Can You Overseed With Fleur De Lawn?

Description

• Created by Hobbs and Hopkins, Ltd., based on trial research conducted at Oregon State University, Fleur de Lawn is a blend of dwarf perennial grasses, clovers and low-growing, perennial and annual broadleaf groundcover plants. The predominant grass in this mixture, dwarf ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is a European native bunching grass that grows best in Mediterranean-type climates with cool summers. Also included are O'Connor's strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum) and microclover (Trifolium repens "Microclover"), which grow well with grasses. Members of the legume family, clover fixes nitrogen in the soil, eliminating or reducing the need for fertilizing your lawn. Perennial broadleaf flowering plants in this mix are dwarf yarrow (Achillea millefolium), English daisy (Bellis perennis) and baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii.) Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima), an annual Mediterranean native, self-sows and responds well to mowing. Fleur de Lawn plants grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5a through 10.

Characteristics

• An alternative to high-maintenance turf, Fleur de Lawn requires mowing approximately once a month to maintain a height of 3 to 5 inches. When grown together, the plants of the Fleur de Lawn mix stay green throughout the year. Developed primarily for drought-prone, cool summer locations, Fleur de Lawn is an herbaceous blend of deep-rooted grass and clover with low-growing meadow flowers suitable for sun or part-shade locations. Because of the reduced need for mowing, watering and fertilizing, Fleur de Lawn is good for the environment.

Preparation

• Begin your preparations for overseeding your lawn in autumn by mowing your existing grass close to the ground. Rake to remove the grass clippings. Use a dethatcher or verticutter to cut through and toss to the surface any thatch buildup that can prevent seed from making contact with the soil. In locations where soil is compacted due to soil characteristics or high traffic, you may need to aerate your soil. A soil aerator removes soil plugs, facilitating moisture penetration and oxygenation of the soil. Wait until after rain to aerate your soil to facilitate penetration.

Overseeding

• Using a formula designed for lawns, fertilize with the organic or chemical fertilizer of your choice to give your Fleur de Lawn a good start. Wait until after a rain, then spread Fleur de Lawn seed mixture, using the rate recommended on the package, with a drop or rotary spreader for uniform coverage. Water your lawn, if necessary, to prevent soil from drying out while Fleur de Lawn plants germinate and become established.