Grassy Patio Mosaic in Taos: Living Flagstone Joints

Instead of a traditional lawn, Rene Mettler planted a living mosaic between flagstones at his 200-year-old adobe home in Taos, NM.

Method

1. Level area; spread 3 inches sand over existing soil.
2. Set flagstones randomly in sand, leaving ≥2-inch seams.
3. Fill seams with topsoil; sow grass seed; water daily until germination.
4. Once established, water weekly; mow monthly with a lawnmower.

Plant Choices

• Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis 'Hachita'): drought-tolerant, fast-germinating, grows in sand or clay. Sow early fall (until 6 weeks before frost) or spring. Plugs at 4-inch intervals also work. Turns straw-colored in winter dormancy.
• Creeping thyme ('Ohme Garden Carpet' or 'Reiter'): another good crack-filler.

Sources: High Country Gardens, Santa Fe (800/925-9387) for 'Hachita' seed/plugs and thyme pots.