10 Alternatives to a Garden Lawn – to Reduce Maintenance and Water Use
16 August 2023
We cannot ignore changes in our climate and the impact this is having on the landscapes we live in - and the resources we have access to. People are keen to protect and enjoy their outside space, but busy lives mean doing so with minimal upkeep - and with minimal water consumption.
A question we’ve been asked recently is what alternatives to a garden lawn we recommend, to add diversity and interest to your outdoor space – but also to reduce water consumption and maintenance.
Here are our 10 creative alternatives you might want to consider to replace your lawn:
1. Wildflower Meadow
Plant a diverse mix of wildflowers that will attract pollinators and create a colourful, low-maintenance meadow area.
2. Rock Garden
Why not design an interesting rock garden with various types of rocks and stones, adding drought-resistant plants, such as cascading perennials and alpine plants?
3. Herb Garden
Unsurprisingly popular with cooks, you could cultivate a herb garden with a variety of culinary and medicinal herbs. It's both functional and visually appealing - and many herb flowers attract butterflies and bees, too!
4. Moss Garden
Depending on your situation, you could create a lush, green moss garden in shady areas. Once established, this will require minimal maintenance.
5. Ground Cover Plants
Hugely under-rated, ground-cover plants can provide a lush-looking ‘lawn’ that’s not a lawn! Good low-growing ground cover plants include creeping thyme, Irish moss, clover, ajuga, or stonecrop (sedum).
6. Permeable Pavers
If you need to create walkways and patio spaces but still want to be environmentally friendly, permeable pavers allow rainwater to seep into the ground rather than running off.
7. A courtyard-style garden
If your garden is not too large, lots of beautiful plants set around a central paved or deck living area can create a tranquil retreat and attract wildlife, whilst not being time-consuming to look after.
8. Mulch or Gravel
Using organic mulch or decorative gravel to cover areas where grass would typically grow, can add texture and contrast to your garden, especially if arranged with some grasses or drifts of flowering plants.
9. Vegetable Garden Beds
Another good one for the cooks out there, you could convert your lawn into raised beds for growing vegetables, herbs, and fruits. It's a practical and productive use of the space – and if you enjoy gardening and get your timing right, it could yield food for most of the year!
10. Water Features
You could consider incorporating ponds, waterfalls, or fountains into your garden design. Most water features tend to recycle any water they use, they can create a tranquil atmosphere and attract wildlife.
Each alternative has its own set of requirements and benefits, so your decision will likely come down to what best suits your climate, situation, available space, and personal preferences. You could also consider combining multiple alternatives to create a truly diverse and visually engaging landscape!
Whether you have a vision for your dream garden or landscape, or not, our team of skilled designers and landscapers work with you to bring your garden to life.
Book a call with us to discuss your vision, or if you’re not ready yet, take a look through some of our garden creations.
