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For years, a lush green lawn has been seen as the hallmark of a well-maintained garden. But keeping grass healthy can take a lot of time, water, and money, so it’s no surprise that many gardeners are looking for easier, more sustainable alternatives.
Replacing grass with ground cover plants is an innovative solution. These low-growing plants can reduce the need for watering, limit herbicide use, and attract beneficial insects to your garden.
If you have a patch of lawn that struggles to grow or always seems to need attention, consider swapping it out for one of these attractive and low-maintenance ground covers instead.
Creeping Mazus (Mazus reptans)
Creeping mazes are fast-growing ground covers that produce tiny purple or white flowers on a bed of lush green foliage. They’re an excellent choice for areas that receive moderate foot traffic, particularly in full sun or partial shade.
Plant creeping mazes in the spring or fall, spacing plants 6-12 inches apart. Water regularly during dry periods and prune any unwanted growth.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping thyme is an excellent alternative to grass, forming a dense mat of lush green foliage that produces tiny, fragrant flowers all summer long. It tolerates drought and a high level of foot traffic and rarely needs mowing. This grass alternative is best suited to areas that have hot, dry summers.
To establish creeping thyme, plant young plugs spaced 6-12 inches apart in the spring or early fall. Mulch around the plants to suppress weeds and water regularly until the plants are well-established.
Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
Irish moss is the perfect grass alternative for shady, moist areas. It forms a dense mossy carpet of tiny leaves and small white flowers. It stays green all year round and readily roots into gaps between stones and rocks.
Plant Irish moss in early spring or fall, spacing the plugs about 6 inches apart. Water regularly until well established, particularly during dry spells.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny is a great option if you want a grass replacement in a hurry. It grows rapidly and quickly fills large areas. Once established, Creeping Jenny needs very little maintenance, apart from pruning to control its spread.
Space creeping Jenny seedlings 12-18 inches apart, watering regularly until well established. Mulch around the plants to control weeds and improve water retention.
Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)
Blue star creeper is the ideal ground cover for areas under trees or in dappled shade. Once established, it can handle foot traffic well and requires minimal maintenance. The tiny star-shaped blue flowers are beautiful in spring.
To establish blue star creeper, plant young plugs about 6 inches apart in the spring or fall. This plant spreads rapidly but can be contained within the intended area with landscaping fabric.
Sedum (Sedum spp.)
There are many varieties of sedums, including low-growing cultivars that spread rapidly to cover bare ground. Sedums are perfect for dry, sunny areas where other plants might struggle.
These drought-tolerant plants are very easy to grow from cuttings and require very little water once established.
Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Bugleweed is a fast-growing ground cover with attractive green, bronze, and purple foliage. It suppresses weeds and spreads rapidly, particularly in partial to full shade.
Plant bugleweed in the spring or fall, spacing the plants 8-12 inches apart. Removing unwanted runners can control excessive growth.
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet woodruff is an excellent choice for woodland gardens and shaded areas. The green-whorled leaves and delicate white flowers create a dense carpet that requires very little maintenance.
Plant sweet woodruff in the spring or fall, spacing plugs 12 inches apart. This plant spreads rapidly, filling in gaps and covering the soil.
Clover (Trifolium repens)
Clover makes an excellent grass replacement, improves soil fertility, and attracts beneficial insects. It is one of the best ground cover plants for high-traffic areas and can withstand regular mowing.
Clover is best grown from seed in the early spring or fall. First, prepare the soil to create a fine tilth. Water regularly until the seeds germinate and during dry spells.
Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Periwinkle, or creeping myrtle, forms a dense mat of glossy green leaves and blue or purple flowers. It is established quickly in shady areas and requires little maintenance.
To grow a periwinkle lawn, plant young plugs about 12 inches apart in spring or fall. Water regularly and prune the outer edges to control the lawn’s spread.
Lamium (Lamium maculatum)
Lamium, or dead nettle, is an attractive ground cover with variegated leaves and small pink, purple, or white flower clusters. It’s an excellent option for shady areas, adding texture and color to your garden while suppressing weeds.
Plant Lamium in the spring or fall, spacing the plants 12 inches apart. Keep the soil moist during the establishment phase, after which the plant will tolerate drought well.
Brass Buttons (Leptinella squalida)
Brass buttons create a delicate carpet of fern-like foliage with small, button-shaped yellow flowers. This hardy plant is an excellent alternative to traditional lawns in cooler climates.
Brass buttons should be grown in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil, spacing plug plants 6 inches apart.
Silver falls (Dichondra repens)
The small, kidney-shaped leaves of silver falls create a soft, green carpet that can withstand light foot traffic. It prefers full sun or partial shade and gives the appearance of a lawn without the need for frequent mowing.
Silver falls can be grown from seed or small plugs and need consistent moisture until well-established. It can tolerate most soil conditions and happily trails over rocky or uneven ground.
Kate Chalmers
Kate is a passionate gardener who has a keen interest in all things related to homesteading and sustainability. She resides in Portugal with her husband and menagerie of animals and has over 15 years of experience in the UK veterinary industry. In 2020, Kate and her husband took on a dilapidated Portuguese house and abandoned olive grove, turning it into an abundant food forest and home for nature.
Life on the homestead is never the same from one day to the next, and Kate has mastered many skills that she is keen to pass on to anyone with an interest in becoming more self-sufficient. Kate believes that living a sustainable lifestyle is the key to happiness and fulfillment and that everyone can make simple changes that connect us back to nature and reduce our impact on the planet.
