Chamomile Lawns: A Fragrant, Low-Maintenance Alternative
Introduction
Chamomile lawns offer a unique and charming alternative to traditional grass lawns, especially in areas with low foot traffic or limited access for mowing. With their fragrant foliage, delicate flowers, and medicinal properties, chamomile lawns provide a beautiful and practical addition to any landscape.
Choosing the Right Chamomile Variety
Two main varieties of chamomile are commonly used for lawns:
-
Chamaemelum nobile ‘Treneague’: This low-growing, non-flowering variety forms a dense mat of aromatic foliage, making it ideal for areas with light foot traffic.
-
Chamaemelum nobile ‘Dwarf’: This dwarf cultivar grows slightly taller and produces delicate white flowers, requiring more maintenance than ‘Treneague’ but offering a charming flowering display.
Planting a Chamomile Lawn
-
Soil Preparation: Chamomile lawns thrive in well-drained, sandy soil. Avoid planting in clay soil, which can become waterlogged in winter and dry out in summer.
-
Site Selection: Choose a sunny location with light foot traffic. Chamomile plants can tolerate some shade but may become patchy in heavily shaded areas.
-
Planting: Dig planting holes slightly larger than the root balls of the chamomile plants, spacing them 10-20cm apart. Place each plant in a hole and backfill with soil, gently firming around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.
Caring for a Chamomile Lawn
-
Watering: Water regularly in the first year, especially during dry periods. Once established, chamomile lawns are drought-tolerant and require less frequent watering.
-
Mowing: Chamomile lawns do not require regular mowing, but an occasional trim will keep them dense and compact. Use shears to trim straggly bits and deadhead flowering varieties.
-
Fertilizing: Chamomile lawns generally do not require fertilization, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring can promote healthy growth.
-
Weed Control: Keep weeds in check by hand-pulling or using a natural herbicide. Chamomile plants are susceptible to aphids, which can be controlled by natural predators such as ladybirds and hoverflies.
Propagating Chamomile Lawns
- Division: As chamomile plants mature, they form clumps that can be divided to create new plants. Simply dig up a clump and use a spade or bread knife to divide it into smaller pieces, ensuring each division has a good portion of roots. Replant the new divisions immediately.
Benefits of Chamomile Lawns
-
Fragrant: Chamomile lawns release a sweet, apple-like fragrance when walked on or crushed, creating a pleasant aroma in the air.
-
Medicinal Properties: Chamomile plants have medicinal properties and can be used to make teas and other herbal remedies.
-
Insect Repellent: Chamomile lawns naturally repel insects, making them a great choice for areas where pests are a concern.
-
Low-Maintenance: Chamomile lawns are low-maintenance and require less mowing, watering, and fertilizing than traditional grass lawns.
-
Evergreen: Chamomile lawns remain green year-round, even during periods of drought.
Long-Tail Keyword Optimization
-
How to create a chamomile lawn in a shady location: Chamomile plants can tolerate some shade, but it is important to choose a variety that is more shade-tolerant, such as Chamaemelum nobile ‘Dwarf’.
-
How to grow a chamomile lawn in a wet location: Avoid planting chamomile lawns in clay soil, which can become waterlogged. Raised beds or mounding the soil can help improve drainage in wet areas.
-
How to care for a chamomile lawn with heavy foot traffic: Chamomile lawns can tolerate light foot traffic, but heavy foot traffic can damage the plants. Consider adding stepping stones or limiting access to areas with heavy traffic.
-
How to propagate a chamomile lawn from seed: While Chamaemelum nobile ‘Treneague’ cannot be grown from seed, the species plant Chamaemelum nobile can be grown from seed. However, this variety grows taller and is not as suitable for lawns.
-
How to control pests and diseases on a chamomile lawn: Chamomile lawns are relatively pest- and disease-resistant, but they can be susceptible to aphids. Natural predators such as ladybirds and hoverflies can help control aphid infestations.
