Even in a year with above normal rainfall, when you’re in an area prone to chronic drought it’s always important to consider drought tolerant alternatives to grass.
Regardless of the amount of rain we get, conserving water is something we in the Central Valley of California should always strive to do. And since they require less water, drought tolerant alternatives to grass are good for water conservation.
Like the Chinese proverb about the best time to plant a tree being 20 years ago — so that you can enjoy the shade now when you need it — and the second best time being now, the best time to plant drought tolerant alternatives to grass is before you need to.
Drought tolerant landscaping does better when it has a chance to mature before enduring severe drought conditions.
The good news is that you have many drought tolerant options to choose from.
Alternative Green Ground Cover
If you want a green space that doesn’t require the water or the weekly maintenance of grass, low-growing and spreading ground covers are a good option.
For example, kurapia is both drought tolerant and heat tolerant, and while it resembles grass, it never needs mowing. White clover is another different take on traditional lawn.
Herbs like creeping thyme and chamomile, as well as flowering perennials like creeping phlox and snow-in-summer (cerastium tomentosum) are other options.
And other ground covers that the California Native Plant Society lists as being native to the Fresno area include:
- Deergrass
- California Goldenrod
- Yerba Mansa
- Common Yarrow
- Toluaca
- Blue Dicks
- Creeping Wild Rye
Alternatives that Replace Lawn Areas Altogether
There also are alternatives that completely replace your green lawn areas altogether.
For example, you can consider any number of hardscapes, such as patios, decks, fire pits, paths, and other non-planted areas that may be covered by “hard” materials such as decomposed granite, gravel, rock, and/or mulch.
You also may want to replace your lawn with special interest garden areas like these options:
- Rock Garden
- Herb Garden
- Vegetable Garden
- Cactus/Desert Garden
- Sculpture Garden
- Children’s Play Garden
- Dog Garden
Get Expert Advice on Drought Tolerant Alternatives that Fit Your Landscape and Lifestyle
With so many options available, it is often helpful to consult with an expert on drought tolerant landscapes. They can help you find the right choice that best fits both your landscape and your lifestyle.
And that’s where we come in. The experts at Mike’s Evergreen have the knowledge and the experience to help you create a drought tolerant landscape that you’ll love.
We invite you to contact us today to start the conversation.
Ready to have the outdoor living space of your dreams? Contact us today and request an appointment.
In the meantime, you may find these resources of additional interest:
Patio Covers, Pergolas, Arbors FAQs
