Available in various shades, fibre mixes and densities, you can opt for everything from pristine bowling green perfection to just mown grass complete with realistic thatch to carefully manicured stripes. The layer method (also known as "lawn lasagna") smothers rather than removes the grass. You might be surprised what plants are durable enough to walk on! Spreading gravel isnt just a case of splitting the bag and pouring it out. But why replace the lawn? It grows up to about one foot tall with a trailing habit that creeps along the surface of the soil as it spreads. Creeping Thyme. Suited to most light soils through to heavy clay, this grass can take time to put down roots and establish but it forms a dense covering and is hardwearing. Money Savings. For starters, it doesnt require any mowing or much watering to thrive and look well-maintained.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'homecadet_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homecadet_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Moss is easy to install since it spreads quickly into a solid surface within one growing season. Stonecrop succulents, also known as sedums, are hardy plants with thick leaves that store moisture, allowing them to thrive in hot, dry regions. It is low-growing, has needle-like foliage, and forms a mat when it populates and spreads. The creeping stems root easily, quickly forming a dense mass of trefoil leaves. Perfect for children and pets, you can also relax knowing that grass cuttings and mud wont be traipsed back into the house. Most people will find that their grass will need more water when it is grown under a tree. Creeping thyme in high traffic areas. Convinced gravel is one of the right alternatives to grass for you? 1. All rights reserved. For a thyme tapestry effect, plant each variety in large teardrop-shaped drifts and mix them up throughout the design. All they need is a sunny spot. Clover grows quickly, suppresses weeds, enriches the earth and aerates the soil with a deep root system. Mix in 3-4 inches of organic matter (compost, peat moss, etc) into your native soil to make a suitable bed for your groundcovers. The cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditions operating 20 hours per day. Weve chatted to leading garden industry experts to find out their favorite ideas and to discover the latest products set to transform your plot. Some are wildlife-friendly substitutes; others can cut maintenance time in half. Often covering a large area, opting for something different for your lawn ideas can be an exciting opportunity to completely transform your outside space. Fancy a wild, grassy area that bursts into color every summer? Time to read: 3 min. Space your understory plants so that they can be positioned betweenrather than on top ofthe maple's roots. Instead, you may enjoy using evergreen moss, artificial turf, perennial beds, chamomile, gravel, bark, or slate chippings as alternatives to grass under trees. Laying wood chips or shredded bark mulch on soil helps to lock in moisture, keep weeds at bay, and add nutrients as it breaks down. This Japanese-style garden by Maitanne Hunt Gardens (opens in new tab) uses the moss-like Soleirolia soleiroliias a lawn alternative. Native groundcovers adapted to your region are a great choice to replace grass. Porous resin-bound gravel is useful where a hard surface would work better, and its cheaper than paving. Soil moisture can also influence grass . Smart permeable paving ideas with raised planters; gravel and boulder gardens planted with grasses and cacti or, perhaps, a timber deck with potted olive and citrus trees can all create a smart and relaxing outside spot needing very little maintenance. Ideal for dark corners under trees where even shade-tolerant types of grass struggle to grow well, bark feels more at home, although simple water-worn gravels work too. 4. Choose a diameter of 5-20mm so that its easy to walk on rounded gravels are better for children, and larger angular gravels are best where cats are a problem. Plus, it works well around pathways, and for the resourceful gardener, its useful for culinary purposes. Turf grass needs sun to germinate and establish a root system, even if it is the "shady grass mix.". Varying flower and grass combinations are on offer so you can choose from native and heritage blends featuring favorites such as Cornflowers, Ox-Eye Daisies and buttercups; cottage garden, shade loving and pollinator mixes. They make a good addition if you have trees or other plants in your garden or lawn due to . Today she is lucky enough to have a garden of her own in Surrey, England, and spends much of her time writing about them too. Stone-based ground covers such as gravel can still create an eye-catching landscape thats easy to maintain. An oak tree will provide a good foundation for . One to consider if you're thinking about how to design a child friendly garden, it's pretty simple to install. Using groundcovers as an alternative to lawn. Finally, be sure to fertilize regularly and mow high to help the grass stay strong and healthy. You should leave the blades a little bit longer than the rest of your lawn. Turf grass variety. Gardeningetc is supported by its audience. We've rounded up our top types of crocus for bringing spring cheer to the garden, By Camilla Phelps If the usual oven-ready suspects sound uninspiring, this will be food for thought. Pros: No mowing, little to no fertilizing. Grass lawns are a mono-crop that happen to be the number one most irrigated crop in America. Share. Fortunately, there are many cool alternatives to lawns that are super contemporary and low maintenance, no matter how big or small your outdoor space may be. The alternative is to sow a special meadow mix instead (try MAS Seeds (opens in new tab)). The downside is that this option does little for the environment both in its production and by reducing pollinator and wildlife friendly habitats. Japanese Sweet Flag is a bright & eco-friendly lawn option. Areas near the house can be cut as normal, with paths made with a mower through longer grass in areas that arent used regularly. By Christina Chrysostomou Go for a stone size of 20mm to deter cats from digging and think carefully about the best color for your space. Grass must compete with the tree for moisture and nutrients from the soil, and the tree usually wins because it can tolerate the drier, less fertile soil better than the more delicate grass can. By Stephanie Spillmann 11/09/2021. First, the soil underneath pine trees is more acidic. No-mow grass varieties are fine fescue blends that once established require little supplemental water or fertilizer. It needs little feeding or watering but can continue spreading on to beds and borders too, so not for everyone. This textured alternative to grass is heavier and less animal-friendly than bark, which may keep your lawn more pristine than your neighbors. Great for suppressing weeds, retaining moisture and encouraging plants to self-seed and spread its perfect for easy, low maintenance garden ideas. What we definitely don't want to see is everyone resorting to fake alternatives like plastic grass. Cottoneaster ( Cotoneaster dammeri) Cottoneaster or bearberry cotoneaster is a semi-evergreen shrub that is very easy to grow, which makes it the perfect lawn alternative for slopes and banks. However, replacing a large lawn in the garden of a suburban semi with a sea of gravel is rather boring, and impractical for families with children. When planting groundcovers, spread compost over the area first, to make the soil richer and more moisture retentive. Heres why you can trust us. You can find slate chippings in green, plum, graphite, and blue shades, as well as different sizes, depending on whether you plan to walk on them or not. If the soil is prepared properly, thyme grows fast, too. too sunny, too dry, not acid enough. Mulch comes in different varieties from wood chips and pine needles to shredded bark and straw mulch. A blissful experience much loved by the Elizabethans, it can still delight and revitalise garden lovers today. Then grab a coffee, get comfy and read on. Keep the tree well pruned to allow as much sunlight through to the grass as possible. Other popular hardwood options include ipe, iroko, cumaru and oak each with their distinctive grain patterns and colouring. I would like to hear from people who have replaced their lawns with ground cover. USDA hardiness zones: 3-10; Sun exposure: Partial sun to full shade Use bark in shady areas. If youve never thought of moss as a lawn alternative, we get it, but its worth knowing that it can create a truly intriguing look for your ground cover. Ways to reduce your lawn and plant an alternative. BA1 1UA. Please refresh the page and try again. Pros: No watering, no mowing, many types to choose from, long-lasting, Cons: Absorbs heat, will shift around if not contained. Letting lawn grass grow long doesnt automatically mean masses of wildflowers will appear, however; grasses will dominate. Pros: Drought-tolerant, little to no mowing (can prune to keep looking tidy if desired), bright color, edible, deer-resistant, tolerates foot traffic, attracts pollinators, Best Growing Conditions: Dry areas, well-draining soil, full sun. Garden design by Katherine Roper (opens in new tab). Is it Okay to Eat a Burger That Tastes Like Lighter Fluid? Japanese gardens are traditionally low on grass, with schemes that emphasize individual plants. It's also kind of ordinary. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. A small, traditional patio will benefit from stone paving blocks in sandstone or limestone in honey or brown shades; more modern properties can experiment with quartz, versatile porcelain or even concrete. They come in a variety of materials ranging from stone pebbles and pea gravel to crushed granite.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'homecadet_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homecadet_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); This durable alternative to grass also doesnt decompose with weather changes or attract any weeds or bugs. Cover the ground with bark chippings and cut logs to help suppress weed growth and retain moisture too. Nigel Gomme, landscape designer at Cityscapers tells us more about this recent project: 'The deck features smooth planed Yellow Balau hardwood decking boards which, contrary to the name, are warm medium brown in colour. Need professional help with your project? Clover. Published 3 November 22. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'homecadet_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_1',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homecadet_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Pachysandra is a shade-loving evergreen that never needs cutting. To confirm availability please call (03) 8850 3030 and ask for the nursery. Pros: No mowing, drought-tolerant, wont spread out of control, some varieties are pest-resistant, Cons: No foot traffic, requires watering, seasonal trimming, Best Growing Conditions: Grows well in most soils, most prefer sun (will differ by species). You could aerate the soil and remove lower branches under the trees to help with sunlight. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Groundcovers are especially effective on slopes, rocky areas, shady areas under trees, and strips along driveways. Lawns are usually desired for children's play areas, pet runs, sports activities, and framing an entryway to a home or garden. Seasonal sunlight shifts also cause the shade to lengthen and deepen, resulting in grass permanently retreating. Like native perennial flowers, shrub beds native to your region can bring beautiful visual interest, texture, and unique shapes to your lawn. To keep perennial meadows looking good, cut them once or twice a year. Great for narrow passageways, paths, or a sweeping carpet of white flowers over a whole lawn, sweet woodruff is also an edible herb with a fresh scent. It can take moderate foot passage, and usually reaches 4 inches (10 cm) in height. All offer exciting garden design opportunities. leaving it a little longer than you typically would will help shade the . if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'homecadet_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homecadet_com-banner-1-0');This shade-loving perennial is carpet-like and grows quickly to create a thick mat of ground covering. Sussex Folly from A Place in the Garden (opens in new tab). Reduce traffic on shaded areas of Bermuda grass. Once established, Roman chamomile spreads quickly to form a short, neat lawn.

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