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Barefoot Patio: Paving Stones Laced with Buffalo Grass

A Water-Wise Alternative to Lawn

In the arid West, a conventional turfgrass lawn isn't water-wise, and large paving creates heat and glare. Nate Downey of Santa Fe Permaculture laces paving stones with ribbons of native buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) for a “soft patio” effect that needs far less water than bluegrass or fescue.

Installation Details

Ideal spacing between stones is 6–8 inches, set on sand for permeability. June is a good month to plant buffalo grass from sod, plugs, or seed. Two cultivars—‘Legacy’ and ‘UC Verde’—are developed for Southwest lawns; ‘UC Verde’ stays green most of the year.

Landscaping: River Rock Next to a Concrete Patio: Drainage or Decoration?; Native Grass Seed: Ecological Restoration, Erosion Control & Low Maintenance; Zoysia Grass Plugs: Meyer, Emerald & El Toro for Every Climate; Fescue Grass: Cold-Hardy, Fast-Establishing for Northern Lawns; Grass Removal Methods: Starting Fresh the Right Way; Buffalo Grass: The Native Turf for Tough Conditions; Essential Patio Amenities: Furniture, Plantings, Lighting, and More for Outdoor Comfort; Pampas Grass Care: Pruning, Blooming, and Division; Liriope (Monkey Grass) Care: Trimming, Control, and Weed Management; Grassy Patio Mosaic in Taos: Living Flagstone Joints

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