| Pass on the Grass - An Alternative |
Page 1 of 2 (ARA) - A welcoming, lush and green lawn is something to be proud of, but the challenges of maintaining such a lawn can be tough for the greenest thumb. Where traditional grass fails in the landscape, using creeping perennials is an alternative that is both ornamental and functional. “Almost every homeowner has an area in the landscape where grass just won’t grow,” says Frances Hopkins, founder and CEO of Under A Foot Plant Company. “Creeping perennials provide the solution for these problem areas.” Creeping perennials should not be likened to common groundcovers, though it is easy to confuse the two. “The difference is definitive,” Hopkins says. “Groundcovers grow much larger at 12 to 24 inches and do not make for a pleasant walking surface. Creepers will grow only about 2 to 4 inches creating a pleasant, low visual plane typically associated with a lawn, plus they are sturdy enough to handle foot traffic.” Stepables, Hopkins’ line of more than 140 creeping perennial varieties, provide solutions for troublesome landscapes. “Creeping perennials have thousands of tiny, compact root nodes that firmly grasp the soil,” Hopkins says. “As often as you step on them with the soles of your feet, they will vigorously take root; the more they are walked on, the faster they will creep across the landscape space.” Plant Selection First, it’s important to decide how much you are going to use the planted area. “Foot traffic and function are among the most important considerations when selecting lawn replacement alternatives,” Hopkins says. This is why she has categorized Stepables into three usage groups -- for light, moderate and heavy foot traffic areas. Light foot traffic means someone will be walking on the creeping perennials one to two times per week; moderate is one to two times per day, and heavy is three or more times per day. When choosing plants, the denser a plant, the more traffic it will take. Therefore, a list of specific areas including expected levels of walking and strolling is a good, initial means to a successful change from grass to this type of planting. Curb appeal is another important consideration related to improving a home’s landscape and overall appearance. “Think about the elements of decor -- brick, slate, concrete, paint color, and color schemes,” Hopkins says. “Make plant choices that work well with the surroundings.” With these considerations in mind, the next step is choosing the right plants for the area’s environmental conditions. Hopkins says the No. 1 thing to look for is sun to shade ratio and where the light hits. Next, homeowners are able to find out their soil quality by taking a sample to a local garden center for analysis. Based on the results, garden center employees can help choose a soil amendment, which ideally should be something with excellent drainage. Correct drainage is described as allowing an appropriate amount of water absorption by the plant’s roots, while also permitting excess water to be drained away from the plant. |
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