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Alternative Lawns!

© Eileen O'dea

As I was mowing my South lawn, it hit me. I love my Thyme lawn. The smell, as I mow it shorter, is unbelievable. So, as I usually do while riding my tractor, I thought about some alternative lawns.

Yes, there is nothing more pretty than a freshly mown green lawn. Or maybe there is. As I mentioned, my south lawn is actually Thyme, not grass. It looks great green, and shows off a purple glow when flowering. Not to mention the tasty trimmings, that makes their way to my kitchen.

I was lucky enough for it being established when I bought the house. However, it is easy to start a Thyme lawn, especially if you already have a few bare spots. Simply plant Thyme plants around your lawn. Water well while the roots start to take, and spread. It will spread very nicely. Start to mow the Thyme when it grows to four inches or so. Then mow normally after that. Treat it just as you would a grass lawn. Walk on it. Play on it. Or just walk through it, barefooted, and enjoy the aroma.

When you want to snip a bit, for the kitchen, do it in many small spots. You don't want to leave any bare spots. If you do go a bit over board and cut too much, don't worry. It will fill back in, in just weeks.

Another great lawn alternative is Creeping Heath. This wonderful evergreen never grows higher than 6 inches, and can be mown as the Thyme lawn. It's also great for a spot that is hard to get the mower into. It doesn't need to be mown. It can take frost and snow, and stay a beautiful green. Oh, and the flowers. The bright pink-purple blooms are quite showy. One Creeping Heath plant will easily spread 20 to 30 inches across the ground. That makes it inexpensive to start off your "lawn".

Irish Moss is another great, and beautiful alternative. It creates a lush green "lawn" with very low maintenance. Whether you plant it as natural stepping-stones, or a complete lawn, you will get a wonderful affect. The Moss stays green all year round. It grows only 2-4 inches. So your lawn mower can take a vacation. It will grow in full sun to shady areas.

For those out of the way areas

If you have a corner that just looks boring with plane grass, I have a solution for you. Pompas Grass! OK, this one is not for the faint of heart. It will take some internal fortitude to pull this one off. Grows from 8 to 10 feet tall. Just the thing for that ditch you just hate to tackle with the mower. Not only is this grass showy, it is also a favorite ornamental. Crafters love the fluffy seed head plumbs for drying, crafts and floral arranging.