Low-Maintenance Grass Alternatives: Creeping Thyme, Carex, Sedum & More
If you're looking to refresh your landscape and think outside the box, grass alternatives are a fantastic option. From clover lawns to Corsican mint, there are many substitutes available that can enhance the appearance and feel of your yard. If you're aiming for a more distinctive and eye-catching lawn, these alternatives offer an appealing choice.
Exploring different ground cover options can be exciting, especially if maintaining a traditional lawn is challenging. These grass substitutes provide a great solution—they're more affordable, require less upkeep, and are eco-friendly. Plus, with various colors and textures to choose from, they're a stylish addition to any garden.
If you're curious about your options, we've consulted expert gardeners to help guide your decision. Here are some unique and attractive grass alternatives to consider for your yard.
For those seeking eco-friendly solutions, Katherine Aul Cervoni from the landscaping firm Staghorn Living suggests: “From an environmental perspective, a better option than grass is one that mimics the native or naturally occurring plants in your area. For example, in a shady space with plenty of moisture, moss or ground covers like creeping jenny are ideal as they thrive in such conditions.”
To make things easier for you, here are 14 great grass alternatives to explore.
1. Moss
While many people try to remove moss from their lawns, embracing it as a ground cover can be a wonderful option, especially if you want to avoid using harmful chemicals. Moss offers a lush, green alternative with extra softness underfoot. Gardening expert Tony O'Neill, owner of Simplify Gardening, says, “Moss forms a thick, velvety carpet that's both visually appealing and environmentally friendly. It requires no mowing, fertilizing, or extra watering beyond natural rainfall, making it a low-maintenance and sustainable choice.”
Moss thrives in shady gardens, creating a whimsical, natural look. Tony suggests establishing moss by transplanting patches or using a moss slurry (a blend of moss and buttermilk) to spread over the lawn. Water regularly until it's well-established, then enjoy watching it flourish in the shade.
2. Meadow Flowers
If you're looking for something vibrant and colorful, meadow flowers are a beautiful alternative to a traditional lawn. "Meadow lawns combine grasses and wildflowers, creating a stunning, natural landscape," says Tony O'Neill. “They require less mowing and watering, support local biodiversity, and provide a haven for pollinators.”
If you're unsure of what to plant, Katherine Aul Cervoni from landscape design company Staghorn NYC suggests letting your natural flora take the lead. "Essentially, it’s whatever plants naturally emerge in your lawn when you allow it to grow wild and stop mowing," she explains. "This will change over time, but you can also introduce seeds to add more wildflowers to your liking."
Katherine also points out that the picturesque meadow lawns you often see on social media are carefully managed to maintain a specific balance of flowers and grasses. "While these can require a bit of upkeep if you're particular about their appearance, they are still far more eco-friendly than regularly mowing, fertilizing, and watering a traditional turf lawn."
3. Corsican Mint
For a fragrant and low-maintenance grass alternative, Corsican mint is a great option. It offers a lovely complement to garden borders, with green foliage that resembles grass from a distance and tiny purple blooms in summer. Tony O'Neill describes it as “a charming, low-growing herb that forms a dense, fragrant mat. It thrives in shady areas and works well between pavers or as ground cover in moist, well-drained soils. The minty aroma released when walked on adds a delightful touch to any garden.”
4. Creeping Jenny
For something truly distinctive, creeping Jenny can create a unique lawn. Known for its dense foliage that prevents weeds, this hardy perennial provides soft cushioning underfoot. "Creeping Jenny is a robust ground cover with bright green, almost golden leaves," says Tony. "It’s ideal for adding a splash of color, particularly in damp, shaded spots."
5. Blue Star Creeper
If you want a striking alternative to green grass, consider a blue lawn. Blue Star Creeper offers a sea of tiny blue flowers that create a captivating effect and can also serve as a walkable ground cover. Tony describes it as “a low-growing, dense mat of tiny, star-shaped flowers that is perfect for walkways and between stepping stones. It requires minimal maintenance, thrives in sun to partial shade, and can withstand moderate foot traffic.”
6. Clover
Clover lawns became a popular trend last summer and remain an excellent alternative for those seeking a lush green appearance. Not only is clover more affordable and low-maintenance than traditional grass, but it's also visually appealing.
"Clover is a hardy option that requires less mowing and water than standard grass," says Jeremy Yamaguchi, lawn expert and owner of Lawn Love. "It creates thick, green carpets with white flowers that attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies."
From a practical standpoint, clover lawns also improve soil health through natural nitrogen fixation, benefiting other plants in your garden. Tony advises planting clover by sowing seeds directly into the soil in spring or fall. "Once established, clover is drought-tolerant and requires less frequent mowing due to its low, spreading growth," adds Matthew Koch, plant expert and Director of Biotechnology at Scotts.
For a low-maintenance option, Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn offers a durable alternative that needs minimal watering and can withstand short periods of drought.
7. Creeping Thyme
If you're looking to add some color and a pleasant fragrance to your lawn, red creeping thyme is a fantastic grass alternative. This fragrant perennial herb won’t resemble grass closely, but it tolerates a variety of conditions and will blanket your yard in beautiful purple flowers. Though not as soft as grass, thyme is an excellent groundcover for pathways or high-traffic areas, as it holds up well under foot traffic. Tony suggests planting thyme by placing small plants or cuttings in well-drained soil in early spring. "It thrives in full sun but can handle partial shade, and once established, it becomes drought-tolerant, requiring only occasional watering during dry periods," he adds.
8. Carex (Sedges)
While technically a type of grass, carex (or sedges) can give your lawn a more natural, grown-out look with its taller, fluffier tufts. "A sedge lawn looks similar to grass but has a longer, wilder appearance," says Katherine. It’s also great for wildlife gardening, as sedges need minimal water and no fertilizer when planted in their native regions.
Jeremy highlights carex as a low-maintenance turfgrass alternative, noting that there are over 2,000 species to choose from. For full lawn coverage, he recommends Pennsylvania sedge, which thrives in the Eastern US. "It can grow as an unmown lawn at six to seven inches or be trimmed down to three to four inches," Jeremy explains. "For West Coast gardens with sandy soil, evergreen sand dune sedge is ideal, while Texas sedge suits shady, dry-to-moist conditions for Texan homeowners."
9. Dichondra Repens
For a lush, low-growing groundcover, Dichondra Repens—often called kidney weed for its distinctive kidney-shaped leaves—is a perfect choice. This warm-season perennial is best suited for smaller gardens and serves as a no-mow lawn alternative. "It has a delicate, cascading appearance that softens hardscapes, making it ideal for those shady areas where grass struggles," says Tony. He suggests planting Dichondra from seeds or plugs in well-drained soil, keeping it moist until it’s established. Regular watering and feeding in the spring will help maintain its lush green look.
10. Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is another low-maintenance grass alternative, ideal for sunny areas. Often used between pathway stones or in rock gardens, sedum is known for its hardiness. Katherine notes that a mix of low-growing sedums, like those used in green roofs, could be a greener alternative to traditional grass. "Sedum survives on natural rainwater and requires little additional care," she adds.
Tony explains that sedum is part of a large family of succulents, recognizable by their water-storing leaves and star-shaped flowers. "Varieties like Sedum album or Sedum sarmentosum work well as ground covers," he says. "Sedum not only looks unique with its succulent leaves and bursts of colorful blooms, but it’s also extremely drought-resistant and can handle foot traffic."
For planting, he suggests placing cuttings or small plants into well-drained soil during spring or autumn.
Exploring different ground cover options can be exciting, especially if maintaining a traditional lawn is challenging. These grass substitutes provide a great solution—they're more affordable, require less upkeep, and are eco-friendly. Plus, with various colors and textures to choose from, they're a stylish addition to any garden.
If you're curious about your options, we've consulted expert gardeners to help guide your decision. Here are some unique and attractive grass alternatives to consider for your yard.
For those seeking eco-friendly solutions, Katherine Aul Cervoni from the landscaping firm Staghorn Living suggests: “From an environmental perspective, a better option than grass is one that mimics the native or naturally occurring plants in your area. For example, in a shady space with plenty of moisture, moss or ground covers like creeping jenny are ideal as they thrive in such conditions.”
To make things easier for you, here are 14 great grass alternatives to explore.
1. Moss
While many people try to remove moss from their lawns, embracing it as a ground cover can be a wonderful option, especially if you want to avoid using harmful chemicals. Moss offers a lush, green alternative with extra softness underfoot. Gardening expert Tony O'Neill, owner of Simplify Gardening, says, “Moss forms a thick, velvety carpet that's both visually appealing and environmentally friendly. It requires no mowing, fertilizing, or extra watering beyond natural rainfall, making it a low-maintenance and sustainable choice.”
Moss thrives in shady gardens, creating a whimsical, natural look. Tony suggests establishing moss by transplanting patches or using a moss slurry (a blend of moss and buttermilk) to spread over the lawn. Water regularly until it's well-established, then enjoy watching it flourish in the shade.
2. Meadow Flowers
If you're looking for something vibrant and colorful, meadow flowers are a beautiful alternative to a traditional lawn. "Meadow lawns combine grasses and wildflowers, creating a stunning, natural landscape," says Tony O'Neill. “They require less mowing and watering, support local biodiversity, and provide a haven for pollinators.”
If you're unsure of what to plant, Katherine Aul Cervoni from landscape design company Staghorn NYC suggests letting your natural flora take the lead. "Essentially, it’s whatever plants naturally emerge in your lawn when you allow it to grow wild and stop mowing," she explains. "This will change over time, but you can also introduce seeds to add more wildflowers to your liking."
Katherine also points out that the picturesque meadow lawns you often see on social media are carefully managed to maintain a specific balance of flowers and grasses. "While these can require a bit of upkeep if you're particular about their appearance, they are still far more eco-friendly than regularly mowing, fertilizing, and watering a traditional turf lawn."
3. Corsican Mint
For a fragrant and low-maintenance grass alternative, Corsican mint is a great option. It offers a lovely complement to garden borders, with green foliage that resembles grass from a distance and tiny purple blooms in summer. Tony O'Neill describes it as “a charming, low-growing herb that forms a dense, fragrant mat. It thrives in shady areas and works well between pavers or as ground cover in moist, well-drained soils. The minty aroma released when walked on adds a delightful touch to any garden.”
4. Creeping Jenny
For something truly distinctive, creeping Jenny can create a unique lawn. Known for its dense foliage that prevents weeds, this hardy perennial provides soft cushioning underfoot. "Creeping Jenny is a robust ground cover with bright green, almost golden leaves," says Tony. "It’s ideal for adding a splash of color, particularly in damp, shaded spots."
5. Blue Star Creeper
If you want a striking alternative to green grass, consider a blue lawn. Blue Star Creeper offers a sea of tiny blue flowers that create a captivating effect and can also serve as a walkable ground cover. Tony describes it as “a low-growing, dense mat of tiny, star-shaped flowers that is perfect for walkways and between stepping stones. It requires minimal maintenance, thrives in sun to partial shade, and can withstand moderate foot traffic.”
6. Clover
Clover lawns became a popular trend last summer and remain an excellent alternative for those seeking a lush green appearance. Not only is clover more affordable and low-maintenance than traditional grass, but it's also visually appealing.
"Clover is a hardy option that requires less mowing and water than standard grass," says Jeremy Yamaguchi, lawn expert and owner of Lawn Love. "It creates thick, green carpets with white flowers that attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies."
From a practical standpoint, clover lawns also improve soil health through natural nitrogen fixation, benefiting other plants in your garden. Tony advises planting clover by sowing seeds directly into the soil in spring or fall. "Once established, clover is drought-tolerant and requires less frequent mowing due to its low, spreading growth," adds Matthew Koch, plant expert and Director of Biotechnology at Scotts.
For a low-maintenance option, Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn offers a durable alternative that needs minimal watering and can withstand short periods of drought.
7. Creeping Thyme
If you're looking to add some color and a pleasant fragrance to your lawn, red creeping thyme is a fantastic grass alternative. This fragrant perennial herb won’t resemble grass closely, but it tolerates a variety of conditions and will blanket your yard in beautiful purple flowers. Though not as soft as grass, thyme is an excellent groundcover for pathways or high-traffic areas, as it holds up well under foot traffic. Tony suggests planting thyme by placing small plants or cuttings in well-drained soil in early spring. "It thrives in full sun but can handle partial shade, and once established, it becomes drought-tolerant, requiring only occasional watering during dry periods," he adds.
8. Carex (Sedges)
While technically a type of grass, carex (or sedges) can give your lawn a more natural, grown-out look with its taller, fluffier tufts. "A sedge lawn looks similar to grass but has a longer, wilder appearance," says Katherine. It’s also great for wildlife gardening, as sedges need minimal water and no fertilizer when planted in their native regions.
Jeremy highlights carex as a low-maintenance turfgrass alternative, noting that there are over 2,000 species to choose from. For full lawn coverage, he recommends Pennsylvania sedge, which thrives in the Eastern US. "It can grow as an unmown lawn at six to seven inches or be trimmed down to three to four inches," Jeremy explains. "For West Coast gardens with sandy soil, evergreen sand dune sedge is ideal, while Texas sedge suits shady, dry-to-moist conditions for Texan homeowners."
9. Dichondra Repens
For a lush, low-growing groundcover, Dichondra Repens—often called kidney weed for its distinctive kidney-shaped leaves—is a perfect choice. This warm-season perennial is best suited for smaller gardens and serves as a no-mow lawn alternative. "It has a delicate, cascading appearance that softens hardscapes, making it ideal for those shady areas where grass struggles," says Tony. He suggests planting Dichondra from seeds or plugs in well-drained soil, keeping it moist until it’s established. Regular watering and feeding in the spring will help maintain its lush green look.
10. Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is another low-maintenance grass alternative, ideal for sunny areas. Often used between pathway stones or in rock gardens, sedum is known for its hardiness. Katherine notes that a mix of low-growing sedums, like those used in green roofs, could be a greener alternative to traditional grass. "Sedum survives on natural rainwater and requires little additional care," she adds.
Tony explains that sedum is part of a large family of succulents, recognizable by their water-storing leaves and star-shaped flowers. "Varieties like Sedum album or Sedum sarmentosum work well as ground covers," he says. "Sedum not only looks unique with its succulent leaves and bursts of colorful blooms, but it’s also extremely drought-resistant and can handle foot traffic."
For planting, he suggests placing cuttings or small plants into well-drained soil during spring or autumn.
Companies