Out-competing a existing lawn, with Lawn Camomile,Thyme, Clover

[Phantom Brains]

Hi folks,


just wondering if anybody has experimented in using cover-crop seeds like clovers or thyme or camomile lawn, to try out-compete and take over existing grass species like Kikuyu, fescue, couch, etc.

-If so, have you had success from just broadcasting or only planting rooted cuttings.

I have experimented only with camomile lawn in a small 1m x 1m patch, the smell is amazing and the flowers look great too. Am going to try convert a 5m x 1m patch of grass for someone with the above three mentioned.


cheers, all feedback is much appreciated.

[Grahame]

Although I'm yet to try it myself, I have heard plenty of anecdotal evidence of people using either tomatoes or turnips planted thickly to out compete couch. I'm about to have a go at the turnip idea as soon as I find a spare moment to tackle a patch of couch.

I was also thinking that I could try a heavy turnip crop followed by a pig tractor. One day. When I get pigs.

I've recently had some chickens in a dome out in the 'paddock'. With the recent rains it seems that nothing has returned except a good mat of very healthy looking couch.

As for kikuyu my instincts tell me that you would need something pretty amazing to out do it. But I reckon the best time to attack it (around here at least) would be in the winter when it tends to die off with the cold.

[gardenlen]

we are going to seed wynn cassia and clover to be the lawn of choice on new block some grass will creep in but hope our idea gets a good start, would like lotonomus as well but can't get seeds.

that way when it needs mowing we have good clip for the garden or the chooks to graze on. and of course attract plenty of bees

len

[Dzionik]

I am trying to do something like that with seed balls and lots of different plants. For start 30 species, vegetables and herbs, next some cereals and whatever I find in health shop. Cheep seeds for experimenting and increasing biodiversity.
http://www.permacultureglobal.com/posts/2278

[S.O.P]

I don't think there would be much that would out compete grass, and if it could, that would be the environmental weed of choice (think Singapore Daisy). Grass itself, and I use the term 'weed' loosely, is an impressive weed in itself.

Like all the other suggestions, you would have to beat the grass into submission and then hopefully guide your succession groundcover into domination.

[gardenlen]

g'day SOP,

we had lotonomus taking over on our footpath in the 'burb's the grass never stood a chance, very strong root system very drought tolerant always green, would expect similar from clover and wynn cassia, if well established before the grass.

len

[S.O.P]

Well, I hope to see some photos.

[Phantom Brains]

Ok thanks.

I have seen white clover do pretty well against kikuyu on an area which is mown every 8 weeks. The area had a clover seeds broadcast on to it in a large amount, and seems to outcompete any other bit of grass on the patch of lawn.

I will do some test over the coming months at a property and see how it goes.

Thanks all for the input.

Cheers.

[Dzionik]

I don't think there would be much that would out compete grass, and if it could, that would be the environmental weed of choice

There's always a chance, depending on the year, weather and who knows what else.
This is a natural meadow in my orchard, every year is different. Sometimes I can find six types of clover on one square meter, and sometimes only grass. For now very little grasses and great diversity. Very stable and productive. It produces all fertility needed for orchard and vegetables.
This other peace of land have perhaps ten species of plants along with grasses. So I think there is much space for something else particularly perennials like mints, artichoke, asparagus, clovers etc.

[gardenlen]

no chance of pic's from me i've since moved

len