![]() In my opinion, the main benefits of red creeping thyme are that it stays short and tolerates drought. But what does life actually look like with a red creeping thyme lawn versus one made of turf grass? ![]() In theory, swapping out existing grass for a low-maintenance, sustainable alternative sounds great. But I also think it’s important to do your research and weigh all of your options before deciding which ground cover species is right for your property. I’m all for replacing turf grass with a more sustainable alternative like red creeping thyme. Replacing Grass With Red Creeping Thyme Lawn It also doesn’t require routine mowing to maintain a clean, uniform appearance. It grows in a variety of soil types and qualities. Red creeping thyme will thrive with minimal fertilizing and infrequent watering. However, red creeping thyme requires even less maintenance than the average grass lawn. I’m willing to bet that many homeowners stick to traditional turf grass because they’re unsure how to care for other ground cover options. But creeping thyme’s low-maintenance nature and drought tolerance make it particularly adept at choking out competing weeds. One of the benefits of growing a ground cover plant like turf grass or red creeping thyme is its ability to crowd out unwanted weeds.Īny plant that grows in a thick, spreading manner will accomplish this goal well. You can confidently plant creeping thyme next to manicured garden beds or natural plantings without worrying about the ground cover overtaking the other plants. Red creeping thyme is categorized as non-invasive and very unlikely to turn weedy in most environments. Fast Growing But Non-InvasiveĬreeping thyme is a unique example of a plant that readily establishes and spreads without becoming a nuisance in the landscape. Keep in mind, however, that this ground cover species does not tolerate poor-draining or waterlogged soils. Irrigation is usually only needed during periods of severe heat and drought - if at all.Ĭreeping thyme is a great option if you’re searching for a way to conserve water while still enjoying the look and feel of a traditional lawn. In many areas, it can thrive off of natural rainfall alone. ![]() Red creeping thyme requires less water than turf grass on average. In the spring and early summer, the red creeping thyme’s green color is replaced with a temporary flush of colorful flowers. It has a blue-green color and remains short and tidy in most growing conditions. So any worthwhile alternative also needs to be pleasing to the eyes.Ĭreeping thyme is easily mistaken for grass from a distance. There’s a reason its use in residential lawns has continued for so many decades. ![]() While sometimes impractical, turf grass is pretty universally seen as attractive. So why is red creeping thyme the go-to option for so many homeowners looking to get rid of their existing grass? Creeping Thyme Makes An Attractive Ground Cover There are countless other species that also mimic the growth pattern of turf grass and can be used to create alternative lawns. Why Grow Creeping Thyme As LawnĬreeping thyme is just one example of a ground cover plant. Each creeping thyme plant produces above-ground stems that can spread between 12 and 18 inches wide. The purple-pink flowers are slightly taller than the normal foliage. Unlike upright thyme varieties, red creeping thyme grows to just 2 to 3 inches tall at maturity. New growth will emerge as soon as the temperature warms up again come springtime. In cooler regions, creeping thyme will change color in the fall and die back during the winter. It tends to act as an evergreen in warmer climates. Red creeping thyme is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9. While creeping thyme is aromatic and technically edible, it is most commonly grown as a ground cover ornamental. Red creeping thyme is a close relative of the culinary herb thyme. For most people, replacing turf grass with a different type of ground cover is the most realistic option. I even know of some who have done away with their lawns altogether. Recently, more and more homeowners have become aware of the downfalls of traditional turf grass. ![]() In many parts of the world, they’re still the most dominant type of residential landscape. Grass lawns started gaining popularity midway through the Victorian Era. ![]()
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