A tapestry lawn (also referred to as a grass-free lawn)[1] is a lawn made from a variety of different mowing-tolerant perennial forb species. The overall visual effect of the many species of plants grown together is referred to as a tapestry.
The format is based on research carried out at the University of Reading by Lionel Smith. Developed with a temperate humid oceanic climate in mind, it applies ecological principles and horticultural practices to address some of the ecological and environmental issues associated with traditional grass lawns.[2][3][4] Compared to a grass lawn, tapestry lawns have a higher biodiversity, of plants and pollinators alike, and need less mowing.
More diverse swards are generally more resistant to weeds, and improve soil nutrient retention, as different plants fill complementary niches.[5]
- ^ "Home". grassfreelawns.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 August 2013.
- ^ Peel, M.C., B.L. Finlayson, and T.A. McMahon, Updated world map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 2007. 11(5): p. 1633-1644.
- ^ Allen, W., Balmori, D., Haeg, F., Edible Estates: Attack on the Front Lawn.2010: Metropolis Books.
- ^ Borman, F.H., D. Balmori, and T.G. Geballe, Redesigning the American Lawn. A Search for Environmental Harmony. 2nd ed2001, New Haven & London: Yale University Press.
- ^ Harris, Ciaran; Ratnieks, Francis L. W. (June 2022). "Clover in agriculture: combined benefits for bees, environment, and farmer". Journal of Insect Conservation. 26 (3): 339–357. doi:10.1007/s10841-021-00358-z.