Certain ground covers perform well in compacted soils that are unsuitable for a traditional lawn. Areas with little sunlight may not be conducive to growing turf but can be a great environment for perennials. Keep in mind that it may take more time to establish a thick groundcover lawn and it won’t tolerate heavy foot traffic, but once established it will be less maintenance and can stand up to weeds. Here are a few ground cover options to consider:
- Bugleweed (Ajuga spp.)
- Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
- English ivy (Hedera helix)
- Creeping lily-turf (Liriope spicata)
- Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina)
- Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
Pollinator lawns are designed to provide sustenance for bees and other pollinators by combining turfgrass with flowering ornamentals. Though aesthetically this option lacks the uniformity of a manicured lawn, pollinator lawns require less irrigation, fertilization, mowing and weeding once established. It is important to select turfgrass species that are compatible with the flowering plants and to choose ornamentals that fit the growing conditions. Here are some plants to consider for a pollinator lawn:
- Dutch white clover (Trifolium repens)
- Self-heal (Prunella vulagris spp. lanceolata)
- Creeping thyme (Thymus praecox spp. arcticus)
- Common violets (Viola sororia)
- Dandelions
When selecting a turf substitute beware of invasive growth habits. Lily of the valley and goutweed are two groundcovers that can be problematic if not managed.