Clover vs. Grass – What Groundcover Should You Be Eyeing Up for Your Garden

According to recent statistics, as many as 27 million people in the UK partake in gardening. This is a huge portion of the 64 million that currently live in the country, and it’s a number that has grown exponentially over the last five years. 

Gardening, in particular, saw unprecedented growth, as people sought a hands-on, calming activity away from their computer or mobile screens. This has continued into 2025, with homeowners around the country dedicating more time and resources to their gardens than ever before.

From cultivating vibrant flower beds to growing their own fruit and vegetables, people are embracing outdoor spaces as a way to relax, reconnect with nature, and take pride in tangible green-fingered results. 

And why not? There are so many positives to gardening, and even if you’re not one of those gardeners who began their journey during lockdown, there’s nothing stopping you from starting now and creating your own little sanctuary to enjoy throughout the year.

The Big Gardening Question

Well, we say there’s nothing stopping you. Actually, there’s one very crucial thing that could stop your gardening endeavours from being a success: choosing the right groundcover. 

This is something that many first-time gardeners struggle with, simply because there are so many options available, each with different maintenance needs and suitability for various 

 and soil types.

 In the UK, especially, the question should be between clover vs grass. Why? Because both are widely available, thrive in British conditions, and offer very different benefits. Let’s take a closer look:

• Clover

One of the benefits of creating a clover lawn is that it requires far less mowing than traditional grass. Because it grows more slowly, it stays neat and tidy for longer periods, saving time and effort while still providing that lush, green appearance in your garden. It’s a soft groundcover, that cushions your foot, with a leaf shape very, very similar to that of the clubs found in a deck of cards used in games like online blackjack.

What’s more, clover is also drought-tolerant, meaning it can withstand dry conditions better than many grass types. With the UK experiencing hotter summers than ever, this could be an important factor, especially if you’re living in the south or south-west, where water restrictions and prolonged dry spells are more common.

• Grass

Grass, on the other hand, is incredibly versatile. Because it can tolerate frequent foot traffic and adapt to a wide range of soil types and garden conditions, it works well for lawns, play areas, and even ornamental spaces. 

As well as this, it also has a nice aesthetic appeal, with a well-maintained, clean grass lawn providing a uniform, classic green look that many people appreciate. Even if you’re in the south or south-west, grass could still be an option due to its natural cooling effect – it helps reduce surrounding temperatures, keeping your garden more comfortable during hotter months.

Conclusion

Which one you should choose, then, will depend on your garden’s specific needs and your personal priorities. If you want low maintenance, drought tolerance, and benefits for pollinators, clover could be the ideal choice. If you need a classic, durable lawn that can handle frequent foot traffic and offers a cooling effect, grass might be the better option.Ultimately, it’s about balancing aesthetics and practicality to create a space that works for you and your household. But make sure you think about it carefully! The last thing you want to do is make your first decision the wrong decision, as the rest of your gardening endeavours might suffer from it!