Lawn alternatives (shade)

Grenage

Our long garden is split into three 'lawn' areas; we started with grass and it looked great for a year but gradually declined.  We don't walk on it often so it doesn't need to withstand much traffic.

Last year I killed the lawn and planted creeping thyme on the main lawn, and 'mind your own business' for the second.  The former lookes amazing, the latter is getting there but I only planted a few to see how it would survive in the shade.

The third lawn area gets very little sun; it's home to moss and whatever weeds happen to germinate.  Has anyone got any suggestions for a low-crowing, shade-loving plant?  There plenty of blogs out there giving suggestions but I'd prefer the advice to be more... empirical.

twopenny

I can't give help for your actual question but I put Mind Your Own Business (well it planted itself to start with) under conifer trees and it worked a treat. Looks good, fine to walk and sit on. Looks a bit odd when mowed (though that's easy) but perked up in 24hrs. So bonus there as it takes little maintenance.

Just a thought. If it's moss what about a moss garden like the Japanese?

There's loads of examples on Images, I remember Monty Don in Japan and how lovely the moss looks when woven around trees and rocks.

Grenage

Hi twopenny,

Then it might be worth a shot in the shade.  Unfortunately the moss only thrives in winter; it dies off once the weather warms up and it gets minor sun coverage.

It could possibly be cultivated and watered regularly but I'd rather something a bit lower maintenance.

Jeepers_Creepers

I'm going to watch this thread with interest...

ka7e

I  have inherited a "lawn" that is predominantly clover and (at this time of year) selfheal. Clover is very robust, stays green in dry spells and is great for bees. I gave a third of my grass over to No-Mow-May and it has become Just Leave It June! I've had meadow buttercups (very tall), Field Sorrel and Blue Flax appear. You can remove all the grass and sow wildflower seed mix, which when established, only needs cutting in late summer when all the seeds have set for the next year's display.