Allowing diversity within your landscape is one way to reduce dependence on summer watering. That includes letting go of the idea of a traditional lawn when wild plants spring up.
Along with not requiring any water, these unintentional ground covers are true xeriscapes because they can withstand mowing and thrive
in lawns.
- A few common ones include:
- Gregg’s honeysuckle
- Three-lobed false mallow
- Wild petunia
- Low menodora
- Horseherb
- Frog fruit
To the untrained eye, these unassuming alternatives are often considered lawn weeds because they out-compete grass. They step up and perform better than turfgrass, especially during drought. And that’s exactly why they’re the ideal complement — or replacement — to a traditional lawn.
Embrace them and you’ll save a lot of water, and money too.