Gardeners who want to plant a lawn substitute as an alternative to a real lawn have to consider a few things when choosing the plants. Above all, the low perennials should be hardy so that a new lawn replacement does not have to be planted every year.

Hardy plants for lawn replacement

  • star moss
  • Roman chamomile
  • Some varieties of the feather pad
  • Ysander or fat man
  • Carpet Gold Strawberry

Conditionally hardy perennials

  • Some varieties of the feather pad
  • thyme

If you are not sure whether the cushion perennial you have chosen is hardy, seek advice from the garden trade. It's better to make the right choice right away, so you don't have to plant a new sod substitute every year.

The best planting time for hardy ground covers

Even plants that are normally hardy can only survive sub-zero temperatures if they have had enough time to grow properly.

The best planting time is therefore late summer. At this time, weeds germinate much more slowly, giving the plants room to spread. Sufficient roots have formed by winter.

The soil should be well prepared before planting. Carefully pull out root weeds such as goutweed, couch grass and field horsetail and also remove as many root pieces as possible. Then next spring you will have less work to do with the replacement turf. If the cushions have grown densely, even the stubborn root weeds can no longer penetrate the replacement lawn.

Is winter protection advisable?

Winter protection is not necessary for really hardy perennials. It would even be more harmful because moisture accumulates under a dense cover and causes the lawn replacement to rot. A light winter protection can only be useful for fresh plantings to protect the young plants from severe frost.

Plants that are conditionally hardy should only be planted in a sheltered spot where the temperatures don't drop too much.

If winter protection is unavoidable, brushwood or fir branches are recommended. A blanket made from these branches is kind of breathable. The plants get enough air underneath and the moisture cannot accumulate as much.

tips and tricks

Ivy can be planted as a lawn substitute in very shady places. The creeping plant does not need sun and quickly spreads over the garden soil. Ivy survives very cold winters well.

Category:

Garden design