Creating a Lush and Low-Maintenance Yard

#5. Creating a Lush and Low-Maintenance Yard

Synthetic Turf, Matured Star Jasmine
and Marble Queen (Planter area)

Introduction

When it comes to transforming your front yard into a welcoming and vibrant space, the right combination of plants and landscaping materials is key. After a complete demolition and redesign of my yard, it was time to bring the landscape to life. Working closely with a landscape designer and a landscape crew, we carefully selected plants that not only fit our vision but also thrived in our region. One of the standout features of the project was the decision to incorporate synthetic turf—a move I was initially hesitant about but now couldn’t be happier with. Here’s how it all came together.

Young Star Jasmine and Marble Queen
(Planter area)

Creating a Layered Look

We wanted to create a layered and textured look along the narrow fence line by planting Star Jasmine. To help the vines climb and thrive, the crew attached wires and hooks along the fence, allowing the Star Jasmine to eventually fill in and add both vertical and horizontal greenery. In front of the Star Jasmine, are a row of Marble Queens to enhance the layered effect.

Plant Selection

Using the landscape designer’s sketch as a guide and researching what plants grew well in our zone, we gave thoughtful consideration to what plants we would select. We chose a variety of plants, including Star Jasmine, Daylillies, Lavender, Cordylines, Marble Queens, Begonias, Blue Fescue, and a Crape Myrtle tree. This gave us a well- rounded mix of flowering perennials, textures, and colors.

Crape Myrtle Tree
Cordyline (left of window)

Daylilies, Marble Queens,
Blue Fescue

The transformation Begins

Perhaps the most dramatic change in the yard was the addition of a synthetic lawn. The original xeriscaped area, which featured low growing shrubs and a palm tree, was replaced to create a more vibrant landscape. Previously, a courtyard took up a portion of the front yard, and once that was removed along with the plants and trees, we had a blank canvas to work with.

The landscape designer introduced us to synthetic turf called Tiger Turf’s “Everglade Fescue Light.” At first, I envisioned turf resembling a miniature golf course, but after seeing and feeling a sample, I realized how realistic and lush the product is. Although the initial cost is higher than sod, the low-maintenance turf meant no watering, no mowing, and a constant well-manicured lawn—a perfect solution for both aesthetics and
functionality.

Synthetic Turf

The transformation Begins

While synthetic turf offers many benefits, the installation process is more intricate than laying sod. The process began with the excavation of four inches of soil, which was
replaced with a layer of road base (crushed concrete). Grading and compaction followed, ensuring alevel foundation. Afterward, a top coat of sand was poured, creating a smooth surface for the turf. The turf was carefully cut to fit the area and anchored with large bolts to secure it in place. Finally, a layer of sand was then applied. This multi-step process may have
contributed to the higher cost compared to sod, but it was worthwhile for a lush, year-round green lawn.

Adding Modern Turf Strips to Driveway

Another feature we added was the turf strips in the existing driveway. As crew members worked on the lawn, another cut 6-inch strips in the driveway using a cement saw. The strips of synthetic turf added a modern, fresh look to the otherwise gray expanse of concrete, complementing the rest of the landscape design, and providing a pop of color.

Driveway Turf Installation
(6-inch strip cut into driveway)

Essential and Final Touch

The project wrapped up about a month after the start date, staying right on schedule. One of the final touches was the application of a top coat of mulch. The landscape foreman explained that the mulch would help deter weeds and asked if I wanted it applied. Initially, I was skeptical since my yard had always been a magnet for weeds. However, I trusted his recommendation and agreed, especially since it was a nominal cost. To my surprise, the mulch has proven highly effective as I have seen minimal weed growth since its application. I now see the value in mulch and will continue to use it as a low maintenance solution to weed control.

Completed Landscape

Conclusion

Landscaping is a blend of art and science, and I couldn’t be happier with how our yard turned out. The plants added depth and texture while the synthetic turf and driveway turf strips introduced a low-maintenance, contemporary look. What began as an overwhelming project ended up as a blending of modern elements with lush greenery.

What’s Next

Next up is my final blog for my front yard makeover series. I will share our home as it looks today with an updated paint color, new light fixtures, and new front and garage doors. I will show you how my yard looks today after the plants have grown in. Thank you for joining me on my landscape journey and I hope you will check out the final blog of this series.

—Sharon