A lush, green lawn has long been considered the hallmark of a beautiful yard. But in today’s world, maintaining grass isn’t always practical—or environmentally friendly. Lawns require constant mowing, watering, fertilizing, and weeding. In regions facing drought, water restrictions, or rising lawn care costs, many homeowners are turning to a more sustainable and attractive option: ground covers.
Ground cover plants are low-growing alternatives to grass that spread to form a living carpet across the soil. Many are drought-tolerant, require little maintenance, and provide seasonal color or fragrance. Even better, they can thrive in areas where grass struggles—like slopes, shaded corners, or poor soil.
If you’re ready to ditch the mower and embrace a more sustainable yard, here are 9 ground covers that replace grass beautifully.
1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum and Thymus praecox)
Creeping thyme is a fragrant, hardy herb that creates a dense mat of tiny leaves and vibrant purple-pink flowers in summer.
- Why it’s great: Extremely drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and withstands light foot traffic.
- Best for: Sunny areas, pathways, or spaces between stepping stones.
- Care tips: Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it needs minimal watering. Trim lightly after flowering to keep it tidy.
2. Clover (Trifolium repens)
Once considered a weed in traditional lawns, clover is now celebrated as a lawn alternative. White Dutch clover is the most common variety used for ground cover.
- Why it’s great: Naturally fixes nitrogen, improving soil fertility. Soft underfoot, resists drought, and stays green even in poor soil.
- Best for: Sunny to lightly shaded yards.
- Care tips: Requires occasional mowing to maintain a uniform look. Overseeding may be needed every few years.
3. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedums are succulent ground covers that thrive in hot, dry conditions and come in a variety of colors and textures.
- Why it’s great: Incredibly drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and available in creeping or upright forms. Some varieties offer red, yellow, or variegated foliage.
- Best for: Slopes, rock gardens, or poor soil where other plants struggle.
- Care tips: Prefers full sun and sandy or rocky soil. Avoid overwatering.
4. Moss
For shady, moist yards where grass won’t grow, moss provides a lush, velvety carpet that feels magical.
- Why it’s great: Requires no mowing or fertilizing. Creates a serene, woodland feel.
- Best for: Shady, damp areas with acidic soil.
- Care tips: Needs consistent moisture but not soggy conditions. Avoid heavy foot traffic.
5. Ajuga (Bugleweed)
Ajuga is a fast-spreading ground cover with glossy leaves and spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers in spring.
- Why it’s great: Tolerates both sun and shade, suppresses weeds, and offers colorful foliage (green, bronze, or variegated).
- Best for: Partially shaded areas or slopes.
- Care tips: Easy to grow, but can spread aggressively. Plant where you want dense coverage.
6. Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)
This tiny-leaved mint produces a fragrant carpet that releases a refreshing aroma when stepped on.
- Why it’s great: Lovely fragrance, small purple blooms, and soft underfoot. Great for sensory gardens.
- Best for: Shaded to partially sunny spots with good moisture.
- Care tips: Needs regular watering in hot weather. Not ideal for heavy foot traffic, but perfect for low-use areas.
7. Liriope (Monkey Grass)
Often used as an edging plant, liriope also works well as a low-maintenance lawn alternative.
- Why it’s great: Evergreen grass-like foliage with purple flower spikes and black berries in late summer. Very hardy and adaptable.
- Best for: Borders, shaded areas, or mass plantings.
- Care tips: Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Cut back foliage in late winter for fresh spring growth.
8. Dymondia (Dymondia margaretae)
Also called silver carpet, this South African ground cover creates a silvery-green mat with occasional yellow daisy-like flowers.
- Why it’s great: Extremely drought-tolerant, tough, and weed-suppressing. Handles moderate foot traffic.
- Best for: Warm climates with full sun. Works well as a lawn replacement or between pavers.
- Care tips: Needs well-drained soil. Water lightly during establishment, then it thrives with little care.
9. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
This shade-loving ground cover produces delicate white flowers in spring and fragrant leaves often used in potpourri.
- Why it’s great: Excellent for shady areas, suppresses weeds, and adds spring charm.
- Best for: Under trees or in woodland gardens.
- Care tips: Prefers moist, rich soil. Can spread rapidly, so best in contained spaces.
Bonus Picks
- Pachysandra: Evergreen ground cover for shade.
- Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): Bright green or golden leaves that cascade beautifully.
- Blue Star Creeper: Tiny blue flowers and dense growth.
Tips for Replacing Grass with Ground Covers
- Prepare the soil: Remove existing grass and weeds before planting. Amend soil as needed.
- Choose the right plant for the right spot: Match sun, shade, and moisture conditions.
- Think about traffic: Some ground covers (like thyme or clover) handle light foot traffic; others (like moss) don’t.
- Plan for spread: Many ground covers spread quickly—great for filling large areas but be prepared to control growth if needed.
- Mix and match: Use a combination of ground covers for texture, color, and year-round interest.
Final Thoughts
Replacing grass with ground covers is more than just a landscaping trend—it’s a practical, eco-friendly choice that saves time, water, and effort while enhancing beauty. From fragrant thyme and clover to lush moss and vibrant ajuga, there’s a ground cover for every climate and style.
By choosing the right plants for your yard, you can create a landscape that’s visually stunning, sustainable, and low-maintenance. Ditch the endless mowing and watering—let your ground covers do the work while you enjoy a yard that thrives naturally.
These 9 ground covers prove you don’t need grass for a gorgeous, inviting lawn. Instead, you can have a living carpet that’s colorful, resilient, and uniquely yours.
