The back yard is already 95% clover and violets, but the grass doesn't want to give up in the front yard, no matter how much we neglect it. I'm worried the cardboard trick would drown out the clover (the violets are too tenacious to be concerned about). Any suggestions?
Also, forgive the mess, we're remodeling the b basement and doing our gardening work right now so there's A LOT of crap on the front walkway right now.
Kentucky, USA, zone 7a
by _Affexion_
6 Comments
Pull the grass? No lazy solution.
Keep transplanting violets into new areas to help them colonize. Don’t worry about the clover as much, as it’s not native anyway, in my opinion, and seems to take care of itself.
Getting some fragaria virginiana (sun or shade) or some antennaria (for sun) can add diversity too. Not sure what exactly is native in Kentucky vs here in midwest.
I’ve been trying to go gradually over to just clover and violets for a few years. Like you i am not comfortable with the “kill everything and start over” plan.
It’s going okay. Just encouraging everything but grass. I expect it to be gradual.
https://preview.redd.it/423az9inbyzg1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=60f6bbee082b51eedfd7d18e95eea8ca402584c4
For the first time this year, I’m experimenting with Ornamec, which is supposed to be a selective grass-controller that spares broadleafs. Put some down in April but I won’t know how well it controlled the dallisgrass until June, because timing is a key part of how it works. So far I have only a half report: it didn’t bother my violets and another assorted “good weeds.” But did it do anything at all? Evidence inconclusive so far because the hellgrass doesn’t normally take over until it gets hot. Tag me some time this summer and I’ll let you know.
Well, the bees, and the other insects will be happy and benefit from them!! They come up early and that’s helpful!
No advice, just wanna say you got a cute house.