Homeowners spend billions of hours--and dollars--watering, mowing, and maintaining their lawns. Free yourself with this colorful, accessible guide to the basics of replacing a traditional lawn with a wide variety of easy-care, no-mow, low-water, money-saving options.

Exploring the possibilities -- Grasses you'll never (or seldom) mow -- Ground-covering plants -- Small perennials & shrubs -- Places to walk, places to sit -- Ponds, pavilions, play spaces & other fun features -- Downsizing the lawn -- Out with the grass, in with a garden -- Lawn, begone! pros, cons & the how-tos of grass removal -- Designing & installing your hardscape -- Bed preparation & planting -- Keeping it alive: ongoing maintenance tips -- The politics, health, and safety of going lawnless -- Dealing with hoas & city codes -- Working with skeptical neighbors -- Unwelcome guests: ticks, deer, and rodents -- Fire resistant landscaping.