Regularly cutting our lawns may improve kerb appeal, but it has already proven to have serious consequences for bees and pollinators. Whilst we offer and promote Perfect for Pollinator plants to fill the gaps in your borders and to nourish the pollinating wildlife with nectar and pollen, stress-free no-mow lawns are crying out to be utilised. Have an open mind for the beauty and uniqueness they can bring, they don’t have to be unsightly and unkempt and we promise your neighbours won’t be wanting to complain.
Although no-mow lawns may traditionally be for the cottage gardener due to their informal yet traditional beauty, we think the benefits that they can bring to an urban garden and surrounding environment is worth promoting. It’s not all about the bees and the beasties, no-mow lawns provide denser ground cover, are drought resistant, and are generally pretty hardy. That means you’ll be saving water, which is great for our planet as well as our pocket!
Whilst you’ll be continuing to mow through Summer and Autumn, here are our suggestions to persuade you to ditch your lawn mower next year:
Red Clover
It is true what they say, clover is the sign of a healthy lawn. It acts as a natural fertiliser and takes nitrogen from the air, feeding it down into the soil. Mowing it between May and July may also promote secondary blooms which are a favourite of bees.
Creeping Thyme
This herb meant to be walked upon to release its gorgeous smell, sprinkling the ground with small, lavender coloured flowers. It requires quite a big project to fill an area with plug plants and you’ll also need to clear grass away from the ground that you would like to replace. However, this makes it a great project watching your thyme lawn expand every year.
Camomile
Its springy foliage and perfect white and yellow flowers will create a fairy tale lawn that you’ll long to sink into. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take trampling well so is best for low traffic areas whilst also enjoying full sun. You’ll only be required to trim ragged roots and spent flowers to ensure fullness, with dwarf varieties requiring even less maintenance as they lack any flowering blooms.