more than one "good job" on r/landscaping.
"I have a very shady yard that already featured patches of moss, so I decided to fully embrace the moss," they said.
The poster explained: "I transplanted moss from different places. I live in the PNW [Pacific Northwest]. So I went out to forest service roads and different public areas and harvested a little moss from each area."
A low-maintenance ground cover, moss is an interesting alternative to grass. This green, non-flowering plant thrives in shady areas without having to be frequently watered and sprayed with pesticides and fertilizers, according to The Spruce. Moss retains water, can grow in poor soil conditions, and also helps control erosion by rain and wind.
And the bonus: Moss lawns do not grow taller than 4 inches, so no more mowing, which means no more buying and using fuel, no more air and noise pollution, and — for those who are not fond of the whole thing — no more walking in circles for hours.
So, providing that you have a shady yard with acidic soil, you should have no trouble growing a moss lawn.
In doing so, you will favor the capture of planet-harming gases from the atmosphere. Researchers recently suggested that mosses could suck up six times more carbon dioxide than moss-free soils. And the result is pretty, too.
"Is your last name Baggins?" one Redditor commented, in reference to J. R. R. Tolkien's famous family of Hobbits living on the smooth hills of the Shire. "I wish!" the poster answered. "I've always wanted to make a little bag end shire type hangout.'
🗣️ If you were to switch from a grass lawn to a more natural option, which of these factors would be your primary motivation?
🔘 Making it look better 🌱
🔘 Saving money on water and maintenance 💰
🔘 Helping pollinators 🐝
🔘 No way I ever get rid of my lawn 🚫
🗳️ Click your choice to see results and speak your mind
"I can imagine my feet all over the moss," one user wrote.
"Love love love it. Achieving a mower-free lawn is [admirable]," another Reddit user said. "Quite lovely."
If you're considering dropping turfgrass for a natural lawn, check TCD's guide here.
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.