Very interesting. I would do that myself, if I didn't have so many trees.
Lawns and yards full of useless grass is a recent American tradition as we've grown less ourselves, and grew more dependent on the local grocery store. Before the transition, most people living outside of urban areas didn't worry about a well manicured lawn, but grew their own food-- in the back AND front yard. You used ALL the space available back then. I remember my grandmother didn't have pretty flowers around her house--she had peppers and tomatoes.
And your idea of a yard full of gardens and walking paths reminds me of the Old English type of garden where you see very little open lawn or grass (like below.) I say go for it!