Is there an area in your yard that lacks interest? Is there an area in your yard that just won’t grow healthy grass? Is your parkway uninspiring?
This spring, instead of spending another year dissatisfied with it, consider filling this space with grass alternatives. By using lesser known groundcovers and ornamental grasses, these spaces can be transformed into dynamic gardens that add interest to your space, offering varying textures and colors during the growing season.
Aside from aesthetic benefits, these converted spaces have environmental value. Lawns require many inputs like water, fertilizers, gasoline (for mowers) and of course, time. By transforming an area of your property, you will reduce your carbon footprint. These alternatives to grass use less water and reduce runoff, all while increasing groundwater infiltration rates. The variety of plants will attract different birds, bees, and butterflies, while garnering the attention and admiration of your friends and neighbors.
Aside from Pachysandra, Vinca minor, English Ivy and Purpleleaf Wintercreeper, which are the standard groundcovers in our industry, here are additional selections than can be incorporated into your new planting area:
Barren Strawberry Waldsteinia ternata has semi-evergreen, glossy leaves that look like leaves of strawberry plants, with yellow buttercup flowers that appear in spring. Leaves turn purple in fall. Needs good draining soil but can tolerate drought. 6-8”h. Sun-shade.
Barren Strawberry. Photo courtesy of Hortech, Inc.
Liriope Liriope spicata is a fast-spreading groundcover, with narrow, grass-like leaves and lilac flowers in summer, turning into black fruit in fall. 12”h. A new variety, NoMo (L. Nonomonncjr) only grows 3-6”h and is ideal as a lawn alternative, as it feels like grass underfoot and is durable under foot traffic. For a different look, try the cultivar ‘Silver Dragon’ 6-10”h, with blue-green leaves and white margins. All prefer dry/well-drained soil.
Liriope. Photo courtesy of Hortech, Inc.
Silver Dragon Liriope. Photo courtesy of Hortech, Inc.
NoMo Liriope. Photo courtesy of Hortech, Inc.
Dragon’s Blood Sedum Sedum spurium is a succulent with small green leaves that have dark red margins; tiny, bold red star-shaped flowers appear in summer. Foliage turns red in fall. Dry soil. 2”h. Sun.
Dragon’s Blood Sedum. Photo courtesy of Hortech, Inc.
Kamtschataka Sedum Sedum kamtschaticum var. Ellacombianum – A vigorous grower which has mounds of bright green leaves that bear yellow flowers in summer, turning into red-orange seedheads in fall. Cascades over walls. Dry soil. 4-8”h. Sun.
Kamtschatica Sedum. Photo courtesy of Hortech, Inc.
Goldmoss Sedum Sedum acre is a dainty groundcover which we recommend in place of Creeping Thyme, due to its hardiness to our zone. Small, lime green flowers appear in June. Dry soil. 1-3”. Sun.
Goldmoss Sedum. Photo courtesy of Midwest Groundcovers.
Pennsylvania Sedge Carex pensylvanica has a grassy look with its fine leaves, a good selection if you want a grassy appearance in a shady location. Prefers moist areas. 6-8”h. Shade.
Pennsylvania Sedge. Photo courtesy of Hortech, Inc.
Palm Sedge Carex muskingumensis is a vigorous grower with palm-like leaves that stand about 2 feet tall. Prefers moist areas. Sun-shade. 18-24”h.
Palm Sedge. Photo courtesy of Midwest Groundocovers.
Blue Sedge Carex flacca is a native sedge and a reliable, matting groundcover, with finely textured, blue-green leaves. It’s a cool season sedge which retains its good looks in fall. Moist/well-drained soil. 8-12”h. Sun-part shade.
Blue Sedge (at left).
Wild Ginger Asarum canadense is a native groundcover with attractive, heart-shaped soft green foliage. Unusual reddish brown flowers appear under foliage in spring. Will grow under Walnut trees. Moist soil. Spreads by rhizomes. 6-8”h. Shade.
Wild Ginger. Photo courtesy of Hortech, Inc.
If the area is high traffic, turn it into a pathway with stepstones, which can be interplanted with groundcover.
If you would rather not plant anything in it, here are some attractive, non-living alternatives:
Artificial Turf has improved in appearance and performance over the years and is a great solution for those who have children and pets, yet can’t grow grass in their yard. It requires a base approximately 8 inches deep, similar to traditional pavers, available in many heights, styles and looks.
Easy Turf artificial grass comes in several types. These are two; notice the one at right includes thatch.
Decorative Gravel is available in many types, colors, sizes and shapes to complement your garden surroundings. Be sure to excavate the soil to fill an appropriate depth (usually about two inches) and lay down landscape fabric to prevent weeds.
Bearpaw is a lightweight, expanded shale gravel with multiple uses: groundcover, planting media, drainage work and green roof applications.
Mulch is another natural groundcover, in the form of shredded arborist chips or finely shredded hardwood bark. It will require replenishing every year or two.
Shredded hardwood bark mulch adds a finishing touch to any garden bed.
