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Gallery: Lawn Alternatives

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Patio in the Grass
Forest Pansy Redbud
European Grapevine
Columbine
Spiny Rush
Rusty Sedge
Forest Pansy Redbud

Common name:Forest Pansy Redbud
Botanical name:Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'

This small tree may reach 25' tall and it has dark green/purple leaves that are purple in the fall. Amazing pink flowers bloom in the spring and fill the tree.

European Grapevine

Common name:European Grapevine
Botanical name:Vitis vinifera

This vine grows 20'-30' long. Many species of this vine produce today's wines and grapes. There are thousands of species worldwide, but this plant originated in Europe. Vitis is a woody perennial that climbs its way around the supports. It does better with long, warm to hot summers, with mild winters. Frost will kill the young shoots. Vitis does not do well with humidity, as it promotes disease. Well-drained soil is important also.

Columbine

Common name:Columbine
Botanical name:Aquilegia hybrids

Coumbine has large, spurred flowers with clear colors of white, lavender, yellow, deep red and pink which are borne on 2 1/2' tall plants. The strikingly beautiful blooms make good cut flowers. They require partial shade or full sun, along with well- drained soil. The colors, however, cannot be chosen.

Spiny Rush

Common name:Spiny Rush
Botanical name:Juncus acutus

This native Rush grows naturally in moist alkaline soils especially in coastal salt marshes. As one of the larger native Rushes, growing to 3'-4' tall and 3'-4' wide, it can provide interest through form and structure in a natural garden setting. It is carefree-looking. The tips of the leaves are sharp so care should be taken when designing the landscape not to place this species close to walkways, etc. Tall grasses are highly combustible.

Rusty Sedge

Common name:Rusty Sedge
Botanical name:Carex subfusca

This plant looks like a bunch grass and grows and seeps along seasonal creeks. It prefers full sun and has green foliage. It is an evergreen grass that can be used to create meadows. It can go unmowed or mowed.

Designer: Owen Dell

Patio in the Grass
Image: 32 of 33

Photographer: Owen Dell

Soils and Compost:

Incorporate compost 6" into your soil to retain water, reduce compaction, feed earthworms, and provide valuable nutrients to your plants.

Integrated Pest Management:

Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.