Rock lawns in Wyoming... (Manderson: house, landscaping, buyer)

[DAXhound]

I am interested in doing this to save on water and maintenance. Any experiences would be appreciated.
My lot is only 3500 sf, and there is a smallish house and detached garage.

[Exwyocowboy]

Always had a rock lawn. Always infuriated me when newcomers would take out the native grasses and put in Zoysia or KY blue grass. Water is a premium in most of the west and too WASTE it on grass! I planted hardy flowers in raised beds near the house. And alfalfa in the back yard. Never watered it and it did just fine. The deer and other critters ate all they wanted and for the cats - it was there fav place to play hide/seek.

[jody_wy]

Originally Posted by Exwyocowboy

Always had a rock lawn. Always infuriated me when newcomers would take out the native grasses and put in Zoysia or KY blue grass. Water is a premium in most of the west and too WASTE it on grass! I planted hardy flowers in raised beds near the house. And alfalfa in the back yard. Never watered it and it did just fine. The deer and other critters ate all they wanted and for the cats - it was there fav place to play hide/seek.

National Range Team came and looked at a our forest allotment. Our Forest range con was complaining about all the Poa and Pooideae
. one of the national range con's looked at him and said "it covers the ground , doesn't it" . was the best part of the whole day. next best was the willows, they been grazed more by the elk and moose then the cows, we spent awhile learning to tell which had taken off the end of the branch.

[DAXhound]

Originally Posted by Exwyocowboy

Always had a rock lawn. Always infuriated me when newcomers would take out the native grasses and put in Zoysia or KY blue grass. Water is a premium in most of the west and too WASTE it on grass! I planted hardy flowers in raised beds near the house. And alfalfa in the back yard. Never watered it and it did just fine. The deer and other critters ate all they wanted and for the cats - it was there fav place to play hide/seek.

Yeah, many feel like they are entitled to a grass lawn.. even in the desert. Is it necessary to use a ground cover under the rock?

[volosong]

Originally Posted by DAXhound

Is it necessary to use a ground cover under the rock?

A ground cover will stop the weeds from coming up. Without a week barrier, the first year won't be so bad, but by the third year, they will be unmanageable. You could spray, but a weed barrier is more efficient.

[sunsprit]

Xeriscaping with native plants in a rock garden area may be possible at your site.

Best to consult with your County Extension Office agent, where you may find that a knowledgeable County Horticulturist is on staff. Their services are free, backed by the UW and local county funding; they may be able to do a site visit to evaluate and recommend options. The "local" knowledge they have may be extensive.

As well, area nursery's may have local knowledge as to what will grow in there and what you'll need to do to establish and maintain a xeriscape with native plants. I'm referring to independent local businesses, not the big box store "garden" department staffed with clerks and a national/regional purchasing department manager/buyer.

Some of the native plants may be durable and hardy, some will require a bit more maintenance and replacement now and then due to climate conditions in a given year being more than they can tolerate. And some only have a few year limited lifespans where they will need to be replanted.

For the most part, establishing any garden or landscaping here in Wyoming is a difficult proposition. The few well established and prolific gardens/landscaping that you may see in the area are generally the result of a lot of dedicated work and years of attention with suitable plants for the area.

A ground cover before placing the rock may be advisable. Again, this is a site specific decision and you'll be well served to seek the guidance of experienced local knowledge. Perhaps there is a local Master Gardener group of volunteers that can also be a resource for you. Generally, the easiest way to locate and contact such folk will be through the County Extension office.

[Wm Jas]

I like Xeriscaping; better yet, leave whatever is natural. Lawns are for golf, tennis and croquet.

[Teacher Terry]

We live in the West and used a high quality Astro-turf. It’s better for the dogs to run and play.

[rmhiker]

I would not recommend a rock lawn unless you live in an area of WY with less wind if such a place exists!
When we moved here 25 years ago I put down a liner (most durable I could find) and truckloads of river rock.
I spent hours pulling weeds from the rocks every day during the summer. Wind blows dirt into the rock allowing weeds to start. I still have river rock around the edge of my house...the liner is completely deteriorated.
I gave up and bought native WY seed (Manderson, WY) which is expensive but works and now have a lawn which requires little water. Maybe a mixture of rock and grass or ground cover would work for you.
Good luck