What hardy ground cover?

kittieduck

I am in the process of cleaning up my yard and have started to plan how I want it to look. 

After coming to devastating realisation that a moss lawn is not possible, (high dreams of being the fairy of my own garden 😂) 

I am at a loss as to what to use, I have reduced mobility and while I do have help maintaining the sad excuse for a lawn now, it makes me itchy. 

I have done a little bit of research but with a toddler and 2 dogs nothing I have found mentioned sounds like it could recover from the impact. 

I would prefer not to go the artificial route as biodiversity is so important and I don't find the horror movie perfect green appealing. 

The above points aside, in a perfect world I would Iike something simple to care for that could withstand pets and children while still being soft and low allergy enough that I could enjoy being outside again. 

I anticipate any solutions will be cost demanding, and would appreciate any in sight into how to complete this kind of thing in stages 

Thank you 

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @kittieduck. It's splendid to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about ground coverings.

I’m not one to crush dreams of having your own fairy garden. Is there a reason why moss isn’t possible where you are? Does the area get full sun and stay quite dry? Moss generally prefers shade and moisture, so if it’s too exposed, it can be difficult to keep alive. That said, there are some moss alternatives that can give you a similar look, though most aren’t particularly hardy in high-traffic areas.

You could consider designing the space so that heavily used paths, like those leading to the clothesline or gate, are paved or covered with stepping stones, while the surrounding areas use softer, low-growing plants to achieve that lush, mossy effect. Some good hardy options that can handle pets and kids include Dichondra repens (Kidney Weed), Zoysia tenuifolia (No-Mow Grass) and native groundcovers like Myoporum parvifolium. These provide good coverage, are relatively low-allergy and can be established in stages to help manage cost.

If you’d like to keep it as natural and low-maintenance as possible, you might also combine these with mulch or gravel pathways to break up the space. It’ll give you the feel of a magical garden while still being practical and comfortable for your lifestyle.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell