Imagine reducing the frequency of lawn mowing while enhancing the beauty of your landscape and supporting local pollinators. This can be achieved by naturalizing spring-flowering bulbs in areas where you practice low-mow lawn care. By allowing bulbs to bloom, mature, and die back naturally, they will return year after year, creating a more sustainable and attractive lawn.
The Tradition of Naturalizing Bulbs in Lawns
The practice of interplanting bulbs with grasses dates back over 300 years in the Netherlands, where it was initially a way for wealthy gardeners to showcase their collections with minimal effort. Today, these naturalized plantings, known as Stinzenplanten, continue to adorn public spaces and offer a beautiful, low-maintenance alternative to traditional lawn care.
The Benefits for Pollinators
Recent studies by organizations like the Xerces Society’s Bee City USA show that lawns with diverse plantings, mowed at different heights and times, benefit pollinators, especially early in the season when food sources are scarce. By mowing around naturalized bulbs and letting them die back later in the spring, you provide essential habitat and food for bees and other insects.
Best Bulbs for Naturalizing
To create a successful naturalized bulb planting, select early-blooming bulbs that remain low to the ground. These “little bulbs” include species like crocus, muscari, scilla (Siberian squill), jonquils, and other small spring-flowering varieties. Most of these bulbs are available for planting in fall and early winter when they are dormant.
Crocuses, particularly Crocus tommasinianus (also known as “Tommy” crocus), are ideal for naturalizing due to their early bloom time and resistance to pests like squirrels. These crocuses thrive in various conditions, from full sun to dry shade.
Snowdrops are another excellent choice, forming long-lasting clumps and blooming early in the spring. Their delicate flowers are a welcome sight in any lawn.
Dwarf jonquils, such as Tete-a-Tete, are another standout option, creating bright, eye-catching clumps that continue to return year after year.
Muscari (grape hyacinths) come in a range of colors and are highly attractive to pollinators. They’re another great option for naturalizing, as they can thrive in different soil types and light conditions.
Native Bulbs to Consider
When naturalizing bulbs, don’t overlook native species. Native bulbs are often better suited to local climates and offer even more benefits for local wildlife. For example:
- Dwarf crested iris, native to the Eastern US, is perfect for late-mowed lawns in many regions.
- Camassia, native to the Pacific Northwest, is another great option for naturalized lawns.
- Bluebells and snowdrops, native to the British Isles, also make excellent choices for naturalizing.
Where to Plant
Choosing the right spot is crucial. Little bulbs thrive in sites that are not too moist or rich in nutrients. Ideal locations include dry, shady spots or areas with rocky, gravelly soil. Bulbs also do well in edges where they receive sun during the cooler months and are shaded in summer.
If you’re dealing with a weedy area, consider planting bulbs in the fall and winter as you remove weeds. This practice replaces the weeds with beautiful, naturalized flowers that will enhance the space year after year.
Mowing Considerations
When creating a low-mow lawn with naturalized bulbs, it’s important to plan your mowing schedule. Most spring-flowering bulbs need time to store energy in their foliage after blooming. Allow them to complete their life cycle before mowing, ensuring they’ll return the following year.
To maintain the rest of the lawn and prevent weeds, mow or trim around the naturalized bulb areas in early spring. A little edging helps the plantings look more intentional. When it’s time to mow, set your mower’s blade to the highest level, or use a string trimmer, to avoid cutting the bulbs too early.
Creating a Low-Mow, Bee-Friendly Lawn
In addition to bulbs, you can incorporate other bee-friendly plants, like white clover, into your low-mow lawn. These plants thrive with infrequent mowing and provide essential habitat for pollinators throughout the growing season.
By naturalizing bulbs in your low-mow lawn, you’re not only reducing mowing time and maintenance but also creating a beautiful, pollinator-friendly landscape that will return year after year.