Before the invention of mowing machines in 1830, lawns were managed very differently. Lawns belonging to wealthy people were sometimes maintained by the labour.

For example, in the New Forest, England, such grazed areas are common and are known as lawns, for example Balmer Lawn.

Lawns do not have to be, and have not always been, made up of grass alone. Other plants for fine lawns in the right conditions are camo mile and thyme.