Chamomile lawns have been a staple in English gardens for centuries, even tracing back to the Tudor era. There's a famous chamomile lawn at Buckingham Palace, admired for its delightful scent and soft, cushiony feel. However, this trend faded as conventional grass lawns took over.
Fortunately, chamomile lawns are experiencing a revival. People are increasingly moving away from the typical manicured grass in favor of something that aligns better with the wildlife-friendly designs they're incorporating into their gardens. Growing chamomile for your lawn is not only straightforward but also offers ecological and aesthetic advantages over a standard grass lawn.
Many of us seek to immerse ourselves in nature rather than maintaining vast stretches of turf. However, we still appreciate thoughtful design and structure in our outdoor spaces. Let's explore the perks of adopting a chamomile lawn and how to put one in place in your garden.
Understanding the Chamomile Lawn
A Tudor manor in Buckinghamshire, showcasing a blend of grass and chamomile lawns in its formal gardens.
A chamomile lawn consists of low-growing, non-flowering varieties of chamomile, making it ideal for low-traffic areas or spots difficult to mow.
Similar to grass, chamomile provides a consistent evergreen cover, but it differs by forming a dense mat of aromatic foliage that releases a soothing fragrance when stepped on. Walking barefoot on a chamomile lawn is a delightful experience, and it certainly deserves more recognition.
Advantages of a Chamomile Lawn
- Chamomile lawns retain their vibrant green color even during dry spells, requiring less frequent watering than traditional lawns, which saves both water and money. While chamomile plants can be more expensive than grass seed, they can lead to long-term savings.
- These lawns are fantastic for supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing local biodiversity. Bees are particularly attracted to chamomile, while various small invertebrates thrive in such environments much better than in typical grass lawns.
- Chamomile serves as a fragrant ground cover, releasing a pleasant floral scent when walked on. Light foot traffic is encouraged, but for areas with heavy use, consider adding stepping stones.
- No mowing is necessary for chamomile lawns—what a relief! They can flourish on their own for years. Occasionally trimming is fine if needed, but regular mowing isn't required.
Steps to Create a Chamomile Lawn
Excited about establishing a chamomile lawn? Here's how to cultivate an aromatic and inviting lawn:
- First, ensure the chosen area is right for a chamomile lawn. A sunny spot is ideal, though some shade is acceptable. However, full shade won't work.
- Chamomile prefers light, moist soil. Heavy clay soils are unsuitable, so it's wise to test a small section of your garden to confirm compatibility.
- The best planting time for your chamomile lawn is spring when the plants are actively growing. This encourages faster growth and helps prevent weed establishment.
- Not all chamomile varieties are suitable for a lawn. The ideal choice is Chamaemelum nobile 'Treneague', which is non-flowering and doesn't require mowing. If you prefer a flowering option, consider Chamaemelum nobile 'Dwarf'. Both types are evergreen and hardy.
- While some chamomile can be sown from seed, 'Treneague' is best planted as plug plants, spaced about 5 inches apart, or as fully-grown plants, set about 6 inches apart.
- Water your new lawn and allow it to establish. Avoid walking on it for 10-15 weeks initially.
Essentials for Your Chamomile Lawn
This non-flowering cultivar of Roman chamomile, 'Treneague', boasts low, evergreen foliage and creates a fragrant mat reminiscent of sweet honey. This is the perfect variety for your chamomile lawn.
If your chamomile lawn is in a hard-to-reach spot, consider a reasonably priced lawn sprinkler to assist with watering.
If planting a chamomile lawn from seed, a lawn roller can help promote the establishment of freshly sown seeds.
If you're fed up with lawn maintenance, this low-effort solution might be just what you need. Picture yourself enjoying a cool drink, feeling the soft chamomile beneath your feet on a warm summer evening as it releases a delightful apple scent—what could be more blissful?
