SERIES 36 | Episode 27
Native no-mow lawns are beautiful, functional and low maintenance – perfectly suited to Australian conditions. A soft spot to sit and you never have to mow!
When selecting a type of native lawn, consider whether your site is sunny or shaded. This will determine which grass you select. Also, think about the intended use of the lawn – is it purely ornamental, occasional seating, or light play? Most native grasses grow in tufted clumps which provide a wonderful springiness and softness to your lawn.
In sunny spots we like Zoysia ‘Zen Grass’ for passive lawn areas, needing one mow per year with low to no fertiliser requirements.
When starting a native lawn from scratch, you have three options – seed, rolls of turf, or pots.
The easiest thing for a small job like this is to buy small pots of Zoysia and plant them. The upside is you get quicker results. This is best planted in autumn. Zoysia ‘Zen Grass’ is a low-maintenance, fast-spreading alternative to a traditional lawn with a nice, wavy look.
What is Zen Grass? It’s a more improved version of the often-used Japanese Temple Grass (Zoysia tenuifolia) which can be weak during drought and slow to cover. Zoysia ‘Zen Grass’ is tough with dense growth that keeps out weeds and survives floods. This hybrid is an open-pollination cross between Z. macrantha and Z. matrella. Z macrantha is native to QLD, Vic, NSW and Tas. Z. matrella is native to Northern QLD. Its deep green colour in summer and winter in most parts, its ability to grow in most soils, and its natural resistance to disease and insect damage make it an excellent choice.
Plant pots at a rate of 4 plants per square metre. If you want to get a quicker result cut the pots in half or quarters and plant them in a checkerboard pattern and up the number to 9 per square metre – they’ll soon join up. If planted in mulch, it tends to have even better undulation and needs less mowing. The mulch reduces weeds as well.
Water regularly for the first 4-6 weeks, then reduce to weekly watering until established. The quicker you want the result, the closer you need to plant them.
Featured Plants LONG-HAIR PLUME-GRASSDichelachne crinitaMANILA GRASSZoysia matrella ‘Sir Grange’KANGAROO GRASSThemeda triandraZEN ZOYSIAZoysia cv.
Filmed on Gadigal Country | Arncliffe, NSW
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