Perennial Plants for Lawn Alternatives

Hosta

Hemerocallis

Sedum

Heuchera

Phlox

Whitehall

Echinacea

Iris

Helleborus

Dianthus

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Hosta

Hemerocallis

Sedum

Heuchera

Phlox

Whitehall

Echinacea

Iris

Helleborus

Dianthus

Coreopsis

Astilbe

Hibiscus

Salvia

Liriope

Monarda

Clematis

Lavandula

Veronica

Aquilegia

Baptisia

Achillea

Leucanthemum

Ajuga

Carex

Buddleia

Delphinium

Hedera

Paeonia

Delosperma

Gaillardia

Lantana

Papaver

Sempervivum

Digitalis

Geranium

Heucherella

Kniphofia

Nepeta

Campanula

Miscanthus

Panicum

Vinca

Agastache

Alcea

Athyrium

Mangave

Perovskia

Aster

Lupinus

Ophiopogon

Primula

Anemone

LAGERSTROEMIA

Penstemon

Thymus

Dicentra

Euphorbia

Iberis

Pennisetum

Brunnera

Platycodon

Tradescantia

Verbena

Agave

Rudbeckia

Stokesia

Allium

Bergenia

Gaura

Lamium

Pulmonaria

Acorus

Calamagrostis

Epimedium

Euonymus

Heliopsis

Lobelia

Pachysandra

Polemonium

Amsonia

Armeria

Asclepias

Gypsophila

Ligularia

Scabiosa

Stachys

Tiarella

Viola

Artemisia

Aruncus

Dryopteris

Hakonechloa

Lysimachia

Mazus

Schizachyrium

Tricyrtis

Alstroemeria

Colocasia

Crocosmia

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Vinca

Vinca minor (3.5 inch pot)

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Now: $4.23

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Vinca

Vinca minor (bare root plant)

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Now: $2.12

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Vinca

Vinca minor (3.5 inch pot)

Vinca minor (3.5-inch pot)Common names: Periwinkle, lesser periwinkle, dwarf periwinkle Height: 6-18 Inches Hardiness Zone: 6-9 Full Sun to Shade Prefers Part Shade to Shade in Southern Zones Semi-Evergreen in Northern zones Tolerates most soil...

MSRP:

Now: $4.23
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Vinca

Vinca minor (bare root plant)

Vinca minor Bare Root PlantCommon names: Periwinkle, lesser periwinkle, dwarf periwinkle Height: 6-18 Inches Hardiness Zone: 6-9 Full Sun to Shade Prefers Part Shade to Shade in Southern Zones Semi-Evergreen in Northern zones Tolerates most soil...

MSRP:

Now: $2.12
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What are the benefits of planting Lawn Alternatives?

There are many benefits to planting lawn alternatives, both for the environment and for your wallet. Here are a few of the most significant:

Reduced water use: Traditional lawns can require a significant amount of water to maintain, especially in dry climates. Lawn alternatives, such as native plants or xeriscaping, are often much more drought-tolerant and require less watering. This can save you money on your water bill and help to conserve this precious resource.

Less maintenance: Lawns require regular mowing, edging, and fertilizing. Lawn alternatives, on the other hand, often require much less maintenance. Some alternatives, such as groundcovers, may only need to be trimmed once or twice a year. This can free up your time and save you money on lawn care services.

Increased biodiversity: Traditional lawns are typically monocultures, meaning that they consist of only one type of plant. This lack of diversity can be harmful to the environment. Lawn alternatives, such as pollinator gardens or native plant meadows, can help to increase biodiversity by providing habitat for a variety of plants and animals.

Improved air quality: Lawns can contribute to air pollution from mowing and the use of lawn care chemicals. Lawn alternatives, on the other hand, can help to improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen.

Reduced soil erosion: Lawns can be susceptible to soil erosion, especially on slopes. Lawn alternatives, such as groundcovers or native plants with deep root systems, can help to prevent soil erosion by holding the soil in place.

Enhanced aesthetics: Lawn alternatives can be just as beautiful as traditional lawns, if not more so. They can add a variety of colors, textures, and interest to your landscape.

Cost savings: While there may be an initial investment in planting lawn alternatives, the long-term cost savings can be significant. With less water use, less maintenance, and fewer chemicals needed, lawn alternatives can be a cost-effective way to landscape your yard.

What are the characteristics of Lawn Alternatives?

Lawn alternatives come in a wide variety, each with its own unique set of characteristics. Here are some of the most common types and their defining features:

Groundcovers:

Low-growing plants that spread to form a dense carpet, effectively suppressing weeds.
Often require minimal watering and mowing, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
Some popular examples include creeping phlox, vinca, and thyme.

Ornamental Grasses:

Bunch-forming or spreading grasses with attractive foliage and textures.
Offer year-round interest with their changing colors and textures throughout the seasons.
Generally low-maintenance, requiring occasional trimming and division.
Some popular varieties include feather reed grass, maiden grass, and blue fescue.

Moss:

Low-growing, non-vascular plant that thrives in moist, shady areas.
Creates a soft, carpet-like texture and requires minimal maintenance.
Not suitable for high-traffic areas as it can be easily damaged.

Clover:

Nitrogen-fixing legume that can help improve soil fertility.
Produces attractive flowers that are beneficial to pollinators.
Requires less mowing and watering compared to traditional lawns.
May not be suitable for all climates or if you have a problem with bees.

Xeriscaping:

A landscaping approach that utilizes drought-tolerant plants to conserve water.
Often incorporates rocks, gravel, and other non-plant materials to create a low-maintenance landscape.
Can be customized to fit a variety of styles and preferences.

Final Answer - Artificial Turf:

Synthetic material that resembles the look and feel of grass.
Requires no mowing, watering, or fertilizing.
Can be a good option for high-traffic areas or for those who want a year-round green lawn.
Can be expensive to install and may not be suitable for all climates.

Choosing the right lawn alternative for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as climate, soil type, desired aesthetic, and maintenance requirements before deciding.

Do Lawn Alternatives attract pollinators?

Many lawn alternatives are much more attractive to pollinators than traditional lawns. Here is why:

Traditional lawns are typically monocultures, meaning they consist of only one type of plant, usually grass. This lack of diversity offers little in the way of pollen or nectar for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Lawn alternatives, on the other hand, can be designed to be pollinator havens. They often incorporate a variety of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees that bloom throughout the season, providing a continuous source of food for pollinators.

Here are some specific examples of lawn alternatives that are particularly attractive to pollinators:

Wildflower meadows: These meadows are filled with a diverse range of wildflowers that bloom in different colors and at different times of the year, providing a continuous source of pollen and nectar for pollinators.
Pollinator gardens: These gardens are specifically designed to attract pollinators and typically include a variety of native flowering plants, herbs, and shrubs.
Native plants: Planting native plants that are adapted to your local climate is a great way to attract pollinators. These plants have coevolved with local pollinators and provide them with the specific types of pollen and nectar they need.

In addition to attracting pollinators, lawn alternatives can also provide other benefits such as:

Reduced water use: Many lawn alternatives are drought-tolerant and require less watering than traditional lawns.
Less maintenance: Lawn alternatives often require less mowing, weeding, and fertilizing than traditional lawns.
Increased biodiversity: Lawn alternatives can help to create a more diverse and healthier ecosystem in your yard.

If you are interested in creating a pollinator-friendly lawn, there are many resources available to help you get started. You can find information online, at your local library, or by contacting your local cooperative extension service.

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Vinca

Vinca minor (3.5 inch pot)

Vinca

Vinca minor (bare root plant)

Vinca

Vinca minor (3.5 inch pot)

Vinca

Vinca minor (bare root plant)