‘Isotoma’ or Blue Star Creeper | Little Prince of Oregon
The latest in alfresco trends is “flower walking,” enjoying tiptoeing through springy, textured, fragrant, and sometimes flowering perennials for a bit of grounding, outdoor bliss.
Google search trends show that power gardeners are already hopping aboard the lawn replacement or reduction train and Pratias FootPrince perennials from Little Prince of Oregon Nursery can help them accomplish their goals.
Flowery, Fluffy, and Fragrant
Kathy Jentz, author of Groundcover Revolution: How to use sustainable, low-maintenance, low-water groundcovers to replace your turf, says “What always gets overlooked is the sheer beauty of groundcovers. It is much more interesting to look at a yard planted with groundcovers than turf. Wouldn’t you rather look at a lot of little flowers and butterflies visiting those flowers than grass?”
So, how do FootPrince perennials fit into the picture? Think of groundcovers with benefits. These tough plants invite a closer look and feel than a lawn but can handle the wear and tear of light foot traffic. They also offer more ecological benefits than monoculture turf, especially when planted as part of a diverse landscape.
Several genera form the backbone of the FootPrince line:
- Dymondia: A low-growing flowering plant with gray fuzzy leaves. Perfect in between pavers.
- Erodium: Clusters of deep green leaves support delicate white, pink, or fuchsia blooms.
- Isotoma: Also known as “blue star creeper,” it’s a gorgeous, flowery lawn substitute.
- Leptinella: Forms dense mats of ferny foliage. Great for moist but well-drained areas.
- Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’: Turflike in nature and look, this one’s a slam dunk for anyone afraid they’ll miss their grass!
- Pratia: A true creeper with white or purple flowers. A dense groundcover with many applications.
- Sagina and Scleranthus: Irish and New Zealand moss, respectively. They have a similar look and feel, though Sagina prefers more moisture than Scleranthus.
- Thymus: Creeping varieties thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. Delightful fragrance when stepped on.
Meeting Gardeners Where They Are
“The fact is,” Kathy says, “Once you’ve lived in a house for 20 years you can end up with a lot of shade. You might also be looking to enjoy a lower-maintenance garden. Groundcovers are ideal for that, requiring less weeding, less water, and less care.”
