Do easy water wise plants that look good exist?
Think of a water-wise plant, what comes to mind? Something lush, evergreen and soft to sit on? Maybe not, most likely your mental image was a sharp shrub on the visual edge of death or a formidable cactus overseeing a barren rock garden. And that is justified. Succulents and shrubs have been heavily utilized in the march to tear out thirsty lawns and replace them with a less demanding landscape. But did you know there are grasses that are water-wise AND still look like a lawn?!
Often the hardest part of any garden makeover isn’t the tear out and construction, it is the trial and error of keeping this new yard alive. Replacing traditional turf with regionally adapted and native grass species is a simple way to seamlessly increase your social credit score. There are myriad options but let’s just focus on grasses for people. Grasses for people who want to respect the environment without the learning curve and hassle that comes with a new landscape. Grasses for people who want to reduce their water use but are limited by the rules of an HOA.
What makes an HOA friendly lawn replacement?
A plant that still looks like a lawn:
- low growing
- evergreen
- likes to be mowed
- uniform texture
What are the options?
Festuca Rubra – A California Native
One of the best, California Fescue is easy to source and easy to manage. It comes in many forms from sod to seed. An adaptable grass that grows quickly into rolling tufts or enjoys regular mowing. Expect an even green texture and bi-monthly – weekly water needs depending on your local weather and sun exposure.
Carex praegracilis – A California Native
A thin leafed sedge that has a bright green color and thrives in partial shade. Ideal for yards with varied light exposure and uneven grade. A versatile species, Western Meadow Sedge can withstand long periods of drought in combination with shade or resilient in standing water. Great for DIY beginners or areas where other options have failed. If you can’t find praegracilis, divulsa, tumulicola, and pansa will have the same results.
Sesleria autumnalis
A lush evergreen grass that thrives in almost any environment. Under or overwatering is not a concern as this lawn replacement species is resilient and adaptable. Replace your existing lawn with Autumn Moore Grass and never have to change your care routine.
Agrostis Pallens – A California Native
“Native Bent Grass” is low growing and ideal for the lazy gardener and hot inland climates with full sun. When left in its natural state, it can require 1/3rd the water of customary turf with almost no mowing or maintenance, and will be a medium green color. When mowed and fertilized regularly, it takes on a more traditional manicured look with a darker green color.
Leymus triticoides - A California Native
A California native grass that showcases the resilience and beauty of the state. Creeping Wild Rye stays evergreen with summer water and is extremely adaptable. Utilize this grass throughout the state in almost any soil conditions and expect to have a lush green lawn year round that seamlessly integrates into your current landscape plan. Also ideal for slopes and erosion control.
We’ve made it easy for you
Purchase one of our pre-designed lawn alternative blends featuring grasses tailored to your needs and location. Easy to follow instructions and ready to go plants make any lawn replacement project as simple as dig, plant, water. Native love (insert product link) and Clean Cut (insert product link) are perfect for a seamless transition to a water-wise lawn
