Grass Alternatives

There’s just something about looking at a lush green lawn that evokes a sense of pride and being at one with nature, but there’s no denying it’s jolly hard work! To maintain the grass alone requires immense dedication, but keeping it that opulent shade of green is on a completely different level. It’s worth the effort if one has the time – turf is available at Brookside when there are no extremes in weather; seed, all year round – but if life is already full to bursting it can be an unnecessary burden. There’s feeding, weeding, mowing and watering – when the water companies allow – and it’s constant, and that’s before you factor in plants in baskets, borders and pots that also require feeding, weeding, mowing (OK, more deadheading and pruning) and watering – when the water companies allow. Suddenly, the fantasy of the perfect lawn starts to fade. There are varieties of grass that require less maintenance; they’re generally more hardwearing and sometimes slower to grow, but they won’t necessarily look as beautiful. Is it, then, worth considering losing the grass altogether and opting for something different? If so, what are the alternatives to grass? Well, that will depend on the amount of effort one is prepared to exert and, of course, the appearance required.

If grass is too much trouble but you prefer a natural look, there are many groundcover plants that will provide a carpet of colour without the hassle associated with grass:

Clover is often deemed a weed, but then in the wrong place, so is grass. Clover, however, will grow almost anywhere, will tolerate droughts and needs no weeding, feeding or mowing; it is less robust than grass, though, so not ideal for busy lawns.

Moss feels soft and cushiony underfoot, and although it’s fairly tolerant of most conditions, a little watering each day will improve it greatly.

Lysimachia nummularia – also known as Creeping Jenny – will form a blanket of cover in a variety of locations, but can easily become invasive and difficult to remove if left to its own devices, so be sure to contain it with an impenetrable border. Like Clover, it needs no assistance to thrive, but it too is only suitable for lawns with light footfall.

Thyme, once established, needs very little maintenance, and it offers a fragrant alternative to grass in gardens that receive little traffic. Different varieties provide a range of colours for both foliage and flowers.

Creeping sedum – or stonecrop – is generally drought resistant due to its ability to store water in its leaves, but like other grass alternatives, it won’t tolerate too much activity. 

A wild flower meadow may not be suitable if your garden is used for entertaining, but even just a small portion of your lawn given over to nature would create a delightful spectacle. A grass or stone path, snaking through the flowers will only add to its appeal. For the first couple of years, it may be necessary to sow seeds for annuals to give perennials a chance to become fully established, but once it is established, it’s beauty will rival that of any lawn.

There are many more plants ideal for replacing grass that grow taller than the ones mentioned here, and like a wild flower meadow, are more suited to untrodden areas; they may also require pruning from time-to-time. If you’re seriously considering diverting from a standard grass lawn, a little research will go a long way to saving your unnecessary time and money.

Moving away from plants, natural mulch makes a great alternative to grass, and whilst the colours may not be as vibrant, it’s great for weed-suppression and will allow for more vibrancy in the form of paths. Given the very nature of mulch, it will need to be replaced over time.

And then there are the aggregate or wood solutions. Chippings, gravel, pebbles, rocks, slabs or slate will add texture and muted colour, and a combination of two or three mediums interspersed with a few succulents or other alpines will afford a more aesthetic result. A patio would be extremely low-maintenance and allows for the addition of pots and planters to create interest, but like other aggregates, without plants, it’ll be less attractive to wildlife. Decking, ditto, but it’s also renowned for being rather slippery when wet. A part grass, part aggregate/wood combo is possibly a more attractive option if you’re happy to spend a little time tending the grass and your choice of partnering medium..

That might just be the solution: part grass, part something else; part groundcover plant, part something else, and whilst that something else could be some kind of aggregate or wood, it could also be something a little more attractive like a water feature – a pond, even, though that’s a whole other level of care and attention – extended borders or raised beds, filled with colour and variety. Adding a bench, some lanterns, garden ornaments, planters, trees and winding paths will only add impact.

But if you’re still averse to lawncare whatever the size, the obvious choice would be artificial grass, and you’ll be pleased to hear that the synthetic lawns of the past – plastic-looking, shiny, easily-flattened – have remained there; today, artificial grass is far more realistic than it’s ever been; it’s designed to retain its colour for far longer, is softer but more flexible to help prevent flattening and has better drainage. But it’s not just a one-size-fits-all option; there are a few to choose from: Nylon, Polyethylene, Polypropylene and Hybrid / Multi-Yarn. Each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which very much depend on its location and use, as well as its own price tag. In general, Nylon is the most hard-wearing but may be less natural in appearance; Polyethylene is the most popular option but may flatten over time; Polypropylene is the least expensive but may not last as long as others; Hybrid / Multi-Yarn offers a combination of other varieties, creating a balance of qualities, but it may be more expensive.

However you want your back garden to look, there will be a level of maintenance involved, it’s simply a case of how much is acceptable; once that’s decided, there’s immense scope to create something inspiring and unique. Pride isn’t just confined to a lush lawn;