Ground Cover Alternatives to Grass
Traditional lawns are very popular for landscaping front and back yards. They're easy to care for, provide a place to play, and can even add value to your home. However, traditional lawns also require a lot of water, which can be a problem in areas with limited water resources or if you’ve made it priority to conserve water.
Recently, there has been a growing movement to replace traditional lawns with more water-wise, ecologically friendly, and low-maintenance alternatives. These alternatives can provide the same benefits as a traditional lawn, while using a fraction of the water to create a more sustainable landscape.
Keep in mind that you can ease into these lawn alternatives by slowly replacing sections of grass each season. This method will also allow you to try different ground cover options to find the one that's best for you. Let’s take a look at replacing a traditional lawn with water-wise grass alternatives. We'll also offer some specific plant and ground cover options that can be used to create a beautiful and low-maintenance lawn.
Benefits of Replacing a Traditional Lawn
The benefits to replacing a traditional lawn include:
Water conservation: Lawn alternatives use a fraction of the water that a traditional grass lawn requires. This can save you money on your water bill, and it can also help to conserve water resources for the environment.
Reduced maintenance: Water-wise alternatives are typically much easier to maintain than traditional lawns. You won't have to mow as often, and you won't need to use as much fertilizer or pesticides.
Better for the environment: Water-wise alternatives are better for the environment than traditional lawns. They help to reduce water pollution, and they can also provide habitat for wildlife.
More attractive: Water-wise alternatives can be just as attractive as traditional lawns. There are many different types of plants and ground covers that can be used to create a beautiful and low-maintenance lawn.
Specific Plant and Ground Cover Options
There are many different types of plants and ground covers that can be used to create a grass lawn alternative. Some popular options include:
Clover: Clover is a low-maintenance plant that is drought-tolerant and nitrogen-fixing. It can be used to create a beautiful and lush lawn that requires very little care.
Creeping thyme: Creeping thyme is a hardy plant that is drought-tolerant and heat-tolerant. It grows into a fragrant and colorful lawn that is perfect for walking on.
Corsican mint: Corsican mint is a spreading plant that is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. Use it to create a lush and fragrant lawn that is perfect for borders or walkways.
Ornamental grasses: Ornamental grasses are a diverse group of plants that can add beauty and interest to any landscape. Plant them in mulch beds. They are typically drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Evergreen moss: Evergreen moss is a beautiful and low-maintenance ground cover that is perfect for shady areas. It is drought-tolerant and requires very little care.
Sedum/Stonecrop: Sedum is hardy with thick leaves that store water and can come in a variety of colors from green to yellow and purple. It's ideal for hot, dry areas.
Bulbs: Bulb lawns offer a stunning and low-maintenance alternative to traditional turf. By planting a mix of flowering bulbs like crocuses, snowdrops, and daffodils, you can enjoy vibrant seasonal color while providing important early-season food for pollinators. These bulbs naturalize over time, creating a beautiful and resilient landscape that requires less water and care.
If you're looking for ways to save water, reduce your weekend maintenance, and improve the environment, you should consider replacing your traditional lawn with a water-wise alternative. In addition to the many different ground cover options available, you can create paths with gravel, sand, or stone and border them with native perennials and shrubs. Check the plant details to find the plants that meet your needs.
