Chamomile Lawn: A Fragrant, Fuss-Free Alternative

If you’re looking for a lawn that’s as pleasing to the nose as it is to the eyes, and one that doesn’t demand constant attention, consider chamomile.

Why Chamomile?

• Delicate Beauty: Chamomile’s tiny daisy-like flowers create a soft, whimsical carpet.
• Heavenly Scent: When walked on, the leaves release a calming, apple-like fragrance.
• Low Maintenance: Chamomile thrives in poor soil and requires minimal watering and mowing.
• Eco-Friendly: It attracts pollinators and is gentle on the environment.
• Bonus Benefits: Chamomile has traditional medicinal uses, and you can even harvest some for tea!

Getting Started

• Choose the Right Variety: Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) as it’s low-growing and tolerant of foot traffic. German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is taller and better suited for harvesting.
• Prepare the Soil: Chamomile prefers well-drained soil. Simply rake the area, removing any large stones or weeds. Since chamomile enjoys poor soil, don’t add any fertiliser.
• Sowing the Seeds: Scatter seeds thinly over the prepared soil in early spring. Chamomile seeds need light to germinate, so gently press them into the soil but don’t bury them.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy until the seeds germinated. Once established, chamomile is quite drought-tolerant.

Maintenance

• Mowing: Mow your chamomile lawn occasionally to keep it looking neat. The flowers will bloom again after mowing.
• Weeding: Hand-weed any unwanted plants that pop up.
• Watering: Water deeply during extended dry periods.

Enjoying Your Chamomile Lawn

Your chamomile lawn will become a fragrant retreat. It’s perfect for barefoot strolls, picnics, or simply relaxing and enjoying the scent and the view. Plus, it’s a conversation starter – everyone who visits will be intrigued by this unique alternative to a traditional lawn.

A Few Tips

• Patience is key: Chamomile can take a few weeks to germinate.
• Don’t overwater: Chamomile is susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions.
• Embrace the imperfections: A chamomile lawn won’t be as uniform as a grass lawn, but that’s part of its charm!

Conclusion

Growing a chamomile lawn will be a rewarding experience. It’s a beautiful, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly option that brings a touch of nature and tranquillity to your garden. If you’re looking for a lawn that’s a little different, give chamomile a try!