Re: Lawn Substitutes
- To:
- Subject: Re: Lawn Substitutes
- From: K*
- Date: Sat, 11 Sep 1999 14:14:11 -0400
> 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.
It's a wonderful plant but I believe it's deciduous, is it not?
> The smaller-statured Thyme species/cultivars also work well in
> the sunny areas
Bright minds must think alike! I've got bed areas in between
trees covered in several different types of thyme. They're
evergreen here. The variegated lemon thyme I found too
brittle and tall, but I've used it at most bed entrances for the
scent. Just received 16 "creeping lemon thyme" from Richters
which is the only place I know that carries it. Too soon yet to
tell how it's going to do, but the description sounded like
perfection. Hope it's not ANOTHER one of my "Brilliant
Horticultural Ideas gone slightly awry".
> I tried Veronica 'Waterperry Blue' and a couple other creeping
> Veronicas and they withstood no foot traffic at all.
Yes, me too. Veronica repens sunshine is my current try.
So far, it's doing really very well. Fingers crossed.
In the few partially shaded areas, I've used a real winner which
is Rubus calycinoides. Evergreen, troublefree, wonderful but
won't take full sun here. Gorgeous reddish tinge in winter.
> I haven't been impressed with Scottish/Irish Moss (Sagina
> subulata, Minuartia verna, etc.)
Well, I ripped all mine out, and then out of guilt, stuck some in
a sphagnum hanging basket. Was the Selaginella "Peacock Moss",
and it's a real knockout....in a basket.
> In the shady areas the "lawns" consist of ground ivy, ajuga,
> lady's mantle and violets.
I tried both ivy and variegated ivy, but it found it MUCH too
eager to climb trees. I have done some small bed areas
in Vinca Minor which has been problem free, but unfortunately
can't be used in my sunny lawn areas. And the ajuga too
is restricted to bed use here as that's the only shade available.
> The "perfect lawn" people might be horrified by my intentionally
> planting these particular plants but they serve my purpose.
> Hope these suggestions are helpful!
Very kind of you to share the info. Gives me hope that you
have been able to find a solution for your area! Will continue
seeking solution for my Zone 7 full sun ucky remaining lawn
areas. Thank you kindly Dean!
@. .@ kitt@kaboodle.com
(\- -/) Scenic Calhoun Georgia USA...
(.>__<.) .....it's not near anything
^^^ ^^^
He who can laugh at himself has an endless source of amusement
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