A perfectly mown patch of grass can look lovely, but keeping it that way can be thirsty, time-consuming and not so friendly to local wildlife. Many Australian native groundcovers do the same job as a lawn — covering soil, softening paths and edges, and keeping weeds down — but with far less effort, water or fertiliser. They also make your garden a better place for pollinators, lizards and other small wildlife. Here are some of the best options to try.
1. Native violet (Viola hederacea)
Why it works: Native violet is a classic choice for shady, damp spots. Its delicate white and purple flowers appear for much of the year and its soft green leaves create a thick carpet that naturally suppresses weeds. It’s ideal tucked between stepping stones or beneath trees and thrives in dappled light and moist soil.
2. Kidney weed (Dichondra repens)
Why it works: Kidney weed is low-growing, soft underfoot and surprisingly tough. It handles light foot traffic, making it great for small lawn areas or shady corners where grass struggles. It stays bright green year-round and works well under established trees or in courtyard spaces where mowing is awkward.
3. Creeping boobialla (Myoporum parvifolium)
Why it works: This hardy native groundcover loves sunny, open spots and coastal gardens. It produces tiny white flowers that attract butterflies and spreads quickly to cover bare ground, helping prevent erosion on slopes and banks. Once established, it copes well with dry conditions and needs very little care.
4. Running postman (Kennedia prostrata)
Why it works: Running postman brings cheerful colour to a native garden with its bright red pea flowers and trailing dark green foliage. It spreads low to the ground and acts as a natural soil improver because it fixes nitrogen. It suits sandy soils and full sun and works beautifully in bush-style or coastal gardens.
5. Billy buttons (Pycnosorus globosus)
Why it works: Billy buttons form tidy clumps of silvery-green leaves topped with round, bright yellow flower balls. These flowers hold their shape for ages and add pops of colour and texture to garden edges, paths or rockeries. This little native loves full sun and handles dry conditions well once established.
6. Woolly thyme (Thymus serpyllum var. australis)
Why it works: This native thyme is a soft, fragrant option that works beautifully between pavers or along garden edges. It forms a dense, low mat that releases a gentle scent when walked on and keeps weeds down naturally. It prefers well-drained soil and sunny spots and is a lovely way to bring a sensory layer into your garden.
Swapping even a patch of your lawn for native groundcovers means less mowing, watering and fertilising and a garden that stays resilient in drought and heat. Prepare the soil well, remove weeds before planting and give each plant enough space to spread. Water them regularly until they’re established and use a light mulch to protect young plants. Over time, your garden will feel softer, more natural and far more welcoming for local wildlife — all without the endless weekend mow.
- Sustainable Gardening Australia — Groundcovers: sgaonline.org.au
- Gardening with Angus — Plant profiles: gardeningwithangus.com.au
- Australian Native Plants Society