Lawn substitute and methods therefor
A mechanically resilient variety of Rushia lineolata is presented, particularly in combination with a conditioned growth medium. In preferred aspects, the variety is clonally selected for a small growth profile and mechanical resiliency to resist damage from foot traffic, and the growth medium includes a porous low-density glass component, an acidic organic absorbent component, and a microbial organic component to enhance the desired properties.
1. A method of propagating or cultivating a variety of Rushia lineolata , comprising:
providing a variety of Rushia lineolata ; and
propagating or cultivating the variety in a conditioned medium that includes a porous low-density glass component, an acidic organic absorbent component, and a microbial organic component; and
wherein conditioned medium is prepared by mixing the porous low-density glass component and the acidic organic adsorbent component in a ratio of 55-65 wt % perlite and 35-45 wt % peat moss, and wherein 60-70% by volume of the above mixture is mixed with 30-40% by volume of the decomposed organic component to obtain the conditioned medium.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the variety of Rushia lineolata is a clonally selected variety.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the porous low-density glass component comprises perlite.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the acidic organic absorbent component comprises peat moss.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the microbial organic component comprises decomposed wood shavings.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the Rushia lineolata plant grows up to 2 inches tall from the ground.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the Rushia lineolata plant has succulent leaves that are up to 0.5 inches long.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the Rushia lineolata plant is planted in the garden as a groundcover.
9. The method of any of claim 1 , wherein the leaves of the Rushia lineolata plant have high mechanical resiliency and can take foot traffic.
10. A plant growth medium, comprising:
a mixture of perlite, peat moss, and a decomposed organic component,
wherein perlite and peat moss are mixed in a ratio of 55-65 wt % perlite and 35-45 wt % peat moss, and
wherein the mixture of perlite and peat moss is mixed with the decomposed organic component in the ratio of 60-70% by volume of perlite and peat moss, and 30-40% by volume of the decomposed organic component.
11. The plant growth medium of claim 10 , wherein the decomposed organic component comprises compost.
12. The plant growth medium of claim 10 , wherein the decomposed organic component comprises decomposed wood shavings.
13. The plant growth medium of claim 10 , wherein the growth medium is useful for growing succulents.
14. A kit comprising:
a. a Rushia lineolata plant; and
b. the plant growth medium comprising a mixture of perlite, peat moss, and a decomposed organic component,
wherein perlite and peat moss are mixed in a ratio of 55-65 wt % perlite and 35-45 wt % peat moss, and
wherein the mixture of perlite and peat moss is mixed with the decomposed organic component in the ratio of 60-70% by volume of perlite and peat moss, and 30-40% by volume of the decomposed organic component.
15. The kit of claim 14 , wherein the decomposed organic component comprises compost.
16. The kit of claim 14 , wherein the decomposed organic component comprises decomposed wood shavings.
17. The kit of claim 14 , wherein the kit is for a lawn substitute.