Take a walk around your neighbourhood and look at the lawns of your neighbours. Some are true works of art – flawlessly manicured, vibrantly green, with nary a weed in sight. Whilst lovely to look at, if we look further into it, it’s easy to see how much water they require and we begin to understand how unsustainable they are to maintain. That’s why in Gotland, Sweden there community is hosting – the ugliest lawn competition – with the aim of saving water. Let’s take a look at what it’s all about!
What’s The Purpose Of The Competition?
For the second consecutive year, Gotland Municipality is hosting a contest to discover the most unkempt lawn on the island. This competition was born out of watering restrictions that prohibited residents from irrigating their lawns. Now, it aims to raise awareness about water shortages on the island, with the initiative reaching over 788 million people all over the world. How amazing is that?
What’s The Prize?
Island residents are invited to take part in the Ugliest Lawn Competition for an opportunity to win a consultation with a gardening expert, focused on replacing ornamental grass lawns with native plant alternatives.
The most intriguing part of this competition is that participants don't need to exert any effort to qualify for the Gotland Ugliest Lawn Competition. In fact, it might inspire individuals to reconsider traditional lawns and opt for cultivating flowers or trees that contribute positively to the environment.
How Can You Make Your Lawn More Sustainable
It’s fair to say, that not everyone wants an unpresentable looking home – so what can you do to make yours more sustainable without giving up on your lawn entirely.
- Choose Native Plants – Go for native grasses, plants, and flowers that are adapted to your region's climate, reducing the need for excessive watering and maintenance.
- Reduce Lawn Size - Minimise the grassy area and replace it with garden beds, hardscapes, or ground cover plants to conserve water and reduce mowing requirements.
- Water Efficiently - Install a smart irrigation system, water during the early morning or late evening to reduce water loss through evaporation, and use rain gauges to prevent overwatering.
- Mow High - Adjust your lawnmower to a higher cutting height to encourage deeper root growth and decrease water evaporation.
- Compost Grass Clippings - Instead of bagging clippings, leave them on the lawn to naturally fertilise the soil, reduce waste, and enhance soil quality.
- Rain Barrels: Collect rainwater in barrels to use for watering your lawn and garden, reducing the demand on municipal water supplies.
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By adopting these sustainable practices, you can create a beautiful, eco-conscious lawn that benefits the environment and conserves resources. For more tips, make sure to head over to our blog page and learn more today!
