Low-mow turf alternatives
By Daniel Fuller
In medieval times, wealthy landholders showed off their incredible wealth and power by turning perfectly good land into ornamental lawns instead of valuable crops. This was an ostentatious way to show the populace that not only could they afford open spaces useful only for taking a stroll or throwing a ball, but they could also afford the luxury of keeping these spaces regularly mowed.
The practice of installing lawns continues in modern-day landscapes, where designers and gardeners create large spaces that they know will require mowing every 1-4 weeks. It’s no wonder that terms like ‘low-mow lawns’ have become normalised among specifiers and gardeners alike.
So, what makes a good lawn alternative? Well, it should never get too tall. It should respond well to slashing with a mower or brush cutter, and should tolerate moderate foot traffic. It should effectively cover the ground, help improve the soil, crowd out weeds, and most importantly, it needs to look as good as a lush, traditional green grass lawn.
A plant with strong roots and rhizomes is required for areas that receive light foot traffic. Dianella ‘DCNC3’ PBR Intended Trade Name Baby Breeze™ is tough enough to bounce back, even after being driven over occasionally. It never gets too tall, even if it hasn’t been mowed in several years. It is also attractive to native bees, which is an important factor for biodiversity.
Liriope muscari ‘LIRF’ PBR Trade Name Isabella® is another strappy plant that looks like grass, and with flowers that attract beneficial beetles. It’s able to grow in full sun to full shade, making it ideal for shady spots where grasses don’t flourish and for fence lines that get variable sunlight throughout the seasons. It can also take light foot traffic.
Chamaemelum nobile ‘MAC01’ PBR Trade Name Calm-o-mile™ is a true Roman chamomile plant that loves shady courtyards and is a boon for a range of pollinators. Unlike most chamomiles, this variety grows flat and is around 15cm tall when mature. Enjoy the aromatic flowers and foliage, and make tea from the clippings. It doesn’t mind being stepped on now and then, but it’s not for heavy or regular traffic.
If you’re looking for a lawn that only needs mowing once every year or two, it’s hard to go past the Australian Zoysia native hybrid ‘ZOY01’ PBR Trade Name Ozbreed Zen Grass®. It has a soft feel underfoot and is ideal for use around playgrounds and other areas where regular mowing can be difficult. This plant can take regular foot traffic, so it’s perfect for playing the occasional game of backyard cricket with the kids, but you wouldn’t specify it for a sports oval.
Nothing does grass like grass. Turf isn’t going away any time soon, but as consumers and landscape designers have more plant choices at their fingertips than ever before, it’s no wonder that time-consuming regular mowing is becoming less attractive. Wholesale and retail nurseries can help clients reduce their maintenance by offering turf alternatives that perform similar functions to lawn grasses without the demand for regular mowing.
Daniel Fuller & Ozbreed
M: 042 6169 708
E: horticulture@ozbreed.com.au