I understand your dilemma! I have a huge patch of Salvia lyrata in the backyard that I like the see bloom. The bees like it, too! I look at the patch and choose the most floriferous and weed-free spots and leaved those un-mowed. I mow around them, sacrificing many, until I have a nicely shaped "flower bed" of Salvia. After the blooms fade and they go into cleistogamous mode, then they all get mowed down. I sometimes do this with other plants, too.
Perhaps you can convince hubby to leave you some similar "flower beds" in the lawn.
