This year, I’m embarking on a new journey with Sheep Fescue (Festuca ovina). While this grass is relatively new to me, I’ve extensively researched it and examined many varieties. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to give it a try and see where it takes us. This venture is an experiment aimed at benefiting Front Range Coloradans. For those unfamiliar, I reside in Colorado, situated at 6500ft in zone 5B, presenting a unique environment that restricts options for warm season, drought tolerant grass varieties.

So, where did I begin? Followers of the blog know I previously boasted the best looking Kentucky bluegrass in Castle Rock, CO (self-proclaimed, but backed by regional landscapers’ testimonies). Despite my love for the grass, I hated the soaring water bills and the knowledge of overwatering for my climate. In my current view, Kentucky bluegrass borders on being a weed, with its rhizomatic habit proving a major nuisance in the gardening world. While it thrives in climates receiving over 40″ of rain annually, in Colorado’s 15″ rainfalls, it seems absurdly out of place, yet remains the predominant grass statewide. A sad state of affairs, in my opinion!

Now, one might ask, what are the alternatives? Buffalo grass, grama, cold hardy Bermuda, tall fescue, fine fescue, KBG (Kentucky Bluegrass), or even annual grasses, all come with significant drawbacks for our climate. Warm season grasses like buffalo and grama barely green up in Castle Rock until June and wither by September. Cool season grasses like tall fescue and KBG demand ridiculous amounts of water and risk scorching in summer under water restrictions. Additionally, heavy foot traffic can spell doom for any grass variety, particularly if you have dogs or children.

Therefore, I’ve opted for sheep fescue. Our elevation makes this grass an excellent fit! It withstands drought, light traffic, and lacks the rhizomatic spread that plagues other grasses. Sheep fescue requires just 3/4″ of water per week to maintain its verdant hue. Plus can go dormant and recover with much less water. A bunch grass that doesn’t spread, it doesn’t require mowing. At around 6″, it gracefully bends over, creating wave-like patterns in the lawn, providing soil shade and suppressing weeds. It even accommodates spring crocuses, as I plan to to do. We’ll have things like crocus, daffodils, and wild tulips!

Last fall, I made the decision to replace the KBG in my backyard with sheep fescue. Despite efforts to acquire specific seed varieties, I discovered it’s virtually impossible, even online. My attempts to procure seeds from numerous growers and distributors yielded only “variety unknown.” Taking a chance, I purchased some from Outsidepride, encouraged by pictures from a house in Colorado Springs.

Four months later, we have a promising hedge of grass, seeded around April 1st in my climate. Despite encountering temperatures as low as 29 degrees, I recently reseeded to fill in blank spots. Progress is evident. However, I’m cautious. While sheep fescue is primarily a shade grass, it boasts drought tolerance and states to thrives in full sun. Hence, we’re trying it on our southwestern facing lawn with caution. Plus I’ll be accommodating 200-400 spring bulbs in an 800 sqft area.

Time will reveal the outcome, but I’ll keep you updated on sheep fescue’s suitability as a lawn option for those considering a high altitude, cool season grass that demands minimal water. I’ll also share updates on introducing native wildflower species into the lawn, with plans to mow only once or twice yearly and water sparingly. Follow my blog for more insights into this journey. We’ll also be implementing a fine fescue mixture from High Country Gardens in the front lawn. Stay tuned for further updates or follow me on Instagram.