From constant watering and weeding to regular fertilizing and mowing, keeping that patch of green looking its best can be an overwhelming chore for some homeowners.
If you’re tired of the endless dollars and maintenance, consider switching to a friendlier alternative. From flower gardens to vegetable patches, there are plenty of ways to avoid an expanse of green. But you don’t have to give it up entirely — there’s a wide selection of hardy groundcovers that can
work in tandem with grass or all on their own, providing space for
kids to
play and
pets to wander.
Bugleflower (Ajuga Reptans) This low-growing plant spreads swiftly and presents itself as a soft, thick mat. If not maintained, this plant can grow to heights between 2” and 6”, depending on the variety. Bugleflower produces incredible flowers in colours from white to purple to blue. There are also numerous leaf colours available, from purple and pink to dappled varieties. This plant is so versatile it will flourish in both sunny and shady areas and can be nurtured with an occasional watering and low maintenance mowing (maybe once per season), unlike its grassy counterpart.
White Clover (Trifolium Repens) Also known as Dutch Clover, White Clover can have the appearance of green carpet. Up until it was discovered as a grass alternative, people spent precious energy on trying to eliminate it from their lawns, little knowing how productive this plant really is — it can act as a fertilizer all on its own. The best part about clover, though, is that you don’t have to water it. Clover has a longer root than typical lawn grass and as such is drought tolerant. During times of little to no rain, the plant goes dormant, unlike grass, which turns brown and brittle. Like the Bugleflower, this plant won’t need much in terms of lawn care. Infrequent mowing yields 4” to 6” heights and attractive, fragrant flowers.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) This low-growing perennial is another excellent alternative to grass. It requires almost no upkeep at all after minimal supplemental watering to get started. It also thrives in dry, rocky soil. Creeping Thyme swells into a lush carpet of delicate leaves and when stepped on exudes a flavorful aroma. As precious as its flowers may seem, this is a hardy option for a grass alternative: foot traffic can’t bring this plant down.