I'm in an HOA as well and am working around their rules. Occasionally I'll get a notice about "weeds," and I have to give them a call and gently remind them that I'm compliant with the rules. Here in Texas we have laws that the HOA can't force us to grow exotic grasses or have rules against xeriscaping, so hopefully your area has something similar. People have also had success getting their yards certified as wildlife habitats, so that might be an option. If all else fails, keeping a large garden with a small strip of mowed grass in the front might be a good compromise.