Native Plants as natural groundcovers or ‘mulch’

Using native plants as groundcovers can be a great way to enhance your garden while supporting local ecosystems. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them generally low-maintenance and more resistant to pests and diseases. Here are some benefits and considerations when using native plants as groundcovers:

Benefits:

  1. Low maintenance: Once established, native groundcovers typically require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance compared to non-native plants.

  2. Erosion control: Their dense root systems help stabilize soil, reducing erosion and runoff.

  3. Biodiversity: Native plants provide habitat and food for local wildlife, such as birds, insects, and small mammals.

  4. Aesthetic appeal: Many native plants offer beautiful foliage, flowers, and berries, adding visual interest to your garden.

  5. Environmental benefits: Using native plants can help conserve water, reduce the need for chemical inputs, and promote soil health.


Alternative Lawns

Alternative lawns with native plants can be a good way to reduce water usage, require less maintenance, provide habitat for local wildlife, and create a unique, natural landscape. Here are a few options you might consider:

  1. Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides): A warm-season grass native to North America, buffalograss requires less water and maintenance than traditional turfgrasses. It can form a dense, low-growing lawn that is drought-tolerant once established.

  2. Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis): Another native North American grass, blue grama grass is known for its fine texture and low water requirements. It can be used as a lawn grass or in combination with other native grasses for a more diverse lawn.

  3. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): This low-growing perennial herb forms a dense mat of foliage and produces small, aromatic flowers. It's well-suited for areas with light foot traffic and can add a lovely fragrance to your lawn.

  4. Clover (Trifolium spp.): White clover is a common alternative to grass lawns, as it requires less water and fertilizer. It also attracts pollinators and adds nitrogen to the soil, which can benefit other plants in your garden.

  5. Moss: Moss lawns are a great option for shady areas where grass struggles to grow. Moss requires moist, shaded conditions and can create a lush, carpet-like appearance.

  6. Sedges (Carex spp.): Many sedges are native to North America and can be used as alternatives to traditional turfgrass. They often have fine, grass-like foliage and are well-adapted to a variety of soil types.

When establishing an alternative lawn with native plants, it's important to consider your local climate, soil conditions, and maintenance preferences. Native plants are typically well-adapted to the local environment and can thrive with minimal inputs once established.

 

Drought-Tolerant Alternatives

Looking for drought-tolerant alternatives is a smart move, especially considering the increasing importance of water conservation. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Xeriscaping Plants: These are plants specifically chosen for their ability to thrive in dry conditions with minimal water requirements (once established). Examples include lavender, sage, yarrow, and ornamental grasses.

  2. Native Plants: Choose plants that are native, as they are naturally adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, including periods of drought. Native plants often require less water and maintenance compared to non-native species.

  3. Ground Covers: Ground cover plants can help reduce evaporation from the soil surface and suppress weed growth. Look for options like creeping thyme, sedum, or ice plant.

  4. Mulching: Applying mulch around plants can help retain soil moisture, reduce water evaporation, and suppress weed growth. Organic mulches like wood chips or compost also improve soil structure and fertility over time.

  5. Drip Irrigation: Switching to drip irrigation systems delivers water directly to the root zone of plants, minimizing water loss through evaporation or runoff. This method is more efficient than traditional sprinkler systems.

  6. Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting rainwater in barrels or cisterns allows you to use natural precipitation to irrigate your garden during dry spells, reducing reliance on municipal water supplies.

  7. Soil Improvement: Amending your soil with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, improves its water-holding capacity and nutrient content, helping plants withstand drought conditions.

By incorporating these drought-tolerant alternatives into your landscape, you can create a beautiful and sustainable garden that conserves water and thrives even during periods of water scarcity.