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Discover
The Best Alternatives
To Traditional Grass In A Shady Lawn
By ASHLEY HANSON
Moss
This lush alternative loves dense shade and damp, humid conditions. While it doesn’t require mowing, you must clear leaves and debris off it and water it during dry periods.
Sweet Woodruff
Low-maintenance, this ground cover features lovely star-shaped blossoms that do not require pruning and favors cooler environments with well-draining, moist soil.
English Ivy
While this plant will quickly turn your patchy lawn into a brilliant sea of green, you’ll have to prune it frequently to stop it from overtaking your shrubs and flowers.
English ivy prefers partial sunlight; moist, well-draining soil; and a balanced fertilizer in the springtime to encourage growth. It is drought-tolerant once
it’s established.
Mini Hostas
Known for having lush, small foliage that groups together, mini hostas create an eye-catching, no-mow lawn that thrives in rich, damp soil featuring organic compost.
Their foliage can be easily damaged, so plant them in low-traffic areas without full sun. You’ll also have to take measures to deter deer
and slugs, which love to feast on them.
Hardy Ferns
These resilient plants are available in various heights and unique leaf types. They thrive in partially or fully shaded, moist, cool growing zones with low foot traffic.