Mowing the lawn is kind of the worst. The noise, the sweat, the constant growth.
I used to dread weekend mornings just because I knew the lawn was waiting.
That’s why discovering no-mow lawn ideas using ground covers was a total game-changer for me.
These little green wonders stay low, spread beautifully, and some even bloom!
Whether you’re looking to save time, cut down on water bills, or just want a lush lawn without the fuss, I’ve got you covered (pun totally intended 😄).
Why No-Mow Ground Covers Are a Backyard Lifesaver
Swapping your traditional grass lawn for low-growing ground covers isn’t just trendy, it’s smart.
- They save you time and money. No more mowing, fertilizing, or irrigation overkill.
- They’re better for the planet. Many ground covers are drought-tolerant and support pollinators.
- They’re seriously pretty. Some bloom, some cascade, and they all feel amazing under bare feet.
I made the switch a couple of years ago, and I’m never looking back. Here are my favorite no-mow ground covers that can totally transform your yard without turning you into a weekend warrior.
1. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
If you love that bright, cheerful pop of green-gold, Creeping Jenny is your girl.
This vibrant plant grows low and wide, and it’s just as happy spilling over a rock wall as it is filling up shady lawn spots.
- Height: Stays under 6 inches
- Sun Needs: Prefers part shade but tolerates full sun
- Water: Moderate to moist soil, don’t let it dry out completely
- Bonus: Looks amazing around stepping stones or water features!
👉 I planted this along my front path, and it seriously glows in the morning light.
2. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga is what I call the overachiever of ground covers. It’s fast-growing, low-maintenance, and shows off gorgeous purple-blue flower spikes in spring.
- Height: 3 to 6 inches
- Sun Needs: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Average water needs
- Bonus: It handles foot traffic well!
Pro tip: The ‘Black Scallop’ variety has deep, almost black foliage that adds stunning contrast.
3. Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii)
Okay, mint in your lawn? Yes please! Corsican mint is teeny-tiny, super lush, and gives off a fresh minty scent when stepped on.
- Height: Just 1 inch tall!
- Sun Needs: Part shade to full shade
- Water: Loves moisture, don’t let it dry out
- Bonus: It’s totally safe and edible (hello, fancy lawn mojitos!)
It’s a little diva with moisture needs, but the payoff? SO worth it.
4. Dichondra (Dichondra repens)
Also known as “kidney weed,” Dichondra gives that soft, clover-like feel underfoot. It’s one of my go-tos for full-sun spaces that need a little elegance.
- Height: 1–3 inches
- Sun Needs: Full sun to light shade
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
- Bonus: Forms a thick, velvety green carpet
This is what I use in between stepping stones, zero maintenance and it looks perfect year-round.
5. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping thyme is like the herb garden that snuck into your lawn. It’s fragrant, hardy, and bees love its tiny purple flowers.
- Height: 2–3 inches
- Sun Needs: Full sun
- Water: Drought-tolerant
- Bonus: Totally walkable and smells amazing
I planted some between our patio pavers, and every step releases a little burst of scent, heavenly!
6. Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)
This one’s as cute as its name suggests. Blue Star Creeper is a dense mat-former with little sky-blue flowers in spring and summer.
- Height: Around 2 inches
- Sun Needs: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Moderate
- Bonus: Soft on bare feet and handles light foot traffic well
Fun fact: It spreads fast, so it’s perfect if you’re trying to cover bare spots quickly.
7. Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
No, not actual moss, but it sure looks like it. Irish moss creates a dense, fluffy carpet that gives your lawn a bit of a fairytale vibe.
- Height: 1–2 inches
- Sun Needs: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Likes moisture, especially in hot months
- Bonus: Dainty white flowers in spring
It feels like walking on a cloud, and it’s great between pavers or in small lawn spaces.
8. Clover (Trifolium repens)
I know clover used to be considered a weed, but let me tell you, it’s a total lawn superhero. It’s tough, soft, and never needs mowing.
- Height: 4–6 inches
- Sun Needs: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Super drought-tolerant
- Bonus: It fixes nitrogen, so it improves your soil as it grows
Plus, white clover blossoms bring in the bees, and I’m all for that pollinator party.
9. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedums are the succulents of the ground cover world. They love hot, dry spots and come in a bunch of different textures and colors.
- Height: 2–4 inches
- Sun Needs: Full sun
- Water: Very drought-tolerant
- Bonus: Stunning fall colors and low to no care needed
I’ve used creeping sedums on a tricky slope in my backyard, and they’ve held up better than anything else I tried.
10. Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’)
If you want a more traditional grass “look” without mowing, dwarf mondo grass is your new best friend.
- Height: 2–4 inches
- Sun Needs: Part shade to full shade
- Water: Moderate
- Bonus: Evergreen and super tidy
This is amazing for shady walkways and under trees where real grass just won’t grow.
11. Mazus (Mazus reptans)
Mazus is one of those hidden gems, once you plant it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
- Height: 2 inches
- Sun Needs: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Likes regular water, especially in summer
- Bonus: Soft, dense mat with lavender blooms in spring
It’s perfect for smaller spaces or as a lush filler between flagstones.
12. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
If your yard has lots of shade, this is the dreamy cover you’ve been looking for.
- Height: 6–12 inches
- Sun Needs: Full to part shade
- Water: Prefers moist soil
- Bonus: Star-shaped flowers and a sweet, hay-like scent when dried
I use this under my maple tree, and it creates the prettiest woodland look with zero fuss.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with No-Mow Ground Covers
Switching to a no-mow lawn is exciting, but there are a few traps you’ll want to sidestep:
- Choosing the wrong plant for your zone. Always check if your chosen cover thrives in your climate.
- Overwatering drought-tolerant varieties. Too much love = root rot.
- Underestimating spread. Some ground covers (looking at you, Creeping Jenny!) can take over if you don’t contain them.
- Skipping the prep work. Proper soil and weed control before planting makes a big difference long-term.
Tip: Start small, test in a corner of your yard, and expand once you know what works!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ground covers really replace grass?
Yes, many ground covers are just as functional as grass, but without the mowing. While not all tolerate heavy foot traffic, plenty (like thyme or clover) do great in casual-use spaces.
How fast do no-mow ground covers grow?
It depends on the plant and your climate. Some like Creeping Jenny or Ajuga fill in fast (within a season), while others take a bit longer. Look for “fast-spreading” in the plant description.
Are no-mow lawns expensive to install?
Initial costs can vary, but over time, you’ll save on mowing, fertilizing, and watering. I found that even though the upfront investment felt steep, the long-term payoff is absolutely worth it.
Can I mix different types of ground covers together?
Absolutely! I love mixing textures and colors. Just make sure they have similar light and water needs so one doesn’t outcompete the other.
Ready to Say Goodbye to the Mower?
You don’t need a traditional grass lawn to have a beautiful, functional outdoor space. With the right no-mow ground covers, your yard can be vibrant, easy to care for, and uniquely yours.
Trust me, once you see that lush, living carpet without ever hearing a mower again, you’ll wonder why you didn’t switch sooner!
1. Creeping Jenny
Photorealistic image of a vibrant garden path with Creeping Jenny ground cover, bright golden-green leaves spilling between stepping stones in partial shade, lush and well-watered, morning light casting soft glows on the foliage.
2. Ajuga
Realistic spring garden lawn with dense Ajuga ground cover, showing deep purple-blue flower spikes among glossy dark green foliage, partly shaded by trees, sunlight highlighting some leaves and flowers, with light footpath nearby.
3. Corsican Mint
Close-up photorealistic view of lush Corsican Mint forming a dense, low-growing mat in a shady garden corner, misty moisture in the air, vibrant green color and soft mint texture, sunlight dappled through overhead tree branches.
4. Dichondra
Wide-angle image of a modern front yard covered in thick Dichondra ground cover, velvety green texture, full sun with soft shadows, stepping stones slightly embedded in the greenery, clean landscaping lines and tidy borders.
5. Creeping Thyme
Photorealistic image of creeping thyme ground cover in bloom, tiny lavender-purple flowers carpeting a sunny space between stone pavers, bees hovering, warm sunlight flooding the frame, natural outdoor garden ambiance.
6. Blue Star Creeper
Top-down view of a bright, full-sun backyard patch with dense Blue Star Creeper, delicate pale blue star-shaped flowers sprinkled throughout the lush green foliage, stones embedded for light foot traffic, soft and vibrant garden lighting.
7. Irish Moss
Close-up photorealistic shot of Irish Moss forming a soft, emerald-green carpet across a small garden area, tiny white flowers peeking through, slight moisture glistening, shaded by nearby plants, giving a fairy-tale woodland look.
8. Clover
Bright daytime image of a full lawn replaced with healthy white clover, dotted with small white flowers, bees buzzing around, children barefoot in the background, bright sunlight and blue skies above, organic and joyful atmosphere.
9. Sedum
Realistic image of a dry, sunny slope covered in colorful creeping sedums in reds, greens, and golds, stone edging borders the patch, bright clear sky above, sun-drenched scene highlighting drought-tolerant landscaping.
10. Mondo Grass
Photorealistic backyard scene with a shady area under tall trees, filled with lush dwarf Mondo Grass forming tidy low tufts, dark green foliage, stone pathway meandering through, filtered light creating soft shadows.
11. Mazus
Vibrant spring garden setting with lavender-blue Mazus flowers blanketing the ground between flagstones, green foliage visible beneath the blooms, bright morning sun and light dew on the leaves, whimsical and neat landscape.
12. Sweet Woodruff
Woodland garden scene with a soft carpet of Sweet Woodruff under a maple tree, white star-shaped flowers blooming across the green foliage, dappled shade and filtered light, peaceful and natural forest-like feel.