Why Lawn Alternatives Are Taking Off In Australia
Have you ever looked at that big block of grass in your backyard and wondered what else you could do with the space? We get it, lawns are the default for most homes, but they take up a lot of room and require constant mowing and watering.
If you’re keen to switch up your yard and create something more interesting and low maintenance, this article is for you. We’ll explore some great alternatives to plain grass so you can transform your outdoor area into a gorgeous Aussie garden. From clover to native plants, patio spaces to veggie patches, we’ve got plenty of lawn alternatives and ideas to inspire you. So read on to discover new ways to ditch the lawn and design a functional, eco-friendly garden you’ll love spending time in.
The Downsides of Traditional Lawns in Australia
A standard grass lawn comes with some significant downsides, especially in Australia’s hot and dry climate. Traditional lawns require frequent watering, fertilising, mowing, and general upkeep to stay green. This demands a significant time commitment and can cost a small fortune.
Excessive water usage. Grass lawns typically need massive amounts of water to thrive, which isn’t ideal in a country known for droughts and water shortages. Lawns are known to consume up to 90% of the water used in an average Aussie garden. They also require the most regular upkeep, meaning they’re costing you time and money.
Poor for the environment. Fertilisers and pesticides often used on grass lawns can run off into waterways, contaminating rivers, streams, and lakes. Grass lawns also typically provide little habitat for native wildlife like birds, lizards, and insects.
High cost. When you add up the expenses of proper lawn care equipment, chemicals, fertilisers, pesticides, water, and the time required, the total cost of a traditional lawn can be substantial. The good news is that there are plenty of gorgeous, low-maintenance lawn alternatives for Aussie gardens. Your wallet, time and the planet will thank you.
Why Do We Even Care About Lawns?
During those particularly sunny months, when the lawn needs to be trimmed once per week, you may find yourself wondering, “Why do I even do this?” as you reach for the whipper snipper for the third time that month. A perfect lawn is part of the subconscious idea of the Australian lifestyle. When you become a homeowner, you’re probably thinking of a nice house, a BBQ, a shaded outdoor area, and a good stretch of manicured grass. But why is that?
The psychology of lawns dates back to the late Middle Ages when manicured lawns began to pop up as a symbol of wealth. French and English castles and manors used lawns as a show of status because maintaining an attractive patch of grass was expensive solely for aesthetic reasons.
As lawn maintenance became easier, more homes started to include lawns in their property layouts. What was once reserved for the wealthy became a status symbol for the middle class. Americans took this concept to a suburban level, establishing the American dream, which involved a big house, a big family, a white picket fence, and a tidy front lawn. With this context in mind, you can see why lawns became a part of our lives. A healthy, freshly mowed lawn was a signal to the neighbours of how well you were doing.
By the time Australian lawns became popular, there was already a long history of lawn culture. When it finally reached us, having a home with a lawn was simply the norm. Unlike American and UK homes, Australians likely wanted lawns because they had become the standard by then. Nowadays, people are acknowledging the historical reasons for lawns and deciding they might not be for them. Instead, they are finding ways to fill space on their properties that better suit their ideals and desires.
Best Lawn Substitutes and Alternatives for Aussie Gardens
Clover
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For a lush, low-maintenance lawn alternative to grass, consider clover. It’s soft, fixes nitrogen in the soil, and requires little mowing or watering. Clover comes in red, white and strawberry varieties that produce beautiful flowers. Once established, clover will spread to form a dense mat.
Moss
If you want a unique, velvety lawn alternative, moss is ideal. It forms a thick carpet with several varieties, from red star moss to cushion moss. Moss requires shade and moisture to thrive, so it’s perfect for woodland gardens or shady lawns. The best way to establish moss is through transplanting live moss or moss slurry. With the right conditions, moss requires no mowing or fertilising.
Sedum
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For colourful, low-maintenance lawn alternatives, try sedum or stonecrop. This succulent groundcover comes in varieties with pink, red or yellow flowers. Sedum forms a dense mat and requires full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, sedum needs little watering or mowing. It provides visual interest for most of the year and is a haven for bees and butterflies.
Native Grasses
For Australian-themed lawn alternatives, consider native grasses like kangaroo grass, weeping grass or wallaby grass. These clumping grasses provide texture and natural beauty with minimal upkeep. They require full sun, well-drained soil and occasional mowing or trimming. Native grasses attract native wildlife and provide an iconic Aussie look. Let native grasses grow into drifts for a meadowy, naturalistic effect.
With the right choice of clover, moss, sedum, native grasses or a combination, you can create a gorgeous, low-maintenance lawn alternative perfect for an Aussie garden. Your new green space will be the envy of the neighbourhood!
Designing a Low-Maintenance Garden Without Grass
A garden without grass requires thoughtful planning to ensure it’s both functional and visually appealing. When designing your space, focus on plants and hardscaping that minimise maintenance.
Choose hardscaping for high-traffic areas
Paths, patios and decking are ideal for areas where you’ll walk frequently. They provide solid footing and define spaces in your garden. For paths, consider gravel, pavers or stone. A paved or decked patio offers space for outdoor seating, dining and entertainment. These lawn alternatives aren’t a lawn substitute, rather another option to fill space so you can make the most of your yard.
Select easy-care plants
Choose plants that don’t require frequent pruning, weeding or watering. Some great options include succulents, shrubs, flowering perennials and dwarf fruit trees. Group plants with similar light and water needs together for easier care.
Add garden accents
Include garden accents like large pots, trellises, arbours and garden statues. These help create separate ‘rooms’ in your space and provide visual interest. Place pots along paths or in corners. Use trellises and arbours to support climbing plants. Statues, fountains and other decor highlight focal points in your garden.
Leave some open space
Don’t overplant your garden. Leave some open space, like a central lawn area or open patio. Open space allows your plants and hardscaping to shine and gives you room to add a table and chairs or other furniture. It also provides habitat for local wildlife like birds, lizards and insects.
With the right design and plant choices, you can have a gorgeous, low-maintenance garden without a single blade of grass. Focus on hardscaping, easy-care plants, garden accents and open space for a space you’ll love spending time in.
Functional Spaces to Include Instead of Lawn
Patio Area
Rather than devoting space in your yard to an unused lawn, consider creating a shaded deck or paved area. A patio provides a perfect spot for outdoor entertaining, dining, or relaxing on a nice day. Choose a shape and size that suits your needs and complements your home’s architecture. For a natural look, use stone or brick pavers. A gravel patio is also low-maintenance and budget-friendly. Include built-in seating, planters, lighting, and a fire pit or chiminea to make the space cozy and inviting. Permanent shade is a highly sought-after asset in most Aussie homes. Not only does a patio cover increase your property value, but it also helps make your backyard a more functional space.
Garden Beds
Replace all or part of your lawn with garden beds to grow flowers, herbs, vegetables or native plants. Creating garden beds is an easy DIY project. Simply mark off the area you want to convert, remove the grass and top layer of soil, then enrich the soil before planting. For an informal cottage look, opt for free-form, curved beds. Or choose a geometric shape like a circle, square or rectangle for a contemporary garden style.
Pathways
In addition to patios and garden beds, winding pathways are an attractive lawn alternative. Pathways guide visitors through your outdoor space and provide access to key areas. They also create visual interest with their meandering lines. For natural stone or gravel paths, simply remove grass, lay down landscape fabric, and fill the path area with your chosen material. More formal brick or tile paths require a sturdier compacted gravel and sand base.
Seating Areas
Create intimate seating areas in your yard for relaxing and enjoying the garden. A wooden bench placed under the shade of a tree, a bistro set on a paved area, or a pair of chairs surrounding a small side table are all perfect seating options for a lawn-less yard. Include a focal point like a fountain or bird bath and potted plants or flowers nearby to complete the look.
By incorporating a combination of these functional spaces into your yard, you can eliminate the need for an open expanse of lawn while creating an inviting, multi-use outdoor oasis. Your lawn-free yard will be the envy of all your neighbours!
Lawn Alternatives FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
Do lawn substitutes require any maintenance?
Lawn substitutes like clover, chamomile, thyme and moss typically require less maintenance than a traditional lawn. However, they still need some basic care to look their best. Most need occasional mowing, weeding, watering and fertilising, though usually at a lower frequency. Some may require an initial planting or overseeding. The key is to choose a lawn substitute suited to your local climate and the level of maintenance you want to provide.
Will lawn substitutes stand up to foot traffic?
Some lawn substitutes, like clover and chamomile, can tolerate moderate foot traffic, especially if kept mown to around 2-3 inches in height. However, they may show wear over time with heavy use. For areas expecting a lot of activity, consider more durable options like thyme, mint, sedum or dwarf mondo grass. Gravel, pavers, decking and mulch are also great hardscaping choices for high-traffic zones.
How long will it take lawn substitutes to establish?
The time for lawn substitutes to fully establish can vary depending on the plant, your climate and the season. Clover and chamomile, which grow from seed, can take 3 to 6 months to establish a dense mat. Plug plants or starter strips, like sedum and dwarf mondo grass, establish more quickly within a few months. The key is providing ideal conditions for your chosen lawn substitute, including proper soil preparation, adequate moisture and fertiliser. Once established, most lawn substitutes will spread over time to form an attractive ground cover.
Do I need to remove my existing lawn?
In most cases, it is best to remove an existing lawn before planting lawn substitutes. Sod and lawn grasses can compete with new plants for space, nutrients and moisture. For the best results, strip or kill the lawn, then rotate the soil and rake to prepare the seed or planting bed. Some lawn substitutes, such as clover and thyme, can be oversown into an existing lawn. Mow the lawn short, oversow the seed, and then keep the area moist as the new plants establish. The existing lawn will eventually thin out as the substitutes spread.
Conclusion
So there you have it – plenty of ideas for creating a stunning Aussie garden without the hassle of high-maintenance grass. Whether you opt for a mossy meadow, native wildflower patch or cleverly designed patio space, your yard can still be a gorgeous green oasis. Just make sure to choose plants suited to your climate and soil. With a bit of planning and elbow grease, you’ll be well on your way to a lush lawn-free landscape you can’t wait to enjoy. Ditch the mower and pick up a trowel – your new garden awaits!
If you want to make the most of your backyard, contact SEQ Patio Group to discuss building the perfect outdoor patio to complement your garden goals. We’ve been in the industry for over 10 years and have helped thousands of homes find the perfect patio.
