This is a follow -up article after putting the informal question about, saving water by planting clover in lieu of grass, to residents in the Cranbrook area of B.C. It was rewarding to only have two out of over one hundred responses have a reason for why not. The majority were in favour. Attraction for wildlife were the reasons cited for why not.

Further proof we need to get serious about water consumption, is this new report from the Government of B.C. The chart below is from the Moyie Station close to Cranbrook.

The majority of automated snow weather stations across the province are below the median snow for February 1st. The notable exceptions are the two Forrest Kerr stations in the Stikine River basin which measure 138-143% of median. Both stations have a relatively short period of record of only eight years. (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/drought-flooding-dikes-dams/river-forecast-centre/snow-survey-water-supply-bulletin/snow-conditions-commentary)

A pretty clear picture, although unscientific, has emerged after hearing from a good number of people about experiences growing clover. My article was posted on several Facebook sites and I have talked to local suppliers about their seed mixes. Most of the responses came from Facebook and I was so pleased to feel the enthusiasm and read practical answers. All but two of the responses were serious caring answers about experiences growing clover lawns. Refreshing. Many people are following the discussion. I really do feel we learn best from those around us especially, in the interior Zone 3 of B.C. where conditions are very different from the coast.

The findings in brief:

The products discussed: Common Grass Blends for domestic turf; Grass Blends for Drought, BeeTurf blends which include wild flowers, clover and grass, Dutch White Clover, Micro Clover, Red Clover.

• Dutch White Clover came out as the most popular and has been successful for a good number of people either mixed with grass blends or alone.  Mixed feed-back on shade. Some said okay, some not so much.
• Red Clover too tall for most but if not mowing at all, might work.
• Micro Clover can do well once established. Some had trouble getting it established, others did not have the problem.  Root system more shallow than Dutch White therefore needs regular watering until established as does any turf seed. Foliage more dense that white clover, flowers less. More expensive.
• Microclover blend consisting of grasses and micro clover. No feedback on this one but sounds like a good way to start.
• Bee Turf blend consisting of grass, clover and wildflower blends is available but the wildflower component needs to be suited to Zone 3 climate. Make sure it is recommended for Zone 3. Many blends were developed at the coast and would not be as suitable for the interior. No direct feedback.
• Common mistake is not watering until established. Just because a plant is drought tolerant does not mean it can survive with no water. All seeds must have regular watering for germination and establishment of root systems.
• Deer were mentioned as being attracted to clover but any more than grass is not known.

If I were asked what I would recommend, I would say using a grass clover blend would be a safe way to start or a grass blend with over seeded clover.  As the clover establishes it can be left to crowd out the grass or not. This application covers the chance that clover may not do well in shade to begin with. Personally, I would go with a grass, clover, native flower blend, i.e Bee Turf tailored to our Zone 3 climate. I would allow parts of my turf to grow longer and use mown paths where I needed a flat area for sitting as I discussed in my first article.  This would allow flowers to go to seed and self-seed for the following year. If a mown turf is required, I would recommend a grass clover mix to cover all conditions. More clover can always be over-seeded as time goes on and the clover would likely densify over time. Others may advise differently.

Whatever is seeded it needs to be gently shallow raked into the soil and watered regularly until well established. That could be a considerable time initially depending on the weather. After the turf is established the watering can be reduced and nature can take over. Brown grass will regenerate if its root system is healthy and clover will remain green in drought. Obviously it would eventually die if it never received natural precipitation or mains water. Establishing healthy root systems is key.

Where to purchase seed:

I would make sure you read the labels on any seed mix. Success is much more likely if seed is designed for the climate where it is to be sown. Wildflower mixes especially must be tailored to Zone 3 and likely will need a period of cold first to produce good germination. In Cranbrook, where I live we are lucky enough to have a licensed seed supplier, Interior Seed and Fertilizer that will custom blend and also has its own mixes.  We also have a large nursery that supplies a broad range of mixes and clovers, Top Crop. Do your research. Talk to the suppliers. Read the labels. Cheap does not mean good.

I hope this helps and we see more mixed turf around our interior towns. I would be very interested in receiving pictures once spring comes around in order to show people what a clover or mixed lawn might look like.