Flowering plants like salvia are great candidates. More Than 84 Million Americans Expected to Travel for the Holidays, Look for the Rare 'Christmas Star' in the Night Sky on Monday, Dec. 21, Covid-19 Vaccine Arrives in Sarasota-Manatee, Healthcare Foundation Awards More Than $1.5 Million in Grants, Hospital Foundation Adds Two New Board Members, Behavioral Health Response Team to Work With Police Departments, Medical Center Works to Promote Organ, Eye and Tissue Donations, Clinician Honored With 'Behavioral Health Pandemic Hero Award', Ringling Museum Offering Special Elopement Ceremonies to Couples, St. Petersburg Couple Marries With an Actual Bear as Their Ring Bearer, Bow Wow Vows: Six Local Couples Tie the Knot Alongside Their Pets, The Wandering Whale Offers a Boutique Bar Experience on Wheels, While Some Entrepreneurs Struggle to Find Their Niche, Elizabeth Turk Just Followed Her Heart. I have grass in the front yard (north) and do not want any in my backyard (south). Tips for Saving Money. Alternatives To Grass In Your Backyard: TOP Lawn Replacement Options. Dwarf cinquefoil can take more foot traffic than the other lawn alternatives I’ve planted, but it still can’t handle any soccer games. “The practice originated in the American Southwest, but it’s not limited to arid landscapes. Patio. Container plantings spice up a grand landscape with accents of color and beauty. Lily Turf prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. And for those who don’t mind a little sand between their toes, sand paths, or entire sand yards with paver paths, are porous, eco-friendly and replicate our original coastal environment. 4. “That means conserving water by using efficient arrangements of native, drought-resistant plants,” he says. Ceramic pots filled with yellow creeping Jenny, blue spiderwort and variegated grasses. You’re not using water, and your fertilizers aren’t running off in the ground water.”, Wooster adds that cleanup is easy. Alternatives to grass: 11 no-mow ideas for your garden 1. As a landscape architect at ArtisTree, he’s a fan of hardy, low-maintenance grass alternatives. The amount of traffic the lawn receives will help determine the type of material best suited for your home. Polypropylene, while less costly, does not have the durability or resilience of the other two. Blink, and the weeds have taken over. Perennial meadows blossom from year to year and annual meadows produce once per year. During the late winter or early spring months, Lily Turf can be sheared or mowed, which strengthens the plant for new growth and is a nice alternative to a traditional lawn. Taller flowers and shrubs can be used, as well, as a backdrop to the shorter plants. Natural stone pavers like travertine and Philippine sandstone are good hardscaping materials. To put down artificial grass on a 500-square-foot yard is $6,250 but only $185 for natural sod. For yards that are heavily shaded, moss is both practical—needs no mowing—and provides aesthetic value. But here we’re talking about ground covers and alternatives to this grass, not a bunch of fiddle and banjo players jamming in your backyard. There are two types: perennial and annual. Ah, the Great American Lawn. If your yard is in a shade or you have parts of it that are shaded, moss is a great option for you. 5 Top Alternatives to Grass for Backyards 1. “I’m fond of a concept called ‘show and flow,’” he says. Your mental picture probably summons up a perfect lush, green carpet. Flower beds, built-in planters and alongside sidewalks are a few suggestions when laying out a landscaping plan. Plus: Add a low-maintenance water feature to your yard, too! Done right, they can also be beautiful. Visit debbibenedict.com. It thrives in USDA Zones 6-10. And for those who don’t mind a little sand between their toes, sand paths, or entire sand yards with paver paths, are porous, eco-friendly and replicate our original coastal environment. The yard demonstrates the use of hardy, Florida-natives and intelligent water conservation. Photography by We offer a regional application of xeriscaping principles. Are Snowbirds Flocking to Florida This Year? Not surprising that alternatives to grass in backyard are pressing with supposed modern-day design, most of the moment breaking standard ideas’ splendor to create something simple as well … We'll show you how to build a low-maintenance water feature in your backyard. The … In Florida, a turf grass lawn is under constant siege. Flowering plants such as the pretty Cape Daisy, which comes in a variety of colors, and blue daze and trailing lantana are other colorful container candidates. Pretend like you’re at the beach every day with a homemade sandpit in your backyard. More Sustainable (and Beautiful) Alternatives to a Grass Lawn Manicured turf grass lawns cover up to 50 million acres of land in America. By Su Byron and Marty Fugate 10/1/2019 at 1:11pm … White Dwarf Clover. The 3 Best Grass Alternatives for Shady Areas. For example, in this backyard, the lawn … If we can grow it, so can you.”. Everett Dennison, 1255 N. Gulfstream Avenue, Suite 101, Sarasota, FL 34236, “High porosity pavers are great in heavily trafficked areas; water can go back in the soil instead of washing out,” says Robert Davie of. This is a good alternative to lawn after children move away or where water conservation is … Use fluid materials such as gravel. For pathways throughout the yard, use one of the suggestions in this slideshow such as mulch, rocks or gravel to cover the area. To create her garden, Benedict got rid of most of the grass and instead has two feet of mulch on top of the soil with shell paths running through the property. “Our region has a wide range of variables, from soil to salinity to alkalinity to available sunlight. Switching to one of these four lawn alternatives will give you landscaping that’s greener and stands out from your neighbors’ properties. “Grass is a great filter, and it makes for a beautiful lawn with proper care. Alternatives to grass? “You’d be surprised how much you can grow in a 12-foot-by-12-foot area,” Gilkey says. North American backyards have one main point in common – Kentucky blue grass. Area experts share four creative alternatives to traditional grass landscaping. An increasingly popular option, a meadow can be created by simply allowing existing lawn grass to grow... 2. Trees: Persian lime, Myers lemon, ice cream bean, peanut butter fruit, wax jambu, strawberry and black sapote. There are a lot of options for grass alternatives to choose from aside from grass when it comes to your lawn. We're not talking about the clover that's taking over your lawn, we're talking about a larger flowering variety that is far more at home in your garden. Want to see this slice of paradise up close? And don’t forget that herbs and edibles flourish in containers: parsley, thyme, cilantro and Everglades tomatoes provide greenery and groceries. You can plant an all-clover lawn with Dutch white clover, or use microclover for a low-growing green carpet. Wildflower Meadow. Wooster adds that artificial turf is also good for ears and air. Hello-I have a tiny foursquare house on an oversized lot. “Food for myself, the birds, bees and butterflies and, most importantly, for my soul.”. Moss. The traditional green grass we use to cover our front and back yards has many disadvantages and quite honestly, very little benefit. You can also replace grass with Florida native plants sunshine mimosa, perennial peanut and beach sunflower. Seriously, you could plant your Creeping Charlie bed and never … “Shell Lock has a fantastic line of shell-embedded pavers, perfect for courtyards and paths near beach homes and the new generation of modernist architecture.”, Davie also likes the flexibility of pavers. Some such as stonecrops are perfectly happy on dry stony slopes that would defeat any grass; some, like the mosses, actually prefer the damp shade under trees where grass … Ferns spread out beautifully, and foxtail ferns thrive in sun or shadow. 250 Sand is inexpensive, self-compacting (so it doesn’t wash away) and allows for perfect drainage. Some of them are ornamental grasses, groundcovers, clovers, or creeping … Pretend like you’re at the beach every day with a homemade sandpit in your backyard. Buffalo grass is now marketed in places like Southern California as a low-water, drought-tolerant grass. There are two words that often don’t go together in the Texas commercial landscape: lawn and shade. This combination adds a touch of interest and beauty to the landscape while reducing soil erosion and the amount of time needed for maintaining a grassy lawn. Just keep grass to a minimum. But here we’re talking about ground covers and alternatives to this grass, not a bunch of fiddle and banjo players jamming in your backyard.. 3. Switching to one of these four lawn alternatives will give you landscaping that’s greener and stands out from your neighbors’ properties. In a small lot, they can be the whole show. A lush, healthy lawn is visually appealing, welcoming, and can add to the value of a home or business. Which is more eco-friendly in Florida? It’s a great natural outdoor experience for kids of all ages and will keep them busy for hours at a time. She installed a drip irrigation system to keep everything watered. Debbi Benedict has a green thumb, and her yard is proof. Just removing the lawn isn’t enough to turn your backyard into a showplace. “Eliminating lawn mowers cuts down on noise and air pollution,” he says. The second lesson? 5. Steve Nielsen, a landscape designer and president of Critter Ridge Landscaping Company, says we shouldn’t demonize turf grass, which is a porous groundcover that helps to cool the environment and is good for some beneficial insects, too. If you have a shady backyard, a full-sun front yard might present the perfect growing conditions. Her quarter-acre yard flourishes with more than 100 fruit trees, shrubs and vines, and a countless variety of native flowering plants. You don’t have to get rid of all of your lawn to greatly reduce the impact of your yard. Three types to consider include nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene. Visions of flowers blooming and gently bending in the breeze evokes an atmosphere of peace and serenity. Moss grows very well with other perennials that thrive in the shade such as hostas, trilliums and ferns. You need to think about how you want to use the space and build the landscape around your family’s needs. An eco-friendly path of made of local 250 Sand. While you may have to protect it from hungry creatures, bees will love it. Shop smart, and these alternatives could be far cheaper than your current lawn care arrangement. Muhly grass and other Florida-native grasses are quite beautiful.”. A patio provides you and your … A strategically placed spigot near a doorway or natural fiber doormats will do the trick. People tend to overkill when it comes to water, fertilizer and chemicals. Gilkey uses succulents such as kalanchoes, aloes, cacti and other desert flora that combine good looks with low maintenance since they’re drought-resistant. It’s great to have a place for kids to play and families to gather, but it doesn’t have to be only grass. If you come here, you can see for yourself. “There’s no single Florida climate,” Lak explains. It is a cover-like mat of stems and leaves, which absorbs nutrients and water. It is the best low-maintenance alternative to grass. Someone in New England will have a different choice than someone in the Southwest. Pat Williams oversees the program. These plants thrive in sandy soil where grass barely survives. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. This scene can be yours with a colorful garden meadow. Alternatives to Grass for Play Area Sand Pit. Lawn & Garden; Goodbye Grass: 13 Inspiring Ideas for a "No Mow" Backyard Americans love our lawns but let's face it: Creating a perfectly manicured yard is time-consuming. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). Tips for Saving Money. Wildflowers are available as a mixture of assorted seeds or as individual plants. Synthetic grass, also known as artificial grass or turf, is viable as an alternative to grass lawns. Sarasota Magazine. In my 1,000-square-foot backyard, I planted golden carpet sedum ( Sedum acre , Zones 3–8, top left photo, facing page), a creeping variety that is only 4 inches tall. Sep 23, 2018 - Explore Ann Charlton's board "Grass alternative" on Pinterest. And by all means copy us. 10/1/2019 at 1:11pm Plus: Check out these amazing desert landscaping ideas. Small trees like the lady palm can also thrive in large pots and provide variety in height. The trick is planting a groundcover that will thrive in your yard. Dog Friendly Landscaping Without Grass. Benhaven Farm will have its first open house on Nov. 1 and 2. For nonflowering foliage try the spiky-looking devil’s backbone or the Persian shield with its iridescent purple leaves. Remember that fruit trees take up to five years or more to grow large enough to produce a decent crop. You can buy buffalo grass as seed or in plugs by special order at many local nurseries. For. 1. Artificial Grass. A groundcover that thrives on the barrier islands might shrivel east of I-75. In a drought, just hose it down and you’re good to go.”. Just removing the lawn isn’t enough to turn your backyard into a showplace. Irrigating with precious water and applying those chemicals are not only hard work; they’re hard on the environment. This means that you do not have... 2. Generally, the types of plants used range in various heights of around 1 ft., or less. “If the problem’s under concrete, you have to rip it out, and that’s a pain. No Mowing, Fertilizing, or Watering – Creeping Charlie provides a truly hands-off alternative to persnickety turf grass. Backyard landscaping ideas needed. Benhaven Farm will have its first open house on Nov. 1 and 2. It’s a great natural outdoor experience for kids of all ages and will keep them busy for hours at a time. Switching out some of your lawn to the grass alternatives below can minimize its impact, as can watering wisely, skipping the fertilizer, and mowing less often. She calls it “Benhaven Farm.” “It’s my edible landscape,” she says. Clinton Lak prefers groundcover. Published in the October 2019 issue of But turning that cultural status symbol into reality means an endless cycle of mowing, weeding, regular watering, and heavy doses of fertilizer and pesticides. For beginners, she recommends starting with mulberry, papaya, carambola, Barbados cherry and mango. But there’s a sustainable model that works for you. It comes in so many different colours and textures so you can design it all according to your taste. Turf tends to be happier when it can get some sunlight versus being stuck in the shadows of shade. If your yard is in a shade or you have parts of it that are shaded, moss is a great option for you. There are lots of different alternatives to grass in backyard areas. You can find a trove of information on the UF/IFAS Master Gardener program website. Planting is recommended in mid-spring or early autumn in sunny areas. To put down artificial grass on a 500-square-foot yard is $6,250 but only $185 for natural sod. But turf is OK, if it’s used in a responsible way. (For the most part, you need six to eight hours of sun a day for crops like tomatoes, … eastx. Su Byron and Marty Fugate Then you surround it with another plant that cascades around the rim. “High porosity pavers are great in heavily trafficked areas; water can go back in the soil instead of washing out,” says Robert Davie of Robert Davie & Associates Landscape Design. Lak says ferns and flowering plants make good groundcover. Sarasota County ’ s a great filter, and her yard is in a shade or you have of. Under concrete, you could plant your creeping Charlie bed and never … to. An issue with tree roots or buried utilities, ” she says, ” he says out! 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