Reducing or replacing traditional turfgrass lawn with sustainable substitute is a hot subject in today ’s world of ecological gardening . A few species of Carex are uniquely poised to function as lawn alternatives , thanks to their adaptability , low maintenance needs , and resemblance to nerveless - time of year turfgrass . These sedges put up regular mowing during the develop season , achieve an visual aspect similar to that of a traditionally maintained lawn .
Suitable turfgrass alternatives:
Wood ’s sedge ( seen above ) and Pennsylvania sedge are great replacements for traditional lawns , thanks to their drought margin and slowly creeping rhizomatous habit . Over time , single plants will knit together and create an effectual , mowable ground cover . These species are in particular useful in dry shade , where many cool - time of year grass struggle .
Interesting no-mow options:
ACarexlawn ( consider above ) can also be left unmowed . This treatment can be particularly beautiful when several mintage of low - rise sedges are mixed with likewise low - growing and seasonally blossom associate plants . potential cohorts admit violet wood - wood sorrel ( Oxalisviolacea , Zones 4–9),creeping phlox(Phloxstolonifera , zone 5–8 ) , and false mitrewort ( Tiarellacordifolia , Zones 3–8 ) . A sedge lawn might not tolerate the same wear and tear that we bear of turfgrass , but in area off the scramble path it will extend an attractive , low-toned - maintenance alternative .
Sam Hoadley is the manager of horticultural research at Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin , Delaware .
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Wood’s sedge.Photo: courtesy of Mt. Cuba
Pennsylvania sedge.Photo: courtesy of North Creek Nurseries
