Traditional Lawn Alternatives - Ask Extension
Hello!
I am interested in replacing my traditional lawn with something more friendly to the environment (less fertilizer and water usage) and to p...
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Traditional Lawn Alternatives #869000
Asked May 18, 2024, 10:45 AM EDT
Hello!
I am interested in replacing my traditional lawn with something more friendly to the environment (less fertilizer and water usage) and to pollinators, like a bee lawn or tapestry lawn. In my research on this site, it sounds like white clover and creeping thyme are good options for here in MN, but I am wondering if you have any recommendations that would add even more flowers/color to the area? The area will not be for foot traffic, so I am open to plants that need to be left alone to grow well. I have seen phlox in some landscaping and think it's beautiful when it's in bloom, could that be incorporated into a pollinator lawn? Would wildflower seeds do well in a bee lawn? I am open to varying heights of plants as well, though not looking to go over a few feet tall.
Thanks!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi Matthew,
Check out "turf alternatives" here:
https://bluethumb.org/public-resources/#r664cf832891443a
Let me know if you have more questions.