Australia’s Ugliest Lawn: A Celebration of Nature Over Aesthetics

The World’s Ugliest Lawn competition, initiated on the Swedish island of Gotland to promote water conservation, has gained international attention and participation. In its third year, the competition has seen a notable trend of southern hemisphere entries, with Jarno Coone from Kyneton, Victoria, being crowned the winner for 2025. Coone's lawn, characterized by overgrown grass and a mix of native plants and weeds, was described by judges as resembling “kids’ hair after a lice treatment gone horribly wrong.” This unconventional approach to lawn care has sparked discussions about the balance between aesthetics and ecological benefits.

‘I’ve never watered it’: how an Australian groundskeeper achieved the world’s ugliest lawn

Coone, a professional groundskeeper managing 1,100 acres of bushland for the Candlebark and Alice Miller school, has adopted a hands-off approach to his front yard. He does not water the lawn, allowing nature to dictate its growth. “I leave it to nature,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of conserving resources. His lawn, while deemed unattractive by conventional standards, serves as a habitat for various wildlife, including butterflies and microbats, which thrive in the longer grass and nettles.

‘I’ve never watered it’: how an Australian groundskeeper achieved the world’s ugliest lawn

Urban ecologists support Coone's philosophy, noting that wildlife often prefers less manicured environments. The presence of twigs, leaves, and other natural debris can provide essential materials for nesting and habitat construction. Coone remarked, “If you let nature do what it wants to do with the grass... it’s going to provide more habitat than something that’s cut down every weekend.” This perspective challenges traditional views on lawn maintenance, suggesting that allowing grass to grow wild can contribute positively to local ecosystems.

‘I’ve never watered it’: how an Australian groundskeeper achieved the world’s ugliest lawn

While some neighbors may view Coone's lawn with skepticism, he finds joy in the ecological diversity it supports. He plans to share his award—a third-hand commemorative T-shirt—with students at the school, highlighting the competition's underlying message of resource conservation. Coone encourages others to reconsider their lawn care practices, suggesting that time spent maintaining a lawn could be better spent enjoying nature.

‘I’ve never watered it’: how an Australian groundskeeper achieved the world’s ugliest lawn

Coone's victory in the competition has been met with a mix of amusement and admiration. He believes the initiative is valuable not only for promoting water conservation but also for encouraging a broader understanding of living harmoniously with nature.

‘I’ve never watered it’: how an Australian groundskeeper achieved the world’s ugliest lawn

• “It’s a great idea, not only for water conservation, but conservation of resources in general and living with nature.” — Jarno Coone, Winner of the World’s Ugliest Lawn 2025

‘I’ve never watered it’: how an Australian groundskeeper achieved the world’s ugliest lawn

• “Instead of mowing your lawn, you’re probably doing better by just going for a bush walk and observing and seeing what you see.” — Jarno Coone

‘I’ve never watered it’: how an Australian groundskeeper achieved the world’s ugliest lawn

The World’s Ugliest Lawn competition continues to challenge societal norms regarding landscaping, advocating for a more sustainable and ecologically friendly approach to lawn care.

‘I’ve never watered it’: how an Australian groundskeeper achieved the world’s ugliest lawn