Lawn alternatives and groundcovers

Microclover (Trifolium repens var. ‘Pirouette’ and ‘Pipolina’)

This low-growing variety of clover is a great lawn alternative, featuring smaller leaves and fewer flowers compared to other clover varieties.

It’s less clump-forming and mixes well into existing lawns. Microclover also enriches the soil by adding nitrogen and attracts pollinators to your yard. During periods of high heat or drought, it may require reseeding.

Due to its prolific growth, hardscaping may be needed to prevent it from spreading beyond desired areas. Microclover can tolerate high foot traffic and does best in part to full sun. Ocassional mowing is required to manage the height and flower stalks.

Other clover varieties to consider include Dutch White Clover and Alsike Clover.

Fescues (Festuca spp)

Fescue grasses come in several varieties, including red, sheep, hard and chewing fescues. These hardy varieties do well in part to full shade with only light to moderate foot traffic Fescue grasses are quick to go dormant during droughts but retain their green colour.

They require less fertilizer than traditional turf grasses, and grow relatively slower, meaning less mowing is required.

Some varieties are native to Alberta and they are often available as blends of different varieties and mix well with other grasses and Microclover. Fescue grasses require occasional mowing to manage grass height.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

This perennial has fern-like leaves which form rosettes in dense mats and flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. It does well in poor soil and attracts pollinators and beneficial insects.

Certain varieties are native to Alberta, and it generally does not require soil amendments to grow successfully. This quickly spreading groundcover can tolerate moderate foot traffic and may require occasional mowing to manage height and flower stalks. Yarrow does best in part to full sun.

Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

There are many varieties of creeping thyme, but they are generally prolific flower producers, creating a beautiful pink carpet while in bloom. These early blooms are important forage for honeybees and other pollinators.

It does best in well-draining sandy soil but can be planted in poor soil and even on slopes. If starting from seed, it can take several seasons for it to establish. This groundcover does best in full sun and can only tolerate very light foot traffic.

Sedum (Sedum spp)

These low-growing succulents are known for their unique multicolored foliage that lasts all summer into late fall and winter. This low maintenance option is easy to grow, typically doesn’t require fertilizer once established, attracts beneficial insects and thrives in poor, well-draining soils.

Sedum is ideal for drought conditions and typically does not need additional watering or fertilizer once established. Most are low growing but may require occasional trimming to manage flower stalks. This groundcover does not tolerate any foot traffic and especially should not be stepped on in the winter. Sedum does not tolerate shade and does best in full sun.

Pussytoes (Antennaria spp)

This groundcover forms a low carpet of beautiful blue-grey leaves with long-lasting white or rosy-pink flowers that attracts pollinators and beneficial insects.

Although no mowing is required, flower stalks can be cut back to maintain the low-growing look of the plant.  It grows best in well-draining soils and full sun and doesn’t need fertilizing once established.

Certain varieties are native to Alberta, making it acclimated to prairie conditions like poor soil, hot windy summers and slopes. Pussy Toes can tolerate moderate foot traffic and is relatively tough and hardy. 

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)

A hardy native perennial that flowers late spring and begins to produce small, sweet edible berries in early summer. Plants send out elongated stems or runners which produce clones that root and repeat the same cycle, spreading naturally.

The flowers attract many types of pollinators. Songbirds eat the fruit if you are not quick enough to harvest. They grow well in most types of soil and need part to full sun.

They do not tolerate foot traffic well and while they do not require mowing or fertilizer, occasional trimming may be required to manage height and blooms. 

Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

A native low-growing woody groundcover with round, evergreen leaves and red berries. It does well on slopes and in well-draining soils and requires part to full shade.

Kinnikinnick grows 15 cm tall and is excellent along borders and in the understory of shrubs and trees. Kinnikinnick should not be mowed and does not tolerate foot traffic. Fertilizer is optional, but if fertilized, a low-nitrogen fertilizer should be used. 

Basket-of-Gold (Aurinia saxatilis 'Compactum')

This species forms low growing mounds with small grey-green leaves covered with bright gold flowers in early summer. It is great in rock gardens or the front of the bed and requires dry soil conditions to show at its best.

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia "Aurea")

This species forms low growing mounds with small grey-green leaves covered with bright gold flowers in early summer. It is great in rock gardens or the front of the bed and requires dry soil conditions to show at its best.

Maidens Pink (Dianthus deltoides)

This species forms dense mats with fibrous roots and tiny, dark green leaves covered in bright red flowers on small stalks in mid-summer.

An easy, self-sowing plant, the spaces between flagstones will quickly fill in. It requires well-drained soil and full sun for best flowering, but will tolerate light shade and even grow beside spruce trees.

Mother-of-thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

This species forms an evergreen mat with tiny purple-pink clusters of flowers in mid-summer and spreads by creeping stems.

Try to keep covered with snow over winter to prevent browning of the tiny leaves that turn dark purplish-green in fall. Average to dry soil.

Prefers a dry sunny location - does well in sun to partial shade cast by spruce trees, along walkways and rock gardens.

Snow in summer (Ceratium tomentosum)

Mats of silver-green leaves and bright white flowers in early summer are a great filler. It forms extensive fibrous root systems, so is prone to spreading into places it shouldn't go.

It is, however, contained well, even under spruce trees, and does well in most well-drained soils. Full sun to partial shade.