A well-kept lawn is one of the standards in the garden. Unfortunately, such green spaces require a lot of maintenance and often don't grow properly because the garden doesn't get enough sun or the soil is too moist. The solution is a lawn replacement made from ground cover plants.
Which ground cover plants are suitable as a lawn replacement?
Ground cover plants such as Roman chamomile, thyme, lavender thyme and mint are suitable as lawn replacements for sunny locations or star moss, feather cushions and wood sorrel for shady areas. These plants form dense cushions and require less maintenance than traditional lawns.
Advantages and disadvantages of a ground cover lawn replacement
Future use plays a role when deciding on a lawn replacement. A practical lawn on which children and dogs run around cannot be replaced with ground cover. However, if the lawn is intended to serve primarily as an ornamental lawn that is only used occasionally, a lawn replacement made from ground cover is an alternative.
Cushion perennials are only partially sturdy, but they also grow where real lawns don't thrive. Most suitable ground covers are hardy and evergreen. Some of them develop fragrant flowers and leaves, so you can use them to create a scented lawn whose aroma spreads over the entire garden in summer.
Which ground cover plants are suitable as a lawn replacement?
There are a number of cushion perennials that are suitable as replacement lawns because they stay very low and branch well. They form dense cushions that cover the entire ground. These include herbal shrubs as well as star moss or the popular feather cushion.
The following are suitable for sunny locations:
- Chamomile, especially Roman chamomile
- Thyme and lavender thyme
- Mint
All types of herbs are ideal for planting as fragrant lawns.
The following are suitable for shady and semi-shady locations:
- Star moss
- feather pads
- Sorrel
How to properly care for your lawn replacement
In contrast to real lawn, a lawn replacement requires less care because there is no need for weekly mowing in the summer. If the perennials do get too tall, you can shorten them with secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon) or a lawnmower with the blades set very high.
Regular watering is just as necessary for most ground cover plants as it is for real lawns. Some varieties require occasional fertilization.
Constant removal of weeds is necessary immediately after planting. Once the ground cover has spread, the weeds no longer stand a chance.
Tips & Tricks
If you walk on your ground cover lawn replacement more often, unsightly walkways will form. Simply lay paths made of stepping stones to protect the area.