Traditional grass lawns are starting to lose their appeal, and for good reason. Between constant mowing, watering, and fertilizing, maintaining a lush green lawn can feel like a full-time job. More homeowners are now turning to lawn alternatives that are easier to care for and better for the environment. By replacing turf with flowering ground covers like clover, alyssum, and chamomile, you can create a vibrant, pollinator-friendly landscape that practically takes care of itself.
Why Choose a Lawn Alternative
With rising gas prices and tariffs on fertilizer, the shift away from a traditional grass lawn is becoming more and more popular. Non-grass lawns, especially clover-based mixes, require significantly less water and maintenance. They also improve the soil through nitrogen fixation and improved root health. Flowering lawns support pollinators like bees and butterflies. Growing an alternative ground cover is eco-friendly, sustainable, and helps support biodiversity.
Some benefits of a non-grass lawn include:
- Water savings: Deep-rooted plants handle drought better
- No chemical fertilizers needed: Many species enrich soil naturally
- Less mowing: Some varieties only need cutting a few times a year or not at all
- Weed suppression: Dense growth crowds out unwanted plants
- Pollinator support: Flowers provide nectar and habitat for bees and butterflies
Flowering Lawn Plant Options
We recognize that more people want to plant something other than grass for their lawn, so we decided to create our Flowering Ground Cover Seed Collection. These plants were chosen for their resilience, seasonal blooms, strong ecosystem benefits, and seasonal beauty. Let’s meet the seed collection.
Dutch White Clover
White clover is the backbone of many lawn alternatives. It helps to improve soil fertility without the need for fertilizers and can use 40-60% less water than grass.
Benefits:
- Nitrogen-fixing (feeds the soil)
- Stays low-growing and soft underfoot
- Handles foot traffic well
- Drought-tolerant once established
Growing Basics:
- Prefers full sun to partial shade
- Germinates quickly
- Can be sown in the spring or fall
- Requires minimal to no mowing
Crimson Clover
Crimson clover provides the same soil benefits as white clover as well as adding bright red color and seasonal interest. Crimson clover is commonly used as a cover crop (planted in the fall and mown down in the spring to feed the soil).
Benefits:
- Striking red blooms
- Excellent pollinator plant
- Fast-growing cover crop
- Improves soil structure
Growing Basics:
- Best planted in spring or fall
- Prefers full sun
- Thrives in well-drained soil
Sweet Alyssum
Our seed collection contains two types of alyssum; Carpet of Snow (white), and Royal Carpet (purple) alyssum. The spreading nature of this low-growing blooming plant allows it to cover large areas and is great for filling gaps in your landscape. Alyssum’s fragrant flowers are favorites among pollinators.
Benefits:
- Produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers
- Attracts beneficial insects
- Helps create a dense, weed-suppressing mat
Growing Basics:
- Prefers full sun
- Quick to germinate
- Blooms early and often
- Tolerates a range of soils
Roman Chamomile
Chamomile lawns are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and attract pollinators making them a popular grass alternative. Roman chamomile is a low-growing, fragrant herb that can also be used for natural remedies.
Benefits:
- Pleasant apple-like scent when walked on
- Drought tolerant
- Pollinator friendly
- Adds a lush, meadow-like feel
Growing Basics:
- Prefers full sun
- Needs well-draining soil
- Best for low-traffic areas
- Perennial in many climates
Establishing Your Alternative Lawn
Creating an alternative lawn begins with some basic preparation. Start by clearing the area of existing grass and weeds, then lightly loosen the top layer of soil to create a good seed bed. This will help to ensure the good seed to soil contact necessary for germination. The best times to plant are in early spring or early fall, when temperatures are mild and moisture is more consistent. After sowing your seeds, keep the soil evenly moist until seedlings are well established which can take a few weeks. Don’t be discouraged if initial growth looks uneven. It takes time for ground cover species to fill in over time as they spread. Once established, the maintenance required is minimal, but occasional mowing can help keep the area tidy and encourage denser growth.
Switching to a flowering lawn alternative isn’t just a trendy landscaping decision, it’s a lifestyle upgrade! With less maintenance, fewer chemicals, and more beauty, these ground cover selections offer a smarter way to grow. Whether you’re looking to support pollinators, improve your soil, or simply spend less time mowing and more time enjoying your yard, a diverse mix of clover, sweet alyssum, and Roman chamomile can transform your outdoor space into something truly alive.
