Some of us like to have a bit of open lawn for outdoor activities that need some space. I've still got dozens of trees, shrubs, wildflowers and such, but there's an area of just grass that is really nice to have. I can't remember the last time I saw a lawn around here that didn't have a boatload of additional plants as well.

I assume this must happen in other parts of the country/world, or it's a meme.

If you want to go completely wild with your own back yard, I understand, but I don't see the appeal of that either.