I only have a front lawn (townhouse) and I'm not allowed to plant whatever I want in it.

If somebody reports it, the city can and will come tear it out and charge me for the work.

"Ownership" is a funny thing.

Why? My dogs and I get much more enjoyment out of a lawn than we would a garden. I can buy food, but space to play fetch is a premium.

Grass is food. If you don't have animals out there grazing it, that's where you've gone wrong.

Or pave it over and paint it green.

Or just eat the grass?

You first.