Let’s consider your lawn…

If yours is like most people’s, it needs lots of care and attention. At least, it does if you want it to be a thick, green traditional lawn.

There’s the soil prepping and fixing. You have to choose the right seed and then seed your lawn properly. You have to feed the grass well, fight the weeds and water wisely throughout the season. Finally, there’s the regular mowing, being sure you’re cutting it at just the right height.

Whew!

Now, let’s consider a tapestry lawn — one that takes much of that off your chore list.

But first things first… What is a tapestry lawn?

• It’s essentially a variety of low, ground-hugging plants that create a beautiful, colorful space.
• Second, a tapestry lawn requires less frequent mowing.
• And third, weeding is minimal. YES!
• As if those weren’t enough reasons to get one started, a tapestry lawn also supports bees, butterflies and other beneficial wildlife, and that’s something we can all get behind.

How do you get your own tapestry lawn started?

Choose flower species based on your conditions.

• Is your current lawn in full sun or shade?
• What type of soil do you have: sandy loam, clay, or a mix?
• If you need help choosing the plants that can thrive in your conditions, let Reston Farm Garden Market point you in the right direction.

That said, flowering ground covers, such as chamomile, thyme, yarrow and self-heal, can be wonderful choices for your tapestry lawn!

If you are seeding—or planting—directly into an established lawn, you’ll need to give your flowers a competitive edge by “disrupting” or “scalping” the lawn before seeding.

• You can accomplish that by mowing your grass short, about 1.5 inches.
• This will allow more sunlight in, helping your new plants grow or seeds germinate.
• It also slows down the competition of the established grass; those roots are diverted into putting energy back into reestablishing the grass blades you’ve cut.

At this point you’ll need to be sure your seeds or new plants are getting the water they need.

• If Mother Nature isn’t cooperating with nice, timely rainfalls, you should water twice a day for 15 to 20 minutes in the early morning and the early afternoon, for two or three weeks.

We hope we’ve inspired you to think of your lawn differently, and we hope you come in and tell us what you’ve created.

Joyful gardening from your friends at Reston Farm Garden Market!