One of the hardest things to keep up with is your lawn. Every week it seems like you have to spread fertilizer, combat chinch bugs, or just watch some disease
eat holes in what was once lush green grass. To top it all off, lawns require a lot of water, which is becoming a precious resource in our area.
If you are tired of the fight, then consider replacing all or part of your lawn with beautiful groundcovers.
There are some great selections that can give you a lush, manicured look
with much less work. Most require less water and fertilizer and do not have
disease and insect problems the way that St. Augustine grass does. Below is a list of a few of our favorite options
for turning those ragged lawns into the most beautiful on the block.
1. Dwarf Jasmine
One of the most popular groundcovers, the dwarf jasmine
is an easy selection that can grow in sun or shade. It can be kept at a
height of 6 to 12 inches with a few prunes per year, and fills in quickly
to create a beautiful, lush area. The variety pictured is called 'Bronze
Beauty' and adds great color in addition to being low maintenance.
2. Beach Sunflower
This groundcover grows a little taller, up to 18 inches, but adds delightful yellow sunflowers to your yard. It is a drought tolerant
Florida native and loves sandy soil (it is native to beach areas). Plant in full sun, and watch it brighten up your entire garden.
3. Sunshine Mimosa
This is our Plant of the Week (see below), because it is so fantastic! Native, drought and heat tolerant and an attractor for butterflies, you can't go
wrong with this tough as nails plant. It's also called the sensitive plant, because the leaves react to your touch by folding up. Cool!
4. Ornamental Peanut
Another low groundcover, only growing 4 to 6 inches tall, this one can be mowed with your lawn mower, set on its highest setting. Ornamental peanut is
unique, because it actually produces its own fertilizer, keeping you in your hammock enjoying a cool drink, instead of doing yard work. It is best in sun
to part shade.
There are many other groundcover possibilities. For a few more ideas, check out our Replacing Grass handout. It lists a few more
options for keeping a stunning yard without all the work.
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