What is a good ground cover to replace turf grass?
Panel Suggestions:
- Frog Fruit (phyla nodiflora) is a host plant to 3 butterflies and nectar to many pollinators. It can be mowed, and in traffic areas, it flattens when walked on. Several chapter members have significant areas with Frog Fruit. Will Frog Fruit take off and cover adjacent areas? Yes, it will creep out and over surrounding grass, but it can be edged or pulled or apply herbicide where you don’t want it.
- Sunshine mimosa (mimosa strigillosa) has deep roots.It can be confined with edging. It produces its own nitrogen.
- Non-natives include perennial peanut and Asiatic jasmine, and for shade, ajuga.
- Mass plantings of low-growing shrubs also serve as a ground cover.
