Lawns Into Meadows: Growing a Regenerative Landscape

by Owen Wormser

Landscape designer Owen Wormser explains how to replace the deadscape we call lawn with low-maintenance, eco-friendly meadows. In this second edition of his award-winning book, he includes photos of meadows in progress plus more ways to cultivate your own organic meadow.

This how-to book on growing your own wildflowers and native grasses is also about sustainability, regeneration, and beauty. In a world where lawns have wreaked havoc on our natural ecosystems, meadows offer a compelling solution. It is garden landscaping that is beautiful, all year round.

Meadows establish wildlife and pollinator habitats, are low-maintenance and low-cost, have a built-in resilience that helps them weather climate extremes, and can draw down and store far more carbon dioxide than any manicured lawn.

Wormser describes how to plant an organic meadow garden or traditional meadow, that’s right for your site. His book includes guidance on:

Preparing your site
Designing your meadow
Planting without using synthetic chemicals
Growing 21 starter native grasses and wildflowers, including butterfly weed, smooth blue aster, purple coneflower, wild bergamot, blue grama grass, switchgrass, and many more
Building support in neighborhoods where a tidy lawn is the standard.

He also shares 28 color photos that highlight the multitude of ways you can cultivate your own organic meadow.

To illuminate the many joys of meadow-building, Wormser draws on his own stories, including how growing up off the grid in northern Maine, with no electricity or plumbing, prepared him for his work.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Nature, How To, Environment, Outdoors, Plants

185 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2020

About the author

Owen Wormser earned a degree in landscape architecture and quickly adopted regenerative, low-maintenance practices in designing and building landscapes.

Based in Western Massachusetts, his company, Abound Design, provides design, consulting, and installation services. He also runs a nonprofit that provides educational resources and hosts workshops on regenerative growing.

Reviews

[Cristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convincing and inspiring. This book makes meadow-building sound surprisingly easy, but with a huge environmental payoff. It's also an approachable read, not at all dry (other than the author's dry humor, which made me chuckle a few times). I'm thinking what a cool project this could be for kids who are learning about plants, butterflies and insects. At least kids would love how many of the flowers sound like characters from the Harry Potter world (Foxglove Beardtongue, Gayfeather, Hoary Verbena, etc).

[Cleo]

Readable, useful information. While it’s not the sexiest meadow/natural gardening book out there, it’s pleasant and not huge or heavy. Line drawings, notes and bibliography included.

[Alec Tilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen lays out the benefits of a meadow in such a simple way, convincing way -- not only is it a perfect intro to the topic, his book makes it easy to go ahead and start your own. Some of the information on the negative climate effects of lawns is quite jarring when you think about it, but the resilience of meadow plants strikes a tone of hope. I loved the inclusion of his favourite plants, and especially loved how he relates some history or anecdotes about each one. More global solutions that can be successfully and responsibly applied locally are what we need, and the year-round beauty of the meadow is an added benefit that has me dreaming up my own designs. Great go-to guide!

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen introduces meadow growing in a way that makes it the obvious choice over lawns. Reading the guidance he gives feels more like advice from a good friend or helpful neighbor. The questions that arose while I was reading were answered as I continued to read. This book not only caused me to see my own home and yard differently, I now feel that I have the tools to initiate positive, sustainable changes in my community with Owen's lasting insights.

[Alexandra Blanter · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the summers, one of my favorite activities to do with my family is garden in our backyard. Owen offers a simple alternative that is not only fun but incredibly beneficial to our environment as well - plant meadows. His guide is not informative but engaging, alternating between personal stories and insights and more technical step by step instructions to achieving a perfect meadow. Will definitely be trying my hand at meadow-growing this month!

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly informative book with beautiful ideas and enlightening information about the environmental benefits that can come from simply changing the way we landscape our own yards. I was actually shocked to learn just how damaging lawns are to our environment and how easy and beneficial it is to landscape a yard, or even part of a yard, with lovely meadow plants and flowers instead. The book provides step-by-step instructions on everything from evaluating your lot size, zone, and soil type to the best way to get the plants into the ground. Wormser also provides sample designs, a whole list of flowers and grasses, upkeep advice, and even addresses concerns you may have in advance getting started. I especially love that unlike other meadow proponents, Wormser’s growing methods are entirely organic and he makes a strong case against the use of herbicides and pesticides. The book is also engaging and fun to read with plenty of interesting and sometimes funny personal details of his experiences growing up off the grid in Maine and as a landscape architect. His authority on the subject is unquestionable. A great book all around!

[Jake B-Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to meadow gardening—thoughtful, convincing, and exciting. My main reservation about this text is shared by other Stone Pier’s citizen gardening books, namely, that they tend to be accessible but rarely in-depth. I would loved to have had regional profiles of meadow creation strategies (what works in the Northeast is very different from what works in the Southeast or the Midwest or California). Still, it’s a really lovely eye-opener to the problem with lawns and the beauty of meadow gardening.

[Lauren Skillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging, beautifully illustrated book. Part memoir, part guide for meadow making, I read it in one sitting cover to cover. Wormser tells us how damaging lawns are on our environment, but offers planting meadows as the ultimate solution. Especially during this time, reading about meadows proved quite uplifting to me. He distills some of the more technical information about herbicide use and plant carbon cycles in such an approachable manner that can turn anyone into a believer in the regenerative power of meadows.

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good introduction on the reason to and how to convert our "deadscape" lawns into meadows and wildlife corridors. If we are to save the dwindling insect populations and restore ecosystems it has to start in our own back and front yards.

[Astrida · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the simplicity but also the unquestionable need to have meadows. It's imperative.

[Cindy Dyson Eitelman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good information in general, and very inspiring, but not nearly enough information. The beginning and the end include a bunch of "success stories" (and a failure) that are good to read, but I expected a lot more meat in the middle. And then he went into a descriptions of 21 meadow plants that, he says, are good for starter meadows anywhere. I don't think half of them would thrive in my North Texas hot and dry clay soil. They were nice for examples, but not useful for me.

If the book had been twice the length with a lot for information, it would have been well worth a purchase. As it is, getting it from the library suited me just fine.

[Julissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prior to reading this book, I was completely unaware of the negative environmental toll something as seemingly ordinary as a lawn had. This is due in part my the many gallons of water it takes to upkeep, the regular use of herbicides or pesticides, and the act of mowing your lawn itself. For many, part of the American Dream is having that nicely trimmed green space in the front or back of your home for the kids and dog to play on. My own parents talk about buying a home one day so that they can bask in the sun of their own outdoor space, but knowing how time-friendly, cost efficient and environmentally friendly growing a meadow is, is huge! Over the years, hearing the news of the repeated decimation of natural marshes and wetlands that act as major carbon sinks for our planet has brought major concern. However, we can still win in the fight for our planet by planting meadows as Owen so simply puts because meadows too, are just as good as tress, if not better, at retaining carbon in our soils. And not only that, it's better for our biodiversity in strengthening our flora and fauna.

This book is super simple to read and alienates no one as the author carefully explains the harms in every step of lawn maintenance as we know it today. He takes you through the government aspect of how carcinogenic pesticides make it past EPA inspection and continue to do so as well as everything you need to know about planting your own meadow. Owen makes it so that by the end of this quick read, you feel more than ready and equipped with the knowledge to turn your lawn or curb into a lush, beautiful meadow as well.

Definitely worth the read! Gift it to your local green-thumb, homeowner, friend, environment-enthusiast or your average Joe. If everyone planted a meadow in their backyards instead of lawns, we just might have a shot at saving our earth as we know it! Don't miss out on this important book.

[lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never given much thought to my lawns before, but Owen Wormser's Lawns into Meadows has completely changed that. In this instructive and engaging guide, Owen Wormser reveals what's broken about our lawns: their negative environmental impact, its history, and why we can do so much better. Then, he presents the alternative: meadows. Why they're good, what they can do for the environment, and most importantly: how you can build a meadow of your own. For the uninitiated, Owen makes what could seem a rather complex and overwhelming task of building a meadow into something manageable. He includes a list of "plant profiles," that act as guides to all sorts of plants that could go into your meadow including grasses and many types of flowers. The book is part guide, and part personal writing: Wormser not only is instructing us on how to transform our own lawns, but details his own experiences working with various meadows, from the Eric Carle Museum to the former home of Robert Frost, these anecdotes illuminate the work of creating meadows. Wormser has really put care and thought into crafting a guide for moving away from lawns, and his personal anecdotes only add to the book overall, a reminder that failures happen to the best of us, even professionals. To me, one of the most valuable sections was the section on "Community Building." Lawns are deeply engrained into the idea of American suburbia--and many people take the upkeep of their lawns very seriously. Thus, while to some a meadow might be beautiful and thriving with life, to others it might be seen as nothing more than a nuisance. Wormser anticipates all of those questions and really highlights how meadows have the potential to be not just spaces of beauty, but spaces of community, where both humans and nature can thrive. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, it is an essential guide for anyone looking to learn more about eliminating their lawns.

[Jared Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a creative, thoughtful, and exciting read for anyone looking to lead a more environmentally-conscious life. As the impact of climate change continues to accelerate, we’re all looking for ways to make a difference in our own lives. Owen Wormser’s Lawns Into Meadows offers readers a wonderful solution to make an impact by tackling a huge ecological problem in the country: our yards. This book succinctly sheds light on the toll our lawns are taking on the environment, opening my eyes to a massive environmental issue that I had hardly ever considered before. Wormser uses a set of staggering statistics to make a compelling case for ditching your green grass front yard for a lush, regenerative meadow bursting with colorful flowers. The author draws on his years of experience planting meadows to provide you with all the tools to grow your own. From evaluating the land and soil, to turning over the lawn, to selecting the correct plants to fit your particular ecosystem, to properly sowing the seeds, to the upkeep of the meadow, the book has every piece of information you need to plant and maintain a successful meadow, virtually wherever you are. Planting a meadow certainly sounds like a daunting task, but Lawns Into Meadows is written in an approachable, friendly, easy-to-read tone with tons of tips and helpful graphics that makes meadow cultivation a fun and fulfilling adventure. Owen Wormser

[Vincent Desjardins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The upkeep of perfect grass lawns adds to the degradation of our environment, including helping to accelerate climate change. The production of lawn fertilizers, which Americans use at the rate of one hundred million tons per year adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Since grass can't absorb all of the fertilizer applied to it, much of it evaporates in the form of nitrous oxide, another dangerous greenhouse gas. Add to that the tons of carbon dioxide released through the mowing of lawns, the applications of pesticides and herbicides and you have an ecological nightmare.

Owen Wormer spells out a great case for converting lawns to meadows including the fact that they are lower in maintenance than a grass lawn. They also can store more carbon dioxide in the soil which keeps it out of our atmosphere. After laying out his case for meadows, and explaining how to start one, Wormser includes details on 21 different plants that are perfect for starting a meadow garden. The plant descriptions and growing requirements are accompanied by black and white line drawings of the plants and flowers. The drawings are well done and quite beautiful, but I do wish the book had included some color photographs, not only of the individual flowers but of a blooming meadow.

[Josie Braaten · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much is happening in 'Lawns into Meadows!' Owen goes far and beyond simply explaining the issue of lawn culture. He explains it in clear terms, utilzing personal experience and time honed knowledge to propel the conversation. Understanding the need for context in this discussion, he presents the philosophy and reasons for lawn culture in a polite, curious, and intelligent voice. Once we're well-rooted in an understanding of the subject, Owen digs into the dirt of all things meadows. He explains region and plant selection, solutions to issues that have arisen in his long career, and the comprehensive process of rehabiliting a sad lawn into a stunning meadow.

It doesn't take long to catch on that Owne is incredibly knowledgable about his craft of meadow planning and growing. By providing personal stories, well articulated opinions, and well researched facts, Owens proves himself to be a trustwory source for what we come to undertand is major issue with an elegant solution. 'Lawns into Meadows' is a beautiful blend of information and call to action.

[Deirdre · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book earned my affection when it curtly referred to lawns as "deadscapes.'' LOL.

I knew lawns were not the most helpful environmentally, but it was v helpful to have it all helpfully in one spot, with some added riders I hadn't thought about: nothing else living, not even the microorganisms that make healthy soil, can really take on the chemicals, the monoculture, and the regular mowing of your average North American lawn.

And, really, Wormser makes it sound extremely easy both to start and maintain a meadow or meadow garden. As a Canadian gardener I have a slightly different pool of meadow plants to choose from, but that is jes fine and an easy contextualization to make.

I unfortunately have limited room to play, in my v small urban front yard under the shade and over the moisture-hogging roots of a largeish maple tree, but hey! We can see what goes. They're wildflowers, after all.

[Haley Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always conceptualized the idealization of the American lawn as old as the history of Manifest Destiny. I was thoroughly impressed by Owen Wormser’s ability to deconstruct the idea of “Lawn” American society, and offer a simplistic, well-researched solution to the problems lawns pose to the environment. For example, Wormser illustrates how lawn maintenance is a major contributor to fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions, the degradation of landscapes, habitat and species destruction, and loss of biodiversity.

I found the steps laid out by Wormer to be easy to follow and well researched. He walks the reader through in steps on how to best convert a lawn into a meadow, paying attention to what plants to prioritize depending on the location, how to gradually make ecological and landscape changes, and how to deal with potential pressures and backlash from the surrounding community in order to spread the goodness of meadow-making. This is a wonderful book for anyone looking to learn about and make positive environmental change in simple, realistic, and rewarding ways.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wondered whether there are simple ways you can manage your property to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener world, then this book is definitely for you! Wormser’s compelling guide walks you through the basics of turning your lawn into a meadow and even answers some important questions that may come up (like what about ticks—I know I was wondering!).

Overall, I found this book inspiring and super helpful! I especially enjoyed the descriptions of different plants that you can use in a meadow and what conditions they grow best in—it definitely makes it easier to figure out which plants I need to get for my region! This book is a must-have for anyone interested in sustainability, gardening, or creating a pollinator-friendly landscape.

[librarian4Him02 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up because I heard about it on the Joe Gardener podcast and thought it would be something interesting I could do to my front yard until we’re able to undertake the massive landscaping project we’re planning.

Wormser provides helpful advice for creating a meadow in any size yard from a postage stamp size front lawn to a massive estate. He suggests the best plants and includes their hardiness zones so the reader will know which to choose from their yard. His ideas range from the very simple to the more complex. There’s something for everyone in this book!

In the end, I’m still deciding if this is the right way to go for our yard. But, if I do decide to turn our lawn into a meadow, I know the place to come for the best advice.

[Courtney Harp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a simple, well-organized, and inspiring book to read! The author and illustrator worked well together and created a lovely book for anyone interested in nature or gardening. Although I won't be changing my lawn into a meadow where I currently live, this book gave me great ideas for the future. I'm eager to incorporate some of the listed native grasses and flowers into my current garden area. I especially enjoyed reading a little about the author's off-the-grid childhood in Maine and how he used that experience and love of nature as an inspiration for his current occupation. The back of the book contains beautiful colored photos with a variety of meadow locations: museum, private home, college, retirement community, etc.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written and eye-opening about the many environmental benefits of planting a meadow. It's great for anyone new to regenerative gardening but interested in converting their plot into something more sustainable (and affordable). I appreciated the community building chapter, as well as the stories of challenges the author encountered with meadow conversions/installations. Informative and practical but definitely also an enjoyable read. Would make a great gift for anyone interested in gardening or wanting to move towards meadow!

[Kate Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredibly informative yet easy-to-read introduction to the benefits of meadows. Prior to delving into this book, I’d genuinely never thought about lawns as ecological problems. The handy charts and plant profiles helped me quickly grasp myriad solutions to lawns and understand the stakes of regenerative landscaping. I also enjoy the book’s emphasis on the community-building aspect of this environmental effort! The pages exploring meadow activism were probably the most compelling parts of the read for me. Highly recommend!

[Cailyn Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful re-imagination of the urban landscape. Owen makes the daunting task of climate change feel entirely doable to the average homeowner with a backyard. He takes you through step by step how to reassess your site and recommends plants that are less maintenance, attract pollinators, and all together construct a bountiful meadow. For those who are looking for easy, and environmentally friendly solution to their lawns, this is the book for you!

[Anna McCormack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an awesome guide to designing and planting meadows. I can’t wait to try it myself after reading Wormser’s helpful tips. If you’re a newcomer to meadow-planting like I am, it includes a helpful glossary of flower and grass species, answers common questions, and even gives some sample meadow designs. The author's experience as a meadow designer really comes through in this book. I feel more confident about my own ability to start a meadow after reading!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author is currently working on a plan to transform my too much lawn, too much wet grass, into something that will feed the insects, birds, and other critters I hope will find a haven here.
Easy to read book with a how-to transform your space both the longer, labor-intensive way, and with some short cuts. I'm not going for a meadow at home, but definitely more native plant and an eventual low-maintenance landscape.

[Jane H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, super basic how to.

Personally I was looking for something more nuanced and with more options for other land uses, but the title really says it all, so I can't fault it for that. Highly recommend for those interested in learning about changing their lawn into a gorgeous flowering meadow.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew lawns were annoying and near impossible to keep healthy, but I didn’t know how bad they were for the environment and native pollinators. I’ve always disliked the look of xeriscaping, but the idea of low maintenance appealed to me. A meadow is the perfect solution. Low maintenance, green and flowering, and good for my bees. I can’t wait to get started.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff. The principles and benefits are nicely laid out, and followed up with specific and manageable advice on how to start your own meadow of any size. More of an inspirational read at this point and location in my life, but it will stick in the back of my mind until I find myself in a place to try it out.

[Joshua Mott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone who is tired of their lawn or wanting to help with the biodiversity crisis by planting native plants in their yard. Provides guidance about how to prep your yard, select and establish plants, and even how to help your neighbors understand why you are converting your lawn into a meadow. I would highly recommend it and will reference it frequently.