Re: Lawns
Kitt wrote:
> I couldn't agree with you more, and have been earnestly searching
> an alternative to our blasted fescue here in Zone 7.
After doing a lot of research on different "alternative" lawn
plants, I went
with several different things for the few remaining lawns I
have left amidst
all the perennial beds.
Mazus reptans -- a Veronica "cousin" -- has worked well in the
sunny areas, spreads quickly but not rampantly, fairly thick,
withstands foot (and paw) traffic, and only gets about 2"
tall. In late spring it's covered with 1/4" violet-blue
flowers.
The smaller-statured Thyme species/cultivars also work well in
the sunny areas, although some of them might need to be
clipped or mowed (IMHO, a reel mower is a must for non-grass
lawns) to keep them low and creeping. There's also the
wonderful smell whenever it's brushed or walked upon. Thymes
will take average foot traffic. Of course, in a
regularly-traveled area -- like alongside the house, on the
way to the garage, etc. -- even grass gets threadbare. In
these areas stepping-stones should be considered.
I tried Veronica 'Waterperry Blue' and a couple other creeping
Veronicas and they withstood no foot traffic at all.
I haven't been impressed with Scottish/Irish Moss (Sagina
subulata, Minuartia verna, etc.). They either don't like this
climate or they are mis-sold as pathway plants.
Many books suggest yarrow as a grass substitute, but all of
the yarrows have to be mowed regularly -- as often as grass --
to keep them in the 3-4" range. Getting away from regular
mowing is why I killed off all the grass, so...
In the shady areas the "lawns" consist of ground ivy, ajuga,
lady's mantle and violets. The "perfect lawn" people might be
horrified by my intentionally planting these particular plants
but they serve my purpose: low growing hence no mowing and
tolerant of foot traffic.
For shaded areas, English ivy also makes an excellent "lawn"
working especially well in tough areas like along the outer
sidwalks where it has to contend with children on bicycles,
sanitation workers, road salt, etc.
Hope these suggestions are helpful!
Dean Sliger
Warren, MI, USA
Zone 6B
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