Lawn Alternatives for the Pacific Northwest
Introduction
If you live in the rainy Pacific Northwest, you know that maintaining a lush, green lawn can be a challenge. The climate is simply not conducive to traditional grass lawns, which require a lot of water, fertilizer, and mowing. But don’t despair! There are many beautiful and low-maintenance lawn alternatives that are perfect for our region.
Clover
Clover is a great choice for a low-maintenance lawn in the Pacific Northwest. It’s drought-tolerant, requires very little fertilizer, and it actually helps to improve the soil by fixing nitrogen. Clover also attracts beneficial pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. If you’re concerned about bees, consider planting microclovers, which have smaller leaves and no flowers.
Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme is another popular choice for sunny lawns in the Pacific Northwest. It forms a dense, fragrant carpet of tiny leaves and produces lovely white flowers in late spring and early summer. Creeping thyme is very hardy and can tolerate poor soil and drought conditions. However, it does not do well in full shade or soggy, wet conditions.
Moss
Mosses, such as Irish and Scotch moss, are natural lawn alternatives that thrive in cool, shady areas. They create a lush, green carpet that is very low-maintenance. Mosses do not require mowing, watering, or fertilizing. However, they do not tolerate intense afternoon sun.
Wildflowers
Wildflower lawns are a great way to add color and variety to your yard. They require virtually no care once established, even in the region’s relatively dry summers. Seed companies offer a huge variety of wildflower mixes, so you can choose one that is perfect for your climate and soil conditions.
Ornamental Strawberries
Ornamental strawberries produce shiny leaves and small pink or white flowers followed by ornamental (non-edible) strawberries. This tough little plant grows nearly anywhere, but it might not be the best choice for moist, shady areas. Ornamental strawberries can be slightly invasive, but the runners are easy to pull.
Creeping Wire Vine
Creeping wire vine is a low-growing plant that forms a dense mat of wiry stems covered with tiny, round leaves. It tolerates poor soil and drought conditions as long as the soil is well-drained. Creeping wire vine is not the best choice for large lawns, but it works well in small spaces, along borders, or on difficult slopes.
Choosing the Right Lawn Alternative
When choosing a lawn alternative, it’s important to consider your climate, soil conditions, and the amount of time and effort you’re willing to put into maintenance. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option that is drought-tolerant and attracts beneficial pollinators, clover is a great choice. If you have a sunny lawn, creeping thyme is a good option. And if you have a shady lawn, moss is a great choice.
Planting and Care
Once you’ve chosen a lawn alternative, it’s important to plant and care for it properly. Most lawn alternatives can be planted in the spring or fall. Be sure to follow the planting instructions for your specific plant.
Water your lawn alternative regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Once established, most lawn alternatives will only need to be watered during periods of drought.
Fertilize your lawn alternative according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most lawn alternatives do not require a lot of fertilizer, but a light application in the spring and fall can help to keep them healthy and vigorous.
Mowing is not necessary for most lawn alternatives. However, you may want to mow your lawn alternative once or twice a year to keep it looking neat and tidy.
Conclusion
With so many beautiful and low-maintenance lawn alternatives to choose from, there’s no reason to settle for a traditional grass lawn that requires a lot of time and effort to maintain. By choosing the right lawn alternative for your climate and needs, you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn that is also good for the environment.
