Resources
You're not alone in the move towards healthier lawns. These organizations and webpages provide resources and information about native species, landscaping methods, different ways to plan your lawn, and more.
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Looking for lists of native plants specific to your area? A quick way to find resources is to search on the web for "[state name]" native plants — for example, "Virginia native plants". Most plant nurseries and garden centers in your area will also be able to help you pick out native plants that fit your needs.
General information
Step-by-step lawn to landscape (CDoWR)
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This article from the California Department of Water Resources walks you step-by-step through how to replace your grass lawn with a landscaped yard. They include information for four types of landscaped yards, too: rain-wise, pollinator-friendly, edible, and succulents.
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If you're looking at replacing your grass with custom landscaping, DIY-style, this article is a great and easy to follow resource.
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Water-efficient landscaping (CDoWR)
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This article from the California Department of Water Resources covers all the factors of a lawn renovation that need to be taken into account when planning for a water-efficient lawn. This type of lawn is best for arid, drought-prone areas such as the U.S. Southwest. This site specifically focuses on regions of California and recommends plants for each region of the state.
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If you're in an area that tends to get little to no rain, definitely check out this resource to make sure you're planning for your environment.
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Eartheasy: Guide to xeriscaping
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This site covers everything there is to know about xeriscaping, a style of landscaping originally developed to conserve water in drought-prone areas. But xeriscaping isn't just for deserts. As the site explains, xeriscaping principles can be applied to any yard design, and the benefits range from conserving water to improving property value.
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If you're considering landscaping your lawn in any way, definitely look into the principles of xeriscaping that this website outlines.
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Veggie Revolution blog: "How to Convert a Lawn to a Native Meadow or Woodland"
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This article is a personal account from a North Carolina homeowner who transformed the lawn around her house into a meadow filled with local species surrounded by a forest. She goes over the steps of the process she took, which is surprisingly simple to follow.
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If you're looking to turn your monoculture into a banquet of diversity, this article will be not only inspirational but highly useful in the process.
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Beyond Pesticides: Alternatives to lawn pesticides
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This site has compiled resources on alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides. In addition, there are also plenty of articles on other related topics, including resources for how to create and cultivate different types of lawns.
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If you're interested in maintaining your lawn pesticide-free, definitely check out the resources on this site.
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Minnesota "Lawns to Legumes" pollinator project
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Beginning in 2019, Minnesota has been offering grants to homeowners who convert their grass lawns into more pollinator-friendly habitats. In addition, they provide coaching and education for people looking to learn more about switching to an alternative lawn. Even if you're not a Minnesota resident, they have free resources on how to create a lawn that supports pollinators available on their website.
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If you're looking to create a pollinator-friendly space, or if you live in Minnesota and are interested in receiving a grant for your alternative lawn, check this site out.
Virginia-specific information
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This organization is dedicated to educating people about the benefits of planting local species and encouraging landowners to plant species native to their region of Virginia. The website includes detailed lists of plant species for each region, from NOVA to Piedmont.
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If you live in Virginia and want to encourage local plant species in your yard, this website will be your best friend for learning about native species.
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Virginia Native Plant Nurseries
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This is a list compiled of over 30 nurseries across Virginia that sell primarily native Virginia species. They also have all been verified to not sell invasive species and source their plants locally, either grown from seeds or propagated from other nursery plants.
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If you live in Virginia and are ready to buy some native plants for your yard, this is the place to find your local native nursery.
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This organization is working to establish native plants, especially grasses, in Virginia, to help support wildlife populations. They also include information on some invasive species that are particularly harmful in Virginia, and you can contact them if you have any questions or want a consultation on your project.
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If you live in Virginia and are looking for help introducing native grasses to your yard, this is a great information source and contact.