alternatives for lawns · eco friendly · sustainable gardening · water wise ·

Alternatives for Lawns for Sustainable Gardening

Yes, large lush-green lawns are beautiful to look at, but generally, the traditional huge lawn is just not practical and logical anymore.

Why is an overly large lawn considered unsustainable? 

  • Regular lawn mowing is essential to keep it looking neat and healthy.

  • To maintain a vibrant, lush lawn, consistent fertilization is necessary.

  • Lawns are often criticized for contributing to pollution in our streams and rivers.

  • The pesticides and herbicides used on lawns can be harmful to both humans and animals.

  • Many types of lawns are water-intensive and require frequent watering to stay in top condition.

When you start to incorporate alternatives for these water-thirsty culprits, you will see that, even when you reduce the size of your lawn, you will be able to benefit the environment, while saving yourself time, energy and expense!

Luckily there are quite a few alternatives for lawns we can recommend:

1. Ground covers:

Drought-tolerant, evergreen ground covers such as Gazania, Aptenia, Delosperma, Portulacaria afra 'Prostrata', Sedum 'Angelina' and Plectranthus neochilus, are all excellent replacements for water-thirsty lawns. Place some steppingstones in between to be able to move through the area without stepping on your plants.

Some, like the Dymondia, will even be able to handle light traffic (once established) and don’t need to be cut at all!

 

2. Artificial lawn:

Made famous on sports fields, synthetic grass (or artificial lawn) is becoming an increasingly popular choice for the water-wise gardener.

Very little maintenance, an instant lush-green look all year round, and absolutely NO WATER required!

(Photo credit: Cape Garden friend: iGrass)

Cape Garden offers a range of artificial lawn options, each with different styles, textures, thicknesses, and prices. Available in 2m x 1m rolls, you can visit your nearest branch to see and select the option that suits your needs.

For added convenience, the iGrass showrooms and offices are located at Cape Garden's Joostenbergvlakte branch:

Tel: +27 21 988 4515
WhatsApp: 067 034 9159
Address: Cape Garden, 56 Tarentaal Road, Joostenbergvlakte 

3. Pavers (Stepping stones):

Who wouldn’t want to extend their home for extra entertainment space by incorporating a large area of pavers? Either put stones or a low-growing, drought-tolerant ground cover in between the pavers, place a table and chairs and get ready to party!

Or create a wide paver pathway directly around your house – not only will it be practical to have a clean and dry area to walk on, but you will also reduce the size of your lawn by doing this.

(Photo credit: Cape Garden client: Oriole Organics)

 

4. Stone:

For large areas, consider using drainage chips (gravel) to help with water flow and minimize puddling.

For smaller spaces or areas between drought-tolerant plants, river stones or other ornamental stones make a great choice, adding a decorative touch while still being functional.

We recommend laying a weed barrier fabric (bedim material) on the bare soil before adding the stones. This will prevent weeds from growing through the stones and help keep maintenance to a minimum.

(Photo credit: Cape Garden client: Durbanville landscaping)

5. Wooden decking:

What about a beautiful, large deck where you can braai or just unwind? Another way to extend the home for more entertainment or relaxing space and in the process reduce the size of your lawn!

(Photo credit: Cape Garden client: Living gardens landscaping)

 

6. Other types of ground coverings:

Peach pips, bark nuggets and even sea shells can all be used to cover bare soil.

 

7. Indigenous plants:

If you plan to reduce the size of your lawn by creating bigger or more garden beds, strongly consider planting drought-tolerant indigenous plants here.

These plants are already adapted to our local climate, are not so sensitive to dry conditions, and can also provide habitat for local birds, mammals, and beneficial insects.

Consider: fynbos (like pin cushion, cone bush and protea), spekboom (Portulacaria), Strelitzia regninae, Searsia crentata, Tulbaghia, Gazania, Euphorbia tirucalli & Euryops.

(Keep in mind that not all Indigenous plants are necessarily water-wise - see each plant's drought resistance as indicated)

 

8. Other drought-tolerant plants:

Succulents are naturally water-wise plants and these days you get beautiful, colourful varieties. Not only do they need minimal water once established, but they also provide interest in the garden with the many textures and shapes available.

Plants native to the Mediterranean regions also fare well in South African water-wise gardens. Consider: Lavender, Rosemary, Olive trees, Bougainvillea, and Westringia.

(Photo credit: Cape Garden client: Petro Landscaping)

It’s no rocket science - we need to change our traditional way of thinking when it comes to lawns and gardening sustainably.

Imagine how satisfying it will feel to know that:

  • You're actively conserving water and making a positive impact on the environment.
  • You’re creating a natural space that supports local wildlife by using drought-tolerant, indigenous plants.
  • You can spend more quality time outdoors with family and friends in your newly paved or decked entertainment area.

 

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