Do you really need a lawn?  Lawns are, for the most part, very poor habitats for wildlife and may actually have a detrimental effect on the surrounding environment if fertilizers are used to maintain them.  By replacing your lawn, or at least part of it, you are not only enhancing your property, but also saving yourself time and effort – no more mowing!

One way to replace your lawn is to develop a wildflower meadow instead.  However, many people like to retain an area of low vegetation for recreational use.  This sheet gives the alternative: groundcover plants that, once introduced, will cover an area, keeping low (often not much higher than your lawn was), attracting wildlife and needing absolutely no maintenance.

 

Plants Native to Muskoka and Suitable for Groundcover

 

Bearberry (Arctostaphylow uva-ursi)

A very low (15cm) spreading shrub that will grow in partially shaded areas.  Bell-shaped pink flowers in spring and dry looking red berries later; eaten by birds.

 

Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifoluim)

Up to 60 cm high, prefers bright areas.  White or pale pink flowers in May/June, juicy berries from June onwards that are popular with birds and humans alike.

 

Wintergreen (Galtheria procumbens)

Low groundcover (10cm high) that likes acidic soil and partial shade.  Has fragrant evergreen leaves and red berries.

 

Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens)

A small evergreen vine that trails along the ground, has white-veined leaves.  Fragrant white flowers in June/July, berries from August onwards.

Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)

Up to 20cm high, often found in dense patches.  Has tiny pale flowers followed by berries from August onwards.

 

Trailing Arbutus (Epigaea repens)

A prostrate evergreen creeper that flourishes in poor, often damp, soils.  One of the first plants to flower in the spring.

 

Moss Phlox (Phlox Subulata)

Has numerous tiny pink flowers, spring to summer.  Prefers well-drained soil, sandy and rocky places.

 

By using native groundcover species, such as the above, the wildlife potential of your garden can be enhanced as well as its appearance.  Many of these plants are commercially available at nurseries in the Muskoka area.  The staff at the nursery should be able to offer expert advice on species choice, location, and planting techniques.

  Another alternative is to look for plants such as Wintergreen, Partridgeberry, and Trailing Arbutus on your property and transplant individuals, with plenty of soil left around the roots, into the area desired.  Avoid moving too many plants as this may cause undue disturbance to the natural ecosystem.