What is a very low evergreen shade groundcover instead of grass?

Question

I live in the pacific northwest. It would be instead of grass because I am totally allergic to grass. I would like something 3 inches max that doesn't need to be mowed. I would prefer something I could buy seeds for because I have about a 4000 sq ft area to cover.

I live in the pacific northwest. It would be instead of grass because I am totally allergic to grass. I would like something 3 inches max that doesn't need to be mowed or clipped. I would prefer something I could buy seeds for because I have about a 4000 sq ft area to cover.

Of course I want it to be comfortable enough to roll around on with the kids

Answer 1

Elfin Thyme. This is also sold as plugs. It is fragrant and doesn't grow very tall...about an inch or two. It is also really soft. There is also a type of mint that has similar growing characteristics.

Answer 2

There are two plants that take the place of grass. They do not come as seeds as far as I know. The first is called Mercury Bay Weed. We grow it a lot in New Zealand.It is usually sold as "plugs" to put in soil. It does not need mowing. The second is a herb and is called Chamomile. It is easy to grow, and can be left,or can be mown. Your best bet would be to ask your garden center.Good Luck!

Answer 3

Emerald carpet manzanita (arctostaphylos) Zones 6-9 & 14-24 Dense carpet 8-14" tall, spreads 5'; hypericum-St John's wort; ground cover junipers-juniperous chinenses; or ground cover ceonothas such as Point Reyes (12-16 ft wide &1 to 1 1/2 ft tall or Anchor Bay 6-8 ft wide 1 to 1 1/2 ft tall.. Could also try osteospermum-trailing african daisy in white, lavender, or apricot. Short plants: creeping thyme-an herb, irish moss, or aptenia.

Answer 4

Why not grow Mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus), also known as monkey grass. It is an evergreen, sod-forming perennial plant.

Most of the time it's grown as a border plant. I have also seen it grow as a grass alternative. As it thickens up you can pull it apart and spread it around to get more cover.
http://www.southernliving.com/southern/gardens/landscape/article/0,28012,1159840,00.html
http://www.hellohello.com.au/Mondo.html
http://www.vigoro.com/BrandNav/HelpfulHints/GardenCare/GroundCovers/MondoGrass.htm

Answer 5

I've had the same problem-no matter what grass wouldn't grow.Tried all kinds at all times of year.I finally used flagstone to outline areas and used colored stone inside it.Then I chose bushes for shade,azalea,holly added those in areas of stone.Looks good and solved problem of dying grass.

Answer 6

Junipers, but BE WARNED if you EVER want to remove them, they are a pain!..
kinnikinick, or cotoneaster, but there is a lot of weeding involved until it covers the entire area. and it can be a bit of work to keep weeded as the weeds will grow through the woody growth and be difficult to remove until they are choked out.

Answer 7

I just planted old gold junipers, and green carpet junipers.
they are both slow growing, but look great..for years..
there are many different type of junipers. so plant something you'll enjoy for years to come.

Answer 8

i've seen folks use juniper, but it's not exactly that low to the ground.

Answer 9

mondo grass