embracing sustainability: exploring alternative lawns

As we become more conscious of our environmental impact, traditional lawns are coming under scrutiny for their resource-intensive nature. At 30 – 40 million acres, US lawns present a massive opportunity for sustainability in the US. Fortunately, there’s a growing interest in alternative lawn options that offer both ecological benefits and aesthetic appeal – even being coined “tapestry lawns” for their vibrant, patterned, and textured appearance that can actually enhance your home’s curb appeal. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of alternative lawns, with a special focus on the charming and sustainable option of creeping thyme.

The Case for Alternative Lawns: Traditional turf grass lawns require significant water, fertilizer, and pesticide inputs to maintain their lush green appearance. They often contribute to water pollution, habitat loss, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Alternative lawns present a sustainable solution to these challenges, offering lower maintenance requirements, reduced resource consumption, and enhanced biodiversity.

Types of Alternative Lawns:

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox arcticus):
   • Creeping thyme is a low-growing, aromatic herbaceous perennial that forms a dense, ground-hugging mat of foliage.
   • It features tiny, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity in the landscape.
   • Creeping thyme requires minimal water once established and thrives in sunny, well-drained locations.
   • Its creeping habit makes it an excellent choice for filling in gaps between stepping stones or as a border plant in garden beds.
   • This versatile plant also releases a pleasant fragrance when walked upon, adding sensory delight to outdoor spaces.
2. Clover (Trifolium spp.):
   • Clover is a nitrogen-fixing legume that offers numerous environmental benefits, including improved soil fertility and reduced fertilizer requirements.
   • It forms a dense, low-growing carpet of foliage and produces clusters of small white, pink, or red flowers that attract pollinators.
   • Clover lawns require less water and mowing than traditional grass lawns and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions.
   • Its deep root system helps prevent soil erosion and compaction while providing habitat for beneficial soil organisms.
3. Moss (Bryophyta spp.):
   • Moss lawns offer a lush, carpet-like appearance and thrive in shady, moist environments where traditional grass lawns struggle.
   • They require minimal maintenance once established, including watering and mowing.
   • Moss lawns help conserve water by reducing the need for irrigation and can act as natural air purifiers, filtering pollutants from the atmosphere.
   • These resilient plants are well-adapted to a range of climates and provide habitat for a variety of small wildlife species.

Benefits of Alternative Lawns:

• Reduced Water Consumption: Alternative lawns typically require less water than traditional grass lawns, helping to conserve this precious resource.
• Lower Maintenance: Alternative lawns often have lower maintenance requirements, including reduced mowing, watering, and fertilizing, saving time and labor.
• Increased Biodiversity: Alternative lawns support a wider range of plant and animal species, including pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects, enhancing ecosystem health and resilience.
• Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Alternative lawns offer unique textures, colors, and fragrances that add visual interest and charm to outdoor spaces, creating inviting and sustainable landscapes.

Incorporating alternative lawns into our landscapes offers a sustainable and visually appealing alternative to traditional turf grass lawns. From the fragrant allure of creeping thyme to the lush tranquility of moss, there are myriad options available to suit every taste and environment. By embracing alternative lawns, we can reduce our ecological footprint, support biodiversity, and create resilient and beautiful outdoor spaces for generations to come. If you would like to learn more on other ways to enhance to your sustainable impact in the garden, check out our blog which features native plants and other sustainable landscaping ideas.