Lawn Alternatives
It’s time to ditch the lawn!
Are you ready to ditch the lawn? With increased watering restrictions and a better understanding of the resources a lawn requires to look lush, many people are considering lawn alternatives. So, what are the options if you are interested in retiring the mower?
Lawn Alternatives
Native seed blend
Gardeners in Cowichan Valley are fortunate to be able to visit Garry Oak Ecosystems, and these prairies used to be much more dominant before housing developments were built. Converting a lawn to a Garry Oak meadow is not only very feasible, but a great way to provide habitat for native pollinators, very low maintenance once established, and beautiful. Satinflower Nurseries is a great source for seed native to Garry Oak Ecosytems, and has blends to suit many different conditions.
Creeping thyme
With increased drought tolerance compared to lawns, creeping thyme is a great lawn substitute for hot and dry landscapes. Creeping thyme produces charming pink, white or purple flowers and due to its aromatic foliage is deer resistant. Given the right conditions plants can triple in size the first season. Plant creeping thyme 12-18 inches apart, depending on budget and willingness to weed until plants are established.
Stonecrops and succulents
For those lawn adversaries who are looking for the most drought tolerant and heat loving lawn replacement look no further than groundcover sedums. The foliage of stonecrop varies from cool blue to deep green to vibrant lime, and is able to withstand no water for months. Yellow flowers appear in midsummer. Interplant Sedums with Delosperma for a desert feel. Plant every 6 to 12 inches for optimal results.
Blue Star creeper
This groundcover is a great option for those with full sun to partial shade. Tiny blue flowers appear throughout spring and summer, above a low mat of leafy green foliage. Although it is very drought tolerant, it benefits from occasional supplemental water in the hottest of months. Blue star creeper grows to just 3 inches tall and holds up well to moderate foot traffic.
Ornamental grasses
Many grasses can be planted en masse to create an alternative to the traditional lawn. These grasses include: fescues (Festuca), sedges (Carex), lilyturf (Liriope), and dwarf lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus). This creates an aesthetically unique look and is incredibly low maintenance but less ideal for foot traffic.
I want to convert my conventional lawn into a no-now lawn. How do I get rid of my existing lawn?
Grass can be killed by tarping it for several months, or sheet mulch over top of sod with cardboard. If you are planting potted plants, cut a hole into the cardboard and add mulch when finished. If you are spreading seed, cover the cardboard with soil and hand disperse seed.
Not convinced?
Overseeding with microclover is a great way to reduce the resources a lawn requires. Microclover fixes nitrogen into the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer for grass. Also, microclover grows densely so it can help to crowd out weeds and prevent the establishment of weed seeds in the future.