Hey everyone! I've just put in a new grass lawn, but it's already looking patchy, and to be honest, the family isn't keen on mowing it regularly. Plus, we have a dog and a child, which complicates things. I'm really hoping to find some low-maintenance ground cover that will stay green in the winter too. Ideally, it should require little prep, be low-growing, hardy, and evergreen. I can manage a bit of watering when needed, but that's about it! My soil is clay for the first 10cm, then chalk underneath. Any suggestions?
4 Answers
Clover is a solid option since it’s pretty low maintenance! However, it does die off in winter, so it might not fit what you’re looking for. It’s not the toughest either but I've loved having clover lawns. They’re vibrant and easy to care for – why don’t more people opt for them?
Why not just let nature take over? You can cut it whenever you want, and you'll end up with a natural mix of grasses and wildflowers. I just trim it low and don’t water at all. If something dies, something hardy will take its place. Leaving it uncut in spring brings up fabulous wildflowers too, plus it cuts down on mowing!
Honestly, a perfect alternative doesn't really exist. However, you could try a 50/50 mix of clover and grass; just keep in mind that it might not hold up well to the wear and tear from your dog and kid. My suggestion would be to plant native wildflowers in the corners of your yard and keep some grass or clover in the center. That way, you can create a large circular area for flowers, which also requires less mowing. There are some great ideas on YouTube and forums that focus on less traditional lawns, especially with the current climate issues prompting many to rethink their yards.
You might want to consider plants like Yarrow or Thyme, but just be aware that grass tends to outlast those during the winter months if it's subjected to high traffic. If you’re really set on having a lawn, it’d be best to prepare the soil well before planting. That said, if mowing is a hassle, have you thought about getting a robot mower? They can be programmed to cut the grass, even at night, which could save you some time! For more in-depth info, check out "Turf Culture" by Frank Hope – it's a bit old but still has valuable basics you could use.