Totally disagree that a lawnless landscape is more maintenance. The amount of water, chemicals and maintenance for lawns is much more than one without. And I disagree that they are messy. If done right they are much more attractive and once established, enviornmentally friendly and less work. Here's an example of my own garden which looks good year 'round. If you don't want to get rid of all your grass, poor girl then at least cut out some flower beds for shrubs, small trees, perennials and annuals .