Driving around Vancouver this spring has often made my jaw drop.  Not just the usual horrors and pleasures, but the new visions of bombed-out lawns . The European chaffer beetle attack has caused crows to go crazy tearing up lawns.  It is the grubs they are after, and there must be millions of them, judging by the damage.
     So, maybe nature is telling us to plant differently. Plant a lawn alternative. There are plenty of groundcovers that would create a new texture, a hipper overall look, and not attract the chaffer beetle. 
       I drive by one house every day that has done a clever job of low maintenance lawn alternative using  the ground-hugging Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’ . This hardy perennial forms a thick carpet that is drought tolerent and fairly evergreen.  Growth is so thick and solid (in sun), that weeds etc cannot easily penetrate its tight shag surface.  It is also  a very interesting texture of tight feathers, and a unique colour. New leaves poke out green, but turn gun-metal grey/purple quickly.  A sophisticated colour that combines well with rock and concrete.
     Being low and dense, Leptinella can stand light foot traffic.  Constant wear will show, so consider paving stones in high traffic areas. If doing a mass planting, it is more economical to saw your purchased plants in half . Just remove them from each 4″ pot and cut them sideways all the way through into two halves.  They won’t mind ! Regrowth is so fast, you won’t be able to tell they were cut in a week !  You may also cut them into quarters.  These smaller sections are perfect for fitting between pavers.  Water often if the weather is hot and sunny, but soon they will knit together and take care of themselves.  4″ pots are $3.99 each.  Plan on one plant  (or plant section ) per square foot. Watch for weeds for the first year or so.