The “New Way of Gardening” Taking Over Australian Backyards

This spring, more and more Australians are asking themselves that very question and the answer is loud and clear: goodbye grass; hello meadow gardens! Swapping high-maintenance lawns for colourful, flowering meadows is the latest trend sweeping backyards, and the results are nothing short of magical.

Why Meadow Gardening is Stealing Hearts

It’s not just about aesthetics. Meadow gardens aren’t just pretty - they’re alive. They attract bees, butterflies, birds, and even the occasional lizard, boosting biodiversity right in your backyard.

Plus, they’re a practical choice. Meadows are far more resilient in hot, dry weather than thirsty lawns, needing less water, fertilizer, and general maintenance. Less mowing, more growing, what’s not to love?

How to Transform Your Lawn into a Meadow

Ready to trade mowing for meadows?

1. Take it slow – Don’t rip up your lawn all at once unless you’re ready to replant immediately. Otherwise, weeds may take over, adding more work.
2. Feed your new garden – Replace nitrogen-heavy lawn fertilizers with an all-purpose fertilizer to encourage flowering plants to thrive.
3. Think small, grow big – Fill your meadow with seeds or tubestock rather than large plants. Smaller plants are cheaper, adapt faster, and grow stronger in their new home.
4. Plan your pathways – Leave space to prune, deadhead, and weed. Good air circulation helps prevent disease, especially in humid conditions, and gives you room to wander through your blooming paradise.
5. Balance space and flowers – You don’t need to plant every square inch. Leave open areas for seating, so you can truly sit back and enjoy your masterpiece.

Meadow gardening is more than a trend—it’s a lifestyle shift. Less mowing, more colour, more life, and more joy. This spring, Australians are discovering that the secret to a beautiful garden isn’t in keeping it neat - it’s in letting it grow.

Source: www.bhg.com.au