alternative lawn ideasLawns can be many things.
From a perfectly manicured, velvety sward, a natural area of longer grass with bulbs and wildflowers, or an area where children and pets play happily. Grass makes the ideal outdoor ‘carpet’, as it is evergreen, appealing to look at, comfortable to play on, and helps to unify the whole garden. Seed mixtures are available for most sites, even difficult ones, or use turf for an instant lawn.
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When choosing the shape of a new lawn, try to keep it as simple as possible. This will be easy on the eye, and easy to mow. Wiggly shapes not only look over complicated but will create a restless feeling. Choose broad sweeping curves for an informal look or a smart symmetrical shape for a formal garden.
To emphasize the shape of the lawn, consider using some form of edging. This will also reduce the amount of maintenance required as the edges will retain their original shape, and edging shears need not be used to keep the edges trimmed.
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lawn edging includes bricks, paviors, slabs, natural stone or settsChoices for lawn edging include bricks, paviors, slabs, natural stone or setts. These can also serve as a mowing strip, so the wheels of the mower can be supported right to the edge of the lawn. Plants can also overhang this edge and create a more informal look. Alway ensure these edges are laid about 10mm below the lawn level, to avoid any mower damage.
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Before selecting the right grass, you need to assess the area, whether you have a sunny or shady spot, high traffic or low use, and the type os soil you have. To create a good all round, utility lawn a mix of perennial ryegrass, red fescue, browntop bent and smooth stalked meadow grass would be suitable. For higher quality lawns choose browntop bent, chewing’s fescue or creeping red fescue.
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lawn alternatives like low growing chamomile & creeping thymesAlternatives to grass include low growing chamomile (chamaemelum nobile ‘Treneague’) and creeping thymes (eg. thymus serpyllum). These are both evergreen, but unlike grass, will not tolerate heavy wear so are more suited to purely ornamental areas or planted between slabs or around ornaments. More unconventional alternatives are the weeds that appear in your grass - clover and moss! If you struggle with these growing rampantly through your lawn, why not give up on the grass and instead encourage what are usually seen as weeds. |
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