Welcoming diversity in our lawns: Clover

I’ve always been a big supporter of the idea that a weed is only a misplaced plant. That is, if the presence of dandelion, clover, or even Canadian thistle don’t bother you, they’re not weeds.

In fact, let’s focus on clover for a minute. Before our nation became so dependent upon chemical lawn treatments (and we were sold the lie that our lawns are only attractive as a pristine monoculture), clover was actually added to grass seed mixes.

And when you think about it, even aesthetically, what’s wrong with a little (or a lot of) clover in your lawn? It’s green, it covers the ground evenly, and it holds up well in high-traffic and drought-like conditions. Plus the little white (or red) flowers give a beautiful contrast to your green lawn.

In an article on HGTV.com, Master Gardener Paul James talks about clover’s biological benefits too:

Here are his top three reasons for loving clover:

1. Clover is a legume, meaning it fixes nitrogen from the air and puts it into the soil. "It's an amazing chemical process, one that reduces the need for additional nitrogen from fertilizers. In fact, clover seed used to be added to turf grass mixtures to help the grass become established faster."
2. Rabbits love eating clover, so if you want to deter rabbits from eating something more precious in the garden, you can try offering them clover.
3. Clover attracts earthworms "by the gazillions," Paul says, "and we all know how beneficial earthworms are for the health of the soil and the plants that grow in and on it."

James also talks about how having a monoculture (only one type of plant) in your lawn is bad, and that having a smattering of other stuff (what the chemical industry would call “weeds) is not only tolerable,, but a good thing. In fact, about 15% of his lawn contains things besides grass—things like clover.

Having biodiversity in your lawn, he says, reduces disease and harmful pest infestation, plus it attracts beneficial insects (like bees). But probably one of the most important reasons for welcoming biodiversity is that it will reduce, or even eliminate, the need for harmful herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides in our soil. Before the chemical industry told us we needed monoculture lawns, people’s lawns were just healthy, beautiful and natural places to spend time in the summer. Now, we’ve got caution signs keeping us off, polluted soil producing dead spots, and the need for monocultures causing stress and anxiety.
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So I say to you: Relax, welcome some diversity to your lawn this year and know that you’re doing exactly what nature wants. Both you, and your yard, will be happier and healthier.

Looking to buy some clover seed? We've got it! Uninoculated and organic. 
 

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