Grow More, Mow Less. Native Plant Alternatives to Turfgrass

Transform underused lawn into vibrant, functional habitat. A smaller lawn can mean less maintenance, more beauty, and a healthier ecosystem. Designed for homeowners and gardeners of all levels who want to create landscapes that are aesthetically pleasing and beneficial to nature. This class shows you how to replace traditional turf with thriving native plantings that work with your site. Through real-world before-and-after examples, you’ll explore how sunny slopes, wet spots, shady edges, and other common yard challenges can be transformed into functional, attractive landscapes. Practical learning you receive throughout the class includes: How reducing lawn improves stormwater management and biodiversity Which native plants work best for sun, shade, slopes, and wet areas how they influence your plant selection and design decisions How to choose the best areas of your yard to convert first Step-by-step strategies for removing turf and phasing projects over time Design ideas for layered plantings that support pollinators and wildlife Common mistakes made in lawn-to-native conversions, and the practical ways to avoid them This class includes a guided walk through the Mt. Cuba gardens with Lucy, who will highlight lawn areas that have been converted into garden beds or ‘soft landings’. By the end of class, using planning templates and plant list shared, you’ll have created a step-by-step plan for converting lawn into native planting areas. Start reimagining your lawn as living habitat; register now. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Friday, September 11, 2026. 🥬 Certificate of Attendance for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) available 🥬 New class About the Instructor: Lucy Dinsmore is a horticulturist and certified arborist who loves learning and teaching about all things growing. She worked in public gardens for ten years and now runs Plant Lady Lucy, a garden design and consulting business in Wilmington. She earned her MS in Horticulture from the University of Minnesota. REGISTER NOW: General Public Individual+ & Dual+ Members Supporter, Advocate & Conservator Members