What To Do When Your Lawn Care Program Fails

You know, despite our best attempts, there are some parts of your garden where lawns just won’t grow. Perhaps it’s too shady, it has to compete with tree roots or it could be too wet; or it may be a combination of all three. The reality is, although hardy and able to grow in most areas, some conditions beat even the toughest of grasses. This is when it’s time for a rethink.

As gardeners and home owners, we have to some extent been brain-washed into having lush green lawns. It’s an English tradition that has been incorporated into our lives, even though the climate is not always conducive. The key is finding what will grow in that difficult spot. Ground covers don’t have to be grass. There are hundreds of different ground covers that can be used, and many of these will grow quite happily in areas where grass struggles.

The other area that needs serious thought is on slopes, especially steep embankment type slopes. The grass may look great, but it can be a nightmare to mow. Again, finding an alternative ground cover could make better sense, and perhaps even look better than grass.

Many of these ground covers can be grown from seed and, where possible, this is preferable to buying established plants or seedlings. Sowing seed allows a plant to start life in place. If it survives it will last for years. Established plants can be expensive and often need to be acclimatized to ensure success – and even then, there is no guarantee. The same can be said for seedlings.

For that area where grass doesn’t want to grow, let me make a suggestion. Either select a ground cover and mass plant, or find a combination of ground covers, all of which can be grown from seed. Use a seeding tool to perforate the soil and freely cast your seed. Follow watering directions for those seeds, however, if too much water is one of the problems, then don’t water. Leave the old lawn in place, it will soon be taken over by the new ground cover.

Ground covers look great in areas where grass is not really suitable. They come in a wide range of textures, colors and sizes and, when grown from seed, are well suited to their environment. You don’t have to have lawn everywhere – ground covers often do a far better job.