Bee Lawns for Cape Cod

Turf for supporting pollinators and using fewer resources.

We have noticed the increasing interest in clover lawns and lawn alternatives on Cape Cod, as many people want to provide food for pollinators and other insects in addition to having a low-growing green space. We’ve also our customers say that they want to have an organically maintained lawn that uses fewer products and protects our water quality. While some on the Cape want the traditional turf in their yard, others are choosing to have a diversity of plants instead of just grass. This style of pollinator-supporting turf is commonly being referred to as a “bee lawn.”

The term bee lawn was coined at the Bee Lab at the University of Minnesota. A few years ago they, along with the UM Turf Grass Science Lab, conducted a three year study that demonstrated the benefits of planting low-growing, flowering perennials in with traditional grasses. The study showed that a diverse planting that included flowers supported over 50 species of bees!

In addition to providing food for pollinators, this type of lawn requires less water and fertilizer, and avoids weed killers all together. Since the bee lawn isn’t kept wet or fertilized after it’s established, it doesn’t need cutting as often. When it is mowed, this style of turf is kept between 3 and 5 inches tall to allow for the flowering perennials to bloom.

Since fall is a great time for lawn repair or restoration, and we know that people are interested in alternatives to the mono-culture lawn, we’ve gotten in Hale Habitat & Seed Bee Lawn seed mix. These bags combine three types of Fescue grasses with self-heal (Prunella vulgaris), white clover, and creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum). The Thyme not only keeps the bees happy, but makes the lawn a fragrant place to walk or mow.

Tips for Growing a Bee Lawn

1. Sow seeds in early September. Keep the area damp while the fescue seeds germinate. Some of the Thyme, Prunella and clover seed may sprout in the fall, but you will probably see more of these perennials germinate in the spring.
2. After it’s established, don’t water a bee lawn frequently. Once the plants are growing well, you might water every two weeks to once a month in times of drought. In fact, many people with a bee lawn avoid automatic irrigation completely.
3. Mow such lawns to 3 or 4 inches high. In rainy summers you might have to mow every two weeks, but in a dry season once a month will be fine. Let clippings fall back on the other plants, which will help spread the seeds of the flowering perennials as well as keep the soil healthy.

Most people don’t mind if a few other random plants grow in their bee lawn, but that’s up to each homeowner. Some love dandelions or hawkweed, and others pull them out.

“What’s the downside?” you ask. We’ll be the first to admit that a bee lawn isn’t for everyone. Some prefer the look of an all-grass lawn, and others want to be able to walk on the turf without fear of bee stings. Those who use their lawn for games in the summer might find that the bee lawn grows too tall for running, croquet, or kicking soccer balls.

But if you love a more natural look and want to build an environment that supports bees and other wildlife, we hope you’ll check out our bee lawn mix.