Beyond the Lawn: Sustainable Alternatives to Traditional Grass
Many Australian gardens contain lawn simply because it has always been there. Perhaps a previous owner planted it, or perhaps we simply assume a garden should include a large expanse of grass.
But if your lawn is only being mown rather than enjoyed, it’s worth asking a different question:
Does this space need to be lawn at all?
Areas beneath trees, beside fences, on steep slopes or in narrow side passages often struggle to support healthy turf. These spaces can usually be transformed into attractive, lower-maintenance gardens that use less water and provide much greater environmental value.
The best lawn alternative depends on how you use the space.
Why Replace Some (or All) of Your Lawn?
Replacing lawn isn’t just about reducing mowing. A thoughtfully designed garden can deliver a range of practical and environmental benefits.
Less Maintenance
Traditional lawns require regular mowing, edging, fertilising and weed control.
Groundcovers, native plantings and mulched garden beds generally require far less ongoing work once established. They are also less susceptible to widespread pest and disease problems than a single-species lawn.
Lower Water Use
Even drought-tolerant turf often requires supplementary watering during hot Australian summers.
Well-designed garden beds with drought-hardy plants and organic mulch retain moisture far more effectively, reducing irrigation while remaining attractive year-round.
More Biodiversity
Lawns provide very little habitat.
Replacing sections of turf with layered planting creates shelter and food for birds, butterflies, native bees and beneficial insects. Varying plant heights also adds texture, colour and seasonal interest, making the garden feel larger and more inviting.
Choosing the Right Lawn Alternative
Rather than choosing a plant first, think about how the area will be used.
Option 1: Areas with No Foot Traffic
Ideal for:
- beneath trees
- beside fences
- embankments
- nature strips (where permitted)
- ornamental garden spaces
These areas offer the greatest flexibility. Many low-growing shrubs, herbs and spreading groundcovers create a dense green carpet with very little maintenance.
Suitable plants include:
Availability: S = Seed • P = Pot • V = Viro-cell • T = Turf
| Variety | Maintenance | Size of Area Suitable | Weed Potential | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marjoram | Medium | Medium | Low | S, P |
| Myoporum parvifolium | Low | Large | Low | P |
| Oregano | Medium | Medium | Low | S, P |
| Parthenocissus sikkimensis | Medium | Large | Low | P |
| Prostrate Grevilleas | Low | Large | Low | S, P |
| Prostrate Rosemary | Low | Medium | Low | P |
| Prostrate Sedum varieties | Low | Small | Low | P |
| Sutera | Low | Small | Low | P |
Option 2: Areas with Light Foot Traffic
Ideal for:
- pathways
- spaces between stepping stones
- informal seating areas
- front gardens
These plants tolerate occasional walking while remaining attractive.
Suitable species include:
Availability: S = Seed • P = Pot • V = Viro-cell • T = Turf
| Variety | Maintenance | Size of Area Suitable | Weed Potential | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Convolvulus sabatius | Low | Medium | Low | P |
| Corsican Mint | Medium | Small | Medium | P |
| Dwarf Mondo Grass | Low | Medium | Low | P, V |
| Dianthus | Low | Small | Low | P |
| Dichondra | Medium | Medium | Low | S, P, V |
| Lawn Chamomile | Medium | Medium | Low | S, P |
| Penny Royal | Medium | Small | Low | S, P |
| Pratia (Isotoma) | Medium | Small | Low | P |
| Prostrate Pigface | Low | Large | Low | S, P |
| Sagina | Medium | Small | Low | P |
| Scleranthus | Medium | Small | Low | P |
| Thymus (Thyme) varieties | Low | Medium | Low | S, P |
| Viola hederacea | Medium | Medium | Low | S, P |
For areas with heavier foot traffic, combine these plants with stepping stones or pavers to reduce wear while maintaining a natural appearance.
Meadow Lawns
If you enjoy the open feel of grass but would like more biodiversity, consider a meadow lawn.
Instead of a single grass species, meadow lawns combine ornamental grasses with flowering perennials, bulbs, wildflowers and low-growing groundcovers.
Unlike traditional turf, meadow lawns are allowed to grow naturally and are typically cut only once or twice each year.
A meadow lawn can:
- support pollinators
- improve biodiversity
- reduce mowing
- provide seasonal colour and movement
- create a softer, more natural look
For best results, cut after the main spring flowering period and again in late autumn, removing the cut material to prevent nutrient build-up.
Fringe Plantings
Not every lawn has to disappear.
Many gardens benefit from retaining a smaller central lawn for recreation while replacing the edges with ornamental grasses and native plants.
These “fringe” plantings soften the transition between lawn and garden beds while adding habitat and visual interest.
| Variety | Maintenance | Size of Area Suitable | Weed Potential | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Festuca glauca | Low | Small–Medium | Low | P |
| Deschampsia species | Low | Medium | Low | P |
| Carex species | Low | Small–Large | Low | P, V |
| Poa species | Low | Medium–Large | Low | P, V |
| Lomandra ‘Tanika’ | Low | Medium–Large | Low | P, V |
Think Beyond the Grass
A sustainable garden doesn’t have to be lawn-free—but every square metre of lawn should have a purpose.
By matching the right planting to the way you actually use your garden, you can reduce maintenance, save water and create a richer, more diverse landscape that supports local wildlife while still providing beautiful, usable outdoor spaces.
| If your area is… | Consider… |
|---|---|
| Full sun | Pigface, Thyme, Prostrate Grevilleas, Prostrate Rosemary |
| Dry shade | Myoporum, Viola hederacea, Dwarf Mondo Grass |
| Under trees | Viola hederacea, Dichondra, Carex species |
| Steep slope | Myoporum, Prostrate Grevilleas |
| Light foot traffic | Dichondra, Dwarf Mondo Grass, Lawn Chamomile, Thyme |
| Dog-friendly | Dichondra with stepping stones, Lomandra ‘Tanika’ borders |
| Edible planting | Thyme, Oregano, Marjoram |
| Native garden | Myoporum, Prostrate Grevilleas, Pigface, Viola hederacea |