A Low-Mow Alternative for Montreal

Hey neighbour! Tired of battling your lawn? The “St. Lawrence Lowlands mix” uses resilient plants (yes, some call them "weeds") that thrive in Montreal with minimal care. This blend of Trefoil, Clover, and Yarrow creates a beautiful yard needing just 2-3 mowings yearly while supporting local pollinators, and reducing the water needed for your lawn. It's simply working with nature instead of against it!

Core Mix:

• Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) - 60% by weight, 30% of seeds

• White Clover (Trifolium repens) - 39% by weight, 64% of seeds

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - 1% by weight, 6% of seeds

Additional Species for Diversity:

• Oxeye Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum)

• Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)

• Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris)

• Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

• Marsh Blue Violet (Viola cucculata)

If you wanted to add one plant to your lawn this summer, start with White Clover (Trifolium repens).

When and how do I convert my lawn to a low or no-mow lawn?

Best Timing:
Early spring and fall are ideal planting times in Montreal. Our harsh winters make summer establishment challenging, while spring and fall provide adequate moisture and moderate temperatures for seed germination.

The Easy Method:

1. Mow your existing lawn very short, add 1/3 sand and 2/3 soil top dressing

2. Overseed heavily with our core mix (Trefoil, Clover & Yarrow) in either fall or early spring

3. Water consistently for 2 weeks to establish seedlings

4. Add additional species in subsequent seasons as desired

The Complete Renovation Method:

1. Remove your existing lawn completely

2. Prepare soil thoroughly, removing debris and adding compost if needed

3. Plant all species at once, following seed package instructions for depth

4. Water regularly until established

Where can I buy these seeds or plants?

White Clover (Trifolium repens) is now commonly found at most garden centers.

You can purchase native plant seed mixes with resilient species like Trefoil, Clover, and Yarrow from local suppliers such as Aiglon Indigo or Pépinière Rustique. Both offer various native seed collections that support local pollinators and require minimal maintenance.

Will this lawn stand up to foot traffic and children's play?

While not as durable as sports turf, this mix can handle moderate foot traffic. The clover and trefoil are especially resilient. For heavy-use areas, consider:

• Creating stepping stone paths through high-traffic zones

• Maintaining a conventional turf play area while converting the rest

• Mowing more frequently in play areas (keeping plants shorter but still diverse)

How and when should I mow this lawn?

Mowing Schedule:

• Spring (Late May/Early June): First mowing after spring blooms have faded

• Mid-Summer (Late July): Optional mowing if height exceeds 20-25 cm

• Fall (September/October): Final mowing before winter

Mowing Height:
Keep your mower blade at a high setting. This preserves plants while controlling height.

The "Middle-Open" Approach:
For those concerned about neighborhood aesthetics or bylaws, consider the "middle-open" approach:

• Maintain a neatly trimmed border (30-60 cm wide) around the perimeter of your lawn

• Allow the middle section to grow more naturally with fewer mowings

• This creates a framed, intentional look while still providing ecological benefits

How do I handle weeds in my new lawn?

The density of this planting will naturally suppress many weeds. For persistent unwanted plants, hand-pulling is recommended rather than herbicides, which would harm your beneficial species.

What about winter survival and spring regrowth?

All species in our mix are selected for their hardiness in Montreal's climate (Zones 4-5). Most will go dormant during winter and return vigorously in spring. No special winter preparation is needed.

How does this lawn benefit the environment and save resources?

Environmental Benefits:

• Creates habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects

• Reduces water pollution from fertilizer and pesticide runoff

• Decreases air pollution from gas-powered lawn equipment

• Captures carbon in soil and plant material

Resource Savings:

• 70-90% less water than conventional turf

• No chemical fertilizers or pesticides

• Minimal mowing (2-3 times yearly vs. 20+ for conventional lawns)

• No specialized equipment beyond a basic mower

Is this lawn legal in Montreal and how do I handle bylaws?

Municipal Regulations:
While Montreal is increasingly supportive of eco-friendly lawns through initiatives like the Montreal Biodiversity Corridor project, bylaws vary by borough. Key considerations:

• Height Restrictions: Many boroughs limit lawn height to 20cm (8 inches). Maintain edges and mow before exceeding this height.

• Noxious Weeds: None of our recommended species are classified as noxious weeds in Quebec.

• Neighbor Relations: A neat border and educational yard sign can help prevent complaints.

Contact your borough office for specific regulations or visit Montreal's Urban Planning Portal.

How do I handle neighbours who might be concerned about my no or low mow lawn?

Invite curious neighbours to learn about your eco-friendly approach! Explain that native plant lawns actually benefit the neighbourhood by supporting local pollinators, reducing water usage, and eliminating the need for chemical treatments. Consider keeping a tidy border or adding decorative elements to show intentionality. You might also share information about reduced maintenance benefits (only 2-3 mowings per year) and offer seed sources if they become interested. Communication and education are key to turning initial concerns into neighbourhood support.

How can I transform my basic clover lawn into a more diverse meadow lawn?

To evolve your lawn into a meadow ecosystem, I recommend adding both annual wildflowers and perennials:

1. Annual Seed Addition:

   • In early spring, gently rake your existing lawn to create small bare patches

   • Scatter native annual wildflower seeds (like Black-eyed Susan, Cosmos, or Blue Flax)

   • Lightly rake to ensure seed-to-soil contact

2. Perennial Integration:

   • Plant native perennial plugs directly into your lawn in early spring or fall

   • Focus on drought-tolerant natives like Purple Coneflower, Wild Bergamot, and Little Bluestem

   • Space them in small clusters for visual impact

3. Maintenance Approach:

   • Adjust your mowing schedule to allow flowering - only mow after seed set

   • Leave unmowed sections as habitat through winter

   • Consider adding paths through your meadow for accessibility and definition

This gradual approach allows you to maintain lawn functionality while increasing biodiversity and habitat value each season. Start with small sections and expand as you see success.

Are some of the recommended plants like Clover or Bird's-eye Speedwell considered invasive species?

While plants like White Clover (Trifolium repens) and Bird's-eye Speedwell (Veronica persica) are sometimes classified as invasive in certain regions with warmer weather, they are not considered problematic invasive species here in Quebec. These plants have naturalized well in our local ecosystems without causing ecological harm. In fact, they provide important benefits:

• They support local pollinators, especially important for bees

• They help fix nitrogen in the soil (particularly clover)

• They require minimal maintenance and water once established

• They remain resilient throughout Quebec's challenging seasons

I worked with local native plant sellers to determine a good mix that thrives naturally in Quebec's suburban climate while providing ecological benefits without disrupting native plant communities.

Who are you?

Ian Capstick is a passionate advocate for sustainable gardening practices and adding more native plants to landscaping. A University of Guelph graduate, he works as technology executive by day while dedicating his spare time to horticulture for friends, neighbours and public projects. Two years ago, Ian completed his certification in horticulture, formalizing his knowledge of plant science and ecological gardening approaches. He takes on two or three horticulture projects a year.

His research into pollinator-friendly lawns began as a personal project to transform his own property, which evolved into a community resource as neighbors became curious about his successful low-maintenance, high-biodiversity approach. As a specialist in natural landscape management, Ian has documented the seasonal changes, pollinator visits, and maintenance requirements of various native plant mixes to develop practical recommendations for Quebec's unique growing conditions.