Are wildflower lawns more upkeep than traditional grass lawns?
Wildflower gardens are gaining in popularity as a replacement for large swaths of grass. They're great for the environment; they attract pollinators and grow beautiful, hardy native plants. But with so many species with different care requirements, are they more difficult to maintain?
Answers ( 1 )
Depends on just how "wild" your wildflower lawn becomes- and whether or not you will be cited for a failure to maintain your property to community standards.
There's one place here- right in town- which has allowed the strip of area between driveway and sidewalk/curb to grow "wild" with lots of California poppies and ice plants; it is very pretty now. Wasn't quite as pretty a couple months ago- just weeds poking through the gravel- and, of course, will become equally unattractive come November or so. Still, better than those folks who allow Desert Broom to form hedges- that crap is highly allergenic and, other than remaining green through winter, not all that attractive.
So it will be according to where you live, what "wildflowers" you choose to sow, whether or not those seeds take to your soil and climate, and whether or not your neighbors mind. Plus, while often advertised as perennial, wildflower lawns become far more weed than flower each successive year- it is not upkeep-free.
One other consideration: What are your likely pests and rodent populations? Here, anyone who allows weeds- prettily flowered or not- to flourish is actively making rattle snake habitat. The equation is Wildflowers = seeds; seeds = rodents; rodents = snakes.
So, if you have your heart set on this, make sure the wildflowers you choose grow well where you are. You will still have to prepare your plot- even wildflowers aren't crazy about competition. You will likely still have to water in the worst of the heat, and, probably cut or pull dead plants out of the patch as their season comes to an end. You will also likely have to re-seed every year or three.
I have a friend in Pennsylvania who has xeriscaped his side yard and has a large collection of succulents growing now- started about ten years ago. He waters only if it is very dry, and has landscape felt under the gravel, so there's not much work anymore. Me, I went the other direction and added about 175 square foot of grass around the exterior of my xeriscaping here in the desert. It is striking during monsoon season, and can drop the temperature nearly ten degrees when well-hydrated; otherwise, it is a constant source of endless chores. hmmph!