Drought-resistant Lawn Substitute for People and Dogs
Question from Candace and Cyrus:
We recently got rid of our entire fescue lawn and replaced it ( or tried to ) with UC Verde, a new form of buffalo grass specially engineered for the climate of the southwest. Unfortunately, because we are within a half mile of the coast, we received insufficient sunshine for the grass to establish. As a result, our entire lawn looks like a war zone now. We need a grassy area for our large German Sheperd /Great Dane mix to run. Our new drought guidelines restrict us to 10 minutes of watering 3 times a week. Any ideas? We live in Encinitas.
Answer from Pat:
One of the most pressing current needs of gardeners is a drought- and-wear-resistant ground cover to take the place of a lawn, especially for people who have dogs or children who love to run and play and can wear out many kinds of ground covers. My suggestions are these: First a bermudagrass lawn such as ‘Santa Ana’ or ‘Tifgreen’ is grass but it is very drought-resistant and will stay green along the coast even in winter and will take no more water than gazanias. In a drought it will pull in its horns and go brown but it will not die. It is far better to water it longer once a week than more shallowly and for less long three times a week as some cities now mistakenly legislate.
Secondly I suggest planting common yarrow (Achillea millefolium.) as a lawn. Plant seeds in fall and keep the ground damp until they are germinated. It will take a little time to become established but it will eventually make a ferny green mat that is very pleasant to walk on and very durable. The flowers are a bonus and can be taken off after blooms fade with a weed-wacker.
Thirdly I suggest Lippia (Phyla nodiflora). It is a drought-resistant, low groundcover that takes foot traffic, but it does bear pink flowers in June that bring bees. You can mow them off in June with a lawn mower in order that your dog’s paws won’t get bitten. (Bees in the garden don’t bite except when you accidentally step on one or grasp one by mistake. Bees do protect and guard their hives, however, but having a lawn that attracts bees won’t cause bees to make a hive in your garden.)
Is it too late now to plant seeds of Achillea Tomentosa? I live in Tustin, 92705. Thanks
I have not grown Achillea tomentosa (Wooly yarrow) from seeds. This is a smaller, more compact plant than the usual grown-cover type of achillea. It is best in small areas, but once going then it spreads as mine is doing after 3 years in the ground. I began mine from small plants in 4-inch pots. You could start the seeds for this in flats or pots and plant later out in the garden. It likes good drainage and full sun. The kind more often planted from seeds to create a lawn is Achillea millefolium. I have planted this in November, December and January and it always grew fine, so yes you can still plant it now. Seeds will sprout when temperatures are right for germinating them. Broadcast seeds onto prepared ground and rake in then water daily when rains are not adequate. You should have good success. I found this easy to grow.
Where in Southern CALIFORNIA can I purchase Lippia Nodiflora? I have TRIED ordering it from Home Depot for over 3 yrs with NO results…
I have seen Lippia nodiflora for sale by the flat in nurseries in Pasadena. Additionally, you can purchase it mail order from Annie’s Annuals, http://www.annie‘sannuals.com/ . Annie’s Annuals is in northern California, 740 Market Ave., Richmond, CA 94801. (510) 215-1671.
My understanding is that Lippia is VERY invasive. http://lat.ms/1CwR31O
It can be invasive, I’ve had it foryears., but easy to control with a weed-eater, string trimmer.
Thank you but when you say “It can be invasive” are you referring to Phyla nodiflora or Achillea filipendula?
Hi Pat,
Are you still favorable toward Melaleuca Linarifolia? I have been searching for single trunks and can’t find them anywhere. I am in Southern Ca. Do you know of any nurseries or tree farms that have them?
Thanks!
Melaleuca linarifolia is a lovely tree and does quite well in lawns near the coast. However, it needs more water than I’d previously realized and the white summer flowers do not last for a long season. Especially since you cannot find this tree, I recommend you find something better. Look at the flowering trees in the opening pages of Sunset Western Garden Book and read up on their characteristics. (Do not use the latest edition or this book but refer to an older edition. If you don’t own it, order from Amazon.com and get the copy with the pink flower on the cover, not the orange flower.)
Hi Pat,
Long post for a comment but your website says it’s the best way to reach you! 🙂
I am in SW Pasadena and I have a small weed patch in my backyard that used to be a lawn. Part of the lawn is in shade most of the year under big eucayptus trees and the other part gets baked to solid clay all summer. So it’s a challenge. I am trying to create a low-mow bug and bird friendly environment so turf chemicals and plastic lawn is out but I have a dog who loves the lawn so I need something walkable and urine resistant. Clover has always done well in the shady parts so I tried to put in a clover field with seed 2 years ago… and it did okay but the first big heat spell of last year did the sunny parts in. This year I am weeding out the worst invasive weeds and looking at what’s left to salvage – I’m a very inconstant, lazy gardener and my theory is the plant plant is one that survives with little help. I have some volunteer fine-leaved clumping grasses that are thriving in the shadier areas and I would gladly plant more of them if I knew what they were. How can I identify the species? I’ve tried googling and I give up. I’m thinking I may just have to mulch the sunny areas until I find something truly heat proof. Thanks for any advice!
Try planting Phylla nodiflora (also known as Lippia repens). Annie’s Annuals carries it. This lawn substitute flourishes in your area. Run a mower over it in June when it’s in bloom if bees visiting flowers bite dogs feet. Another idea: Plant a meadow of clumping native grasses. Tree of Life Nursery a few miles east of San Juan Capistrano has a wide selection.
Thanks, Pat! I will give Phylla nodiflora a shot and see how it does for the sunnier spots. Any hints on how to identify the particular clumping grass that is doing well in the shady area?
Phylla (also known as Lippia) often survives in shade also in your climate zone.
Re: Identifying the grass you already have: There are a number of books with excellent illustrations to help you identify grasses, including “The Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses: How to Grow and Use Over 250 Beautiful and Versatile Plants” by John Greenlee with Photography by Derek Fell, “Taylor’s Guide to Ornamental Grasses” ,”Ornamental Grass Gardening” by Thomas A Reinhardt, Martina Reinhardt and Mark Moskowitz, and “Reimagining the California Lawn: Water-conserving Plants, Practices, and Designs” by Carol Bornstein, David Fross, and Bart O’Brien. Books on native plants usually contain a few grasses. One such book is “California Native Plants for the Garden” by Carol Bornstein, David Fross and Bart O’Brien. You should be able to order some of these from your local library.
FYI, Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is toxic to dogs. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/yarrow