What is a Tapestry Lawn?

The kitchen has gluten free bread, sugar free cakes and sodium free pies, so now the garden has a grass-free lawn? Yes, the tapestry lawn –  a grass-free, turf lawn alternative which consists of specific mowing tolerant plants instead of grass.

Why is it called a tapestry lawn? Quite simply, because the overall visual effect of the many species of plant grown together is referred to as a tapestry. Tapestry lawns are created by using individual plant species in either pots or trays that are then combined in a mosaic style at planting. (Which is way more fun than just sprinkling grass seeds across a bare ground!)

 

 

The phrase ‘tapestry lawn’ seems to be the result of a UK, PhD research project at the University of Reading. Determined to prove the viability of turf lawn alternatives, the UK research succeeded in finding that grass-free lawns can produce up to 90% more flowers, contain 25% more invertebrate life, and support up to 10 times as many visits from twice as many pollinator species as wildflower turf. Source: GrassFreeLawns.co.uk

And if that’s not enough to demonstrate its goodness, tapestry lawns require less lawn mowing (in fact lawnmowing and carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by up to two thirds) and rainfall can be absorbed up to twice as fast as a traditional grassed lawn.

Tapestry lawns are also perennial and do not need to be replaced every year like bedding plants. They are drought tolerant and thus are capable of remaining greener for longer during short periods of drought.

But wait, there’s more… one of the best attractions of grass-free lawns is that they do no need moss killer, fertiliser or any other chemical to survive and thrive!

 

 

So, if you’re tired of having only turf lawn in your backyard and you have no exciting plans this weekend, consider cordoning off a section of your yard to transform into a unique and colourful tapestry lawn?

Please send us photos if you do!