Join the Wildflower Center’s Spring Challenge!
What If Your Lawn Did More?
Across the country, millions of acres of lawn offer an opportunity hiding in plain sight. With a few thoughtful shifts, these spaces can become part of a larger, living system—supporting pollinators, conserving water, and creating habitat right outside your door. You don’t have to start from scratch. Small changes can lead to something much bigger.
Join the Wildflower Center’s Spring Challenge!
What If Your Lawn Did More?
Across the country, millions of acres of lawn offer an opportunity hiding in plain sight. With a few thoughtful shifts, these spaces can become part of a larger, living system—supporting pollinators, conserving water, and creating habitat right outside your door. You don’t have to start from scratch. Small changes can lead to something much bigger.
Join the Wildflower Center’s Spring Challenge!
What If Your Lawn Did More?
Across the country, millions of acres of lawn offer an opportunity hiding in plain sight. With a few thoughtful shifts, these spaces can support pollinators, conserve water, and create habitat right outside your door. Small changes can lead to something bigger.
Five Reasons to Slow Your Mow and Watch the Wild Things Grow
Cut Down on Cutting Down
The average riding mower emits the same amount of pollution in one hour as 34 cars. Could you cut your total mowing down by a third this year? How about half next year?
Make Room for Blooms
Minimize your lawn by maximizing your planting beds. Add a new bed to your landscape this year or expand the edging of an existing bed further into the lawn area.
Think Beyond Grass
Many natives – such as horseherb (Calyptocarpus vialis) and scarlet pea (Indigofera miniata) – grow low, withstand some foot traffic and respond well to occasional mowing.
If You Really Need Turf, Be Picky
Some situations call for turf, like play lawns. Try buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), a native alternative to conventional turfgrasses that plays well with low-growing native plants.
You Don't Have to Go Cold Turkey
Rather than eliminating your lawn in one fell swoop, try mowing a small patch of your lawn less often. Note any new plants and wildlife you see. Treat it like a science experiment and grow from there.
Five Reasons to Slow Your Mow and Watch the Wild Things Grow
Cut Down on Cutting Down
The average riding mower emits the same amount of pollution in one hour as 34 cars. Could you cut your total mowing down by a third this year? How about half next year?
Make Room for Blooms
Minimize your lawn by maximizing your planting beds. Add a new bed to your landscape this year or expand the edging of an existing bed further into the lawn area.
Think Beyond Grass
Many natives – such as horseherb (Calyptocarpus vialis) and scarlet pea (Indigofera miniata) – grow low, withstand some foot traffic and respond well to occasional mowing.
If You Really Need Turf, Be Picky
Some situations call for turf, like play lawns. Try buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), a native alternative to conventional turfgrasses that plays well with low-growing native plants.
You Don't Have to Go Cold Turkey
Rather than eliminating your lawn in one fell swoop, try mowing a small patch of your lawn less often. Note any new plants and wildlife you see. Treat it like a science experiment and grow from there.
Five Reasons to Slow Your Mow and Watch Wild Things Grow
Cut Down on Cutting Down
The average riding mower emits the same amount of pollution in one hour as 34 cars. Could you cut your total mowing down by a third this year? How about half next year?
Make Room for Blooms
Minimize your lawn by maximizing your planting beds. Add a new bed to your landscape this year or expand the edging of an existing bed further into the lawn area.
Think Beyond Grass
Many natives – such as horseherb (Calyptocarpus vialis) and scarlet pea (Indigofera miniata) – grow low, withstand some foot traffic and respond well to occasional mowing.
If You Really Need Turf, Be Picky
Some situations call for turf, like play lawns. Try buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), a native alternative to conventional turfgrasses that plays well with low-growing native plants.
You Don't Have to Go Cold Turkey
Rather than eliminating your lawn in one fell swoop, try mowing a small patch of your lawn less often. Note any new plants and wildlife you see. Treat it like a science experiment and grow from there.
Learn More & Dig Deeper
Plan What Comes Next
Ready to move beyond lawn? Learn how to evaluate your space, choose the right plants, and design a garden with guidance from local experts and real-world examples.
By Kate Rowe
PHOTO Carly Aronson
Slow Your Mow
Your lawn may already have what it needs to support pollinators. Explore the science behind mowing less, why “perfect” lawns aren’t always best for wildlife, and how small changes can create meaningful habitat.
By Anna Funk
PHOTO Wildflower Center
Not Cutting It
Rethinking the way we mow — or don’t — can be a powerful step toward a more resilient yard. Hear why “No Mow May” is just a starting point, and how mowing less, planting native species, and embracing diversity can support pollinators, conserve water, and create a healthier, more sustainable landscape year-round.
By Addie Broyles
ILLUSTRATION Drue Wagner
Grow What You Love
Ever wish you could take the Wildflower Center gardens home with you? This behind-the-scenes look at the plant sales shows how you can find Texas native plants, get expert advice, and turn inspiration from your visit into something that grows in your own yard.
By Kate Rowe
PHOTO Carly Aronson
Stay in bloom with Wildflower updates
Illustrations by Natalie Luz Elorza-Welling
Stay in bloom with Wildflower updates
Illustrations by Natalie Luz Elorza-Welling