ideas for shade groundcover as lawn replacement
philosopher
15 years ago
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bullthistle
15 years agophilosopher
15 years agoRelated Discussions
Groundcover to replace lawn - Mazus Reptans?
Comments (6)GreenHavenGarden, thank you for the reply! I'm so happy to hear this. I want low maintenance, so do want something that will grow thick enough to keep the weeds out. Running down the length of this area is a berm...a real hassle to mow, water, etc. I'm really hoping the mazus will look nice and be easy to maintain. The guy who marks the underground lines came today. Once I get the grass out and some soil conditioner in (we have heavy clay soil), I can get those plants in. I'm hoping to be planting next Wednesday or Thursday. I really appreciate your input and now I can't wait to put these plants in and watch them grow!...See MoreSun loving groundcover for under lawn furniture
Comments (6)OK, got it. I also should have asked about exposure; sun? shade? part sun/shade? Anyway, I already mentioned a couple I like. I have a large space with a combination of Fragaria chiloensis and Potentilla neumanniana. There is a nice contrast between the foliage of these two, and there are yellow flowers on one, white on the other. Once established, it completely carpets the ground. I have it interplanted with some Sedum. Looks real nice. If you're looking for a more 'grass-like' look, but don't want to mow, you might consider Ophiopogon, Mondo Grass. But, it will need some shade, and takes a while to establish a dense groundcover. Vinca minor is nice. I also like variegated, small-leaved Hedera (ivy). I use some Sedum in smaller places. For taller groundcovers, I use Euonymus fortunei 'Colorata', or Campanula takesimana (be careful of this one, and some other Campanulae, as they may/will invade your lawn!), or Sasa veitchii (a small bamboo; will also spread into your lawn, so you'll have to curb it, mow it out of the lawn, or periodically cut the rhizomes with a shovel; real pretty, though). I'm sure others will pipe in with their favorites. Cheers!...See MoreReplacing lawn with groundcovers and low-growing herbs
Comments (5)I like the idea. Living where it is hot and dry, I removed the grass along the street, and where a driveway was on the side of the house (the garage is in the alley so I did not need a driveway). All of that is slowing being coverted over to plants. I have lilac bushes, lots of lavendar etc. The part of the lawn closest to the house has has 40% of the lawn removed and plants added. I would like to finish it some day. I left this smaller portion grass cause my dog does like sitting under a tree when I work in front. Where I live in Denver (an older neigborhood built in the 1910's and 1920's), it is very acceptable to convert the front lawn to plantings. As I drive to work, I see more and more people doing it. I love the look of a nice green lawn. On the other hand...I prefer what I have....esp with drought and heat With 20 different irises lining the front I had people stopping to compliment my yard this year. I say go for it...esp if you are in a desert-ish region. Mulching and weed barriers can do wonders for conserving water. Planting plans with the area around is slightly lower helps to retan moisture. Do it!...See MoreFull Shade, Heavy Foot Traffic, Lawn Replacement/Options??
Comments (2)You are correct - lawns do not fair well in very shady areas even without dog traffic :-) The choice you need to make is if you are willing to give up all pretense at a back garden because of the two large dogs or if you can carve out some dog-free patches to plant with shade lovers. I'll let you decide, but my choice would be the second. It is possible but may take some creativity, effort and attention to remedial dog training:-) Some combination of hardscape - pavers, graveled pathways, barked areas - and raised planting areas may work. I suggest raised because elevated plantings tend to get trampled less easily than do ground level ones. Be sure to allow enough space for the dogs to run and do their thing. And there are always containers.....you could plant them up seasonally for color or larger, more permanent ones to provide ongoing green and living interest. For northern California there are scores of plants you could use as long as you can keep them dog-free long enought to outgrow trampling or juat plain out of reach of the dogs. Perennials or other groundcovers just will not hold up sufficiently on their own unless you can keep the dogs off....See Moreretiredtraveler
15 years agofreedee
15 years agophilosopher
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15 years ago
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