Every time I look at that old hill in my backyard, I remember how my father used to drag the heavy mower up and down, sweating under the summer sun. Back then, keeping a perfect lawn was a family pride, a sign of hard work and care. But now, my knees ache just thinking about mowing, and I wonder if there’s a better way. Some neighbors say planting low-growing evergreens or conifers is cheating—'It’s not a real lawn,' they grumble. But I see it differently. These days, with water restrictions and unpredictable weather, who can afford to waste time and resources on endless mowing? I dream of a hillside covered in soft junipers or creeping spruce, green all year, needing nothing but the occasional trim. It would be a patchwork of textures and shades, maybe even a few wildflowers peeking through, reminding me of the forests I wandered as a child. But here in the Northeast, not every evergreen thrives. I’ve learned the hard way—one winter, a late frost killed half my new plantings. Still, the survivors—dwarf mugo pines and spreading yews—are tough, hugging the ground and standing up to our icy winds. Some in the community say it looks untidy, not like the neat lawns of the past. Others argue it’s better for the bees and birds, and it saves water. So, do we cling to tradition, or embrace a new kind of beauty? I’d love to hear what you think: is a no-mow evergreen hill a lazy shortcut, or a wise adaptation to changing times? #gardeningdebate #evergreenhill #nostalgicgardens #Gardening