I think it's dependent on where you live to be honest. Lawns aren't native in my area, and are easily overtaken by other non-native plants. If you xeriscape or create a native garden it can be easier, or at least the same amount of work to maintain after it gets established.

Where I'm at, lawns quickly get overtaken with numerous types of (non-native) weeds and blackberries - it's a constant fight to maintain a lawn. Sprinkler systems are also not common here, so you typically have to manually water an entire lawn by hand as opposed to specific plants with drip lines.

Agree. If you let nature take care of your yard, it definitely won't look like the bottom pic.

Is...is the crossbow for the snakes?

I planted some rosemary, thyme and sage. Seems pretty low effort to me and they make food.