Have you ever actually stopped to ask yourself why your weekends consist of mowing grass and thought to consider the alternatives? Firstly lets start with where grass actually comes from.
The culture of grass lawns and lawn mowing in Australia, like in many other parts of the world, has its roots in European traditions and colonial influences.
British Influence: When the British colonized Australia, they brought with them their cultural practices, including the concept of a well-manicured lawn, which was a status symbol in Britain. Lawns were associated with the aristocracy and the wealthy, who had the resources to maintain expansive grassy grounds.
SOOO what is the alternative?
We have successfully been transforming the view of homeowners over the past few years to realize the power of selecting low maintenance appropriate plants that don’t require mowing. Heres what we have come up with.
DICHONDRA REPENS (KIDNEY WEED)
A low-growing, evergreen plant, Kidney Weed forms a dense mat of small, kidney-shaped leaves. It’s a great choice for both sunny and for shaded areas and requires minimal maintenance once established.
Indigenous Origin
Kidney Weed is indigenous to many parts of Australia and New Zealand. It’s naturally found in a variety of habitats, from moist forest areas to more open grasslands.
Planting and Care
- Planting: It can be grown from seed or planted as small plants (plugs). The best planting time is in the spring, allowing the plant to establish before hotter weather.
- Fertilization: Fertilize lightly, as over-fertilization can promote more rapid growth, which might require more frequent trimming.
Lawn Usage
- Appearance: When used as a lawn, Kidney Weed forms a dense mat of small, kidney-shaped, green leaves that create a lush, carpet-like appearance.
- Maintenance: It requires minimal maintenance compared to traditional grass lawns. Mowing is generally not necessary unless you prefer a more manicured look.
- Foot Traffic Tolerance: While it can handle light foot traffic, it’s not as hardy as traditional lawn grasses under heavy use. It’s best suited for ornamental areas rather than high-traffic play areas.
- Growth Rate: Dichondra repens spreads by putting down roots wherever its stems touch the ground, allowing it to fill in areas relatively quickly.
Native Viola (viola hederacea)
Native Viola is a gorgeous option for moist shady spaces and can be a great way to fill a side walkway.
Indigenous Origin
- Native Range: Viola hederacea is native to south-eastern Australia, including Tasmania. It’s naturally found in moist, shaded forests and along creek banks.
Growth Conditions
- Light Requirements: This plant prefers partial to full shade but can tolerate some sun, especially in cooler regions or during cooler parts of the day.
- Soil Preferences: It thrives in moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. While adaptable to various soil types, it performs best in slightly acidic to neutral soils.
- Watering Needs: Regular watering is essential, especially in the first growing season to establish the plant. It prefers consistent moisture but is somewhat drought-tolerant once established.
- Temperature Tolerance: Viola hederacea is quite hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, suitable for various Australian climates.
Lawn Usage
- Appearance: As a ground cover, it forms a lush, dense mat of small, heart-shaped leaves. It produces delicate, purple and white flowers that add to its aesthetic appeal.
- Maintenance: It requires less maintenance than traditional grass lawns. Occasional trimming can help keep it tidy, but regular mowing is not necessary.
- Foot Traffic Tolerance: Native Viola can handle light foot traffic but may not be ideal for areas with heavy use. It’s perfect for ornamental gardens, pathways, or as a lawn alternative in low-traffic areas.
- Growth Rate: It spreads through runners and self-seeding, effectively filling in spaces and forming a continuous cover.
PRATIA STAR
Pratia pedunculata, commonly known as Pratia or Star Creeper, is a popular ground cover plant often used as a lawn alternative. Here’s detailed information about Pratia Star:
Indigenous Origin
- Native Range: Pratia pedunculata is native to Australia and New Zealand. It naturally occurs in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and along streams.
Growth Conditions
- Light Requirements: It thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for different garden areas.
- Soil Preferences: Pratia prefers moist, well-drained soil. It’s adaptable to a range of soil types but performs best in soils that retain some moisture.
- Watering Needs: Regular watering is necessary for the plant to establish well, especially in the first growing season. Once established, it’s relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
- Temperature Tolerance: Pratia is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it may struggle in extremely hot or cold conditions.
Lawn Usage
- Appearance: Pratia forms a low, dense mat of small, green leaves. It produces tiny, star-shaped flowers, usually blue or white, adding aesthetic appeal to the garden.
- Maintenance: This plant is low-maintenance compared to traditional grass lawns. It doesn’t require mowing, though occasional trimming can keep it looking neat.
- Foot Traffic Tolerance: Pratia can withstand light foot traffic. It’s suitable for use in areas that aren’t heavily trafficked, like ornamental gardens or between paving stones.
- Growth Rate: It spreads quickly through runners, covering ground efficiently and forming a continuous carpet.
Does your landscape give you grief or joy? Check out our Free Masterclass: How to DIY your dream low maintenance landscape, without drowning in Debt or Dreading the maintenance!