In a previous article, we discussed the drawbacks of turf grass (PlantingSeeds). In this feature, we explore sustainable alternatives to traditional lawns.
Maintaining a traditional grass lawn involves regular work and raises significant environmental issues. To achieve a particular aesthetic look, grass lawns require regular upkeep: mowing, fertilising, and consistent watering. This maintenance not only consumes time and resources, it contributes to pollution from lawn equipment, excessive water use, and chemical runoff from fertilisers.
Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides), the grass most commonly found in Australian lawns, originates from Europe and North America. It is popular because of its high shade tolerance, low maintenance, and ability to withstand wear, especially in warm seasons (Common Grass Types in Australia).
Native Ground Covers
As with many sustainable solutions, sourcing locally is key. Native Australian ground covers can create beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes that benefit local wildlife, reduce water use, and support biodiversity, offering a greener and more eco-friendly alternative to buffalo grass.
Native violets
Photo: Australian Plants Online
Native violets (Viola hederacea) are a great ground cover option for shaded areas. They thrive in well-drained soils and tolerate frost (Plant Native). Blooming year-round, this fast-growing, delicate species features round leaves and purple-and-white flowers. Native violets spread via underground runners, making them ideal as a lawn substitute for low-traffic areas.
These hardy plants are adaptable and capable of growing in various soil types like clay and sandy loam (Gardening with Angus). Native violets thrive in subtropical, warm, and cool temperate climates, making them versatile. While they prefer moist, organic-rich soil, they can tolerate tougher conditions and may re-sprout after harsh weather due to their underground runners. Native violet flowers can also be used as a garnish, adding both an edible and aesthetic touch to any garden.
Dichondra
Photo: Wikipedia
Commonly known as “Kidney Weed” due to kidney-shaped leaves, Dichondra (Dichondra repens) makes a hardy ground cover for shady, low-traffic areas of your yard (The Plant Hub). This creeping perennial herb thrives in light to heavy shade, is resilient, and is capable of withstanding foot traffic without being easily damaged. Its small, round green leaves add a charming and natural look.
Dichondra holds the advantage of being low maintenance. It flowers throughout the year, with the most blooms appearing from spring to summer (Planet Net). The plant produces small white flowers and roots at its nodes, which helps it spread and cover the ground effectively. Dichondra is ideal for yards with loamy soils that are free-draining but can retain some moisture. This plant does not perform well in hot, full-sun positions, and is suitable for areas that receive partial to heavy shade. Additionally, it grows well alongside other native Australian plants, allowing for complementary ground covers that thrive together in similar conditions.
Trailing Pratia
Photo: Plantmark
Trailing pratia (Pratia puberula) is an Australian native ground cover that offers both beauty and functionality. This evergreen plant forms a dense mat, making it an effective weed suppressant and providing valuable erosion control. Its running, mat-forming habit allows it to spread quickly, filling in gaps and creating a lush, low-maintenance landscape solution.
From late spring through autumn, trailing pratia produces five-petaled, star-shaped blooms that range in colour from mid-blue to purple or white. It is important to provide trailing pratia with a semi-shaded to shaded location, as the plant thrives best out of direct, harsh sunlight. It’s fairly adaptable to soil types, performing well in loam soils and tolerating various conditions. Once established, this ground cover requires minimal care, making it a popular choice for anyone seeking a low-maintenance solution that contributes to soil stability.
Creeping Boobialla
Photo: Wariapendi Native Nursery
Creeping boobialla (Myoporum parvifolium) is a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant that is ideal for those seeking a dense, weed-deterring alternative to traditional turf (Gardening with Angus). Its spreading habit creates a thick mat of foliage, which not only suppresses weeds but enhances the overall resilience of the lawn.
Creeping boobialla produces masses of star-shaped white or pink flowers during summer, with occasional blooming in spring and autumn. These flowers attract bees, nectar-eating birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. This plant thrives in full sun, making it suitable for bright, exposed areas. It is incredibly hardy, tolerating light frosts, drought, and a wide range of soil types, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. Creeping Boobialla is particularly well-suited to coastal lawns due to its tolerance of harsh conditions such as wind and salt exposure. The plant's ability to spread quickly makes it a useful option for erosion control on slopes or in areas that are difficult to maintain.
Cut-leaf daisy
Photo: Greenlink Box Hill
A great option for native wildflower ground coverings is the cut-leaf daisy (Brachyscome multifida). This perennial ground cover is well-suited as a lawn alternative due to its dense, mat-forming growth habit and ability to tolerate a variety of conditions (ANBG). It produces masses of small, daisy-like flowers, typically in shades of purple, blue, or white, providing year-round colour.
Cut-leaf daisies thrive in sunny or partly shaded areas, require minimal maintenance, and are drought-tolerant once established. Their ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies adds further ecological value, making them an ideal choice for native wildflower lawns. This species is adaptable to different soil types, including loam, sandy, and clay soils, and can withstand light foot traffic, making it perfect for low-maintenance lawns.
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Rethinking traditional lawns allows for the integration of low-maintenance, sustainable alternatives that enhance biodiversity. Native ground covers like native violets, dichondra, creeping boobialla, trailing pratia, and cut-leaf daisies are excellent options. These plants not only attract local wildlife such as bees and butterflies but also improve soil health, prevent erosion, and conserve water.
Using tube stock for native ground covers due to their ease of planting and cost-effectiveness is recommended (BHG). Adding native seeds alongside tube stock ensures even growth. For quicker results, larger 140 mm plants can be used, though they require more careful placement. High-quality native soil mix and native-specific fertiliser are essential for optimal growth.
By moving away from traditional lawns, homeowners and landscapers can create vibrant, resilient landscapes that thrive in Australia's diverse climate zones, contributing to a more sustainable and visually appealing outdoor environment.