Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives: Ground Covers Over Landscape Fabric

Landscape Fabric Downsides

• Expensive for large areas.
• Weeds like dollarweed penetrate it.
• Soil life suffocates; organic matter can’t replenish.

Better: Shade-Tolerant Ground Covers

• Pachysandra: Dense, evergreen, minimal water once established.
• Hostas: Varied foliage, some flowers. Add lava gravel to deter slugs.
• English Ivy: ‘Sub-Zero’ cultivar is extra hardy. Root cuttings in water.

Sun-Loving Ground Covers

• Creeping thyme, sedum, ice plant, creeping juniper—colorful, drought-tough, no mow.

Installation

Plant plugs directly into existing grass in spring; water well for 4–6 weeks. By next year, they’ll dominate. Add automatic irrigation if you want zero hand-watering.

Source

Bluestone Perennials (bluestoneperennials.com) offers wide selection, early-order sales.