b'Two levels of mowing microclover, short and infrequent.PHOTO: DLFTheGROWING A BEAUTIFULgrass lawn requires a fair amount of water and sun. But how about a little luck as well?In an effort to be more ecological, the interest in clover lawns is gaining in popularity. In addition to being visually interesting with a texture that is quite different from grass, clover is easy Benefitsto grow, drought-tolerant and will thrive in both sun and shade. And, if theres a chance of finding a four-leaf clover or two, thats an added bonus.While some may view clover as a weed, no one can argue that we must continue efforts to reduce the harmful effects of of Cloverpesticides. A great alternative is a clover lawn, which is both versatile and low maintenance, and helps reduce the effects of pesticides, which is essential for our planet.Turfgrass vs. CloverLawns Clover is a sustainable lawn choice because it does not require nitrogen fertilizer and can survive with little to no irrigation in northern cool humid climates, such as the northern United States and Canada, says Alec Kowalewski, an associate pro-fessor at the College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Ore.Conversely, turfgrass lawns require several nitrogen appli-Some of numerous reasons for growingcations per year and relatively frequent irrigation for sustained a clover law include drought tolerance,growth and development. However, if you do not mow clover, it will grow up to several inches. So, weekly mowing might be sustainability, and its ability as an organicpreferred for those desiring a low-profile lawn.fertilizer. Lisa Kopochinski Carolyn Breece, senior faculty research assistant II, at Oregon State University, agrees and adds that a clover lawnwhen allowed to flowercan offer pollinators nectar (carbohydrates) and pollen (protein). Conversely, traditional grass lawns provide no benefits to a pollinator.This is particularly important in the drier months of the summer (August and September), when other forage resources are minimal, she says. Clover lawns can flower late into the 12/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2022'