Alternatives to the thirsty lawn.
Not every square foot of your yard needs to be turf grass. Chapter 12 introduces groundcovers (low-growing plants that spread to form a living mulch) and prairie plants (tall, drought‑tolerant natives that create meadow-like beauty).
Groundcovers are perfect for shady spots where grass won’t grow, steep slopes you don’t want to mow, and between stepping stones. Popular choices include creeping thyme (sun, fragrant), vinca minor (shade, evergreen), ajuga (shade to part sun, purple flowers), and creeping juniper (sun, excellent for slopes). The book includes a detailed table of groundcovers by light and moisture needs.
Planting groundcovers is different from planting lawn. You’ll space them 12 to 18 inches apart and wait a season for them to fill in. During that first year, you’ll need to weed carefully. After establishment, groundcovers suppress most weeds naturally.
Prairie plants (also called meadow or native grass plantings) have become popular for their low maintenance and ecological benefits. A prairie planting of little bluestem, purple coneflower, black‑eyed Susan, and butterfly milkweed attracts pollinators, needs no fertilizer, and only requires one mowing per year (in late winter). The downside: it looks messy during the first year, and some neighbors might complain.
The book provides step‑by‑step instructions for converting a lawn to prairie. In fall, smother the existing grass with cardboard and 6 inches of wood chips. In spring, rake back the chips, scatter native seeds, and lightly rake them in. Water occasionally during the first summer. By year two, the prairie will be waist‑high and buzzing with bees.
For those who want a middle ground, the authors suggest a “no‑mow lawn” using fine fescue grasses that grow slowly and need cutting only once a month. These are available as seed mixes from specialty nurseries.
Final thought: Groundcovers and prairies aren’t for everyone, but they’re worth considering if you’re tired of weekly mowing and constant watering.
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