Posts Tagged ‘low maintenance grass’

Dwarf Mondo Grass

Now Taking Orders for Spring 2012

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Dwarf Mondo Grass

Everyone loves a nice, green lawn, yet not everyone has the time to maintain their entire lawn by mowing and watering on a frequent basis. Enter dwarf mondo grass, a variety of lilyturf that is gaining in popularity among homeowners and landscapers who are looking for a low-maintenance groundcover to fill in those stubborn areas. This turf grass alternative, also known as dwarf monkey grass, is useful in those low-trafficked areas where traditional grass just doesn’t seem to fit.

Dwarf mondo grass is a miniature version of regular mondo grass that reaches a height of only about 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm). Once established this ornamental plant will spread out to form a thick layer of grassy turf that is resistant to drought and pests and never needs to be mowed. As a member of the lily family, dwarf mondo does not have the thirst for water that ordinary grass has. In fact, as long as it receives occasional rain mature mondo never needs to be watered. The plants have even been known to maintain their green color during periods of drought-like conditions.



Dwarf mondo grass grows well under shady or sunny conditions. Many landscapers like to use this plant in patches between trees in a shady area because they handle lack of sunlight better than most grasses. It is also frequently used between stepping stones, to mark the border of a garden or pathway, or in flower beds.

Mondo is typically sold as bare-root sprigs which are individually planted in the ground. Mondo grass seed is also available, however seed germination with these plants is very irregular and the result of your efforts will be much less predictable. Once planted the sprigs will slowly multiply and spread outward to produce a thick layer of grassy turf. Bare-root springs can be ordered in bulk for larger landscaping needs.

The biggest drawback to ground cover plants like dwarf mondo grass is that they do not hold up as well in highly-trafficked areas of your yard. While dwarf mondo can take some occasional walking on, it is not recommended as a lawn surface where children frequently play or where it will get a lot of recreational use. However, if you need a low-maintenance turf that looks great and will fill in those out of the way sections of your property, then dwarf mondo grass is an exceptional choice.

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How to Grow Mondo Grass

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One of the great things about mondo grass is that it is super-easy to grow and maintain. Even the most inexperienced gardeners should have no problems planting a lush patch of mondo grass in their garden or backyard, provided they follow the following steps:

1. Prepare the soil by removing all weeds from the area where your mondo grass will grow. An herbicide such as Roundup may be necessary in heavily weed-infested soil.

2. When the area is weed-free, till the soil by hand or with a rototiller to a depth of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm).

3. Remove all rocks and debris and add an organic fertilizer to the soil. Then till a second time.

4. Separate the clumps of mondo grass into individual tufts and space them 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) apart. Choose a closer spacing for a denser look and a wider spacing if you want the individual plants to stand out. If you are using dwarf mondo grass each tuft should be planted 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) apart.

5. Plant the mondo tufts in the soil and make sure the roots are well-covered by gently packing the soil around the crown. Water immediately after planting.

6. Once the mondo starts to establish itself, prune and fertilize as necessary. Mondo grass does not require much care, however you may wish to remove any brown leaves you see in early spring. Light applications of fertilizer in the spring and summer will help the plant to maintain its color and appearance.

This low maintenance grass is an excellent choice along garden borders and in flower beds. Ornamental grass plants can also be used to fill in empty areas of a garden or backyard. Homeowners are often scared away from some of the more uncommon or exotic plants thinking that there must be a huge learning curve when it comes to growing and maintaining these plants. As you can see, mondo grass is quite easy to add to your yard and its attractive appearance makes it well worth the short amount of time invested.


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