Imitation Grass

Garden Railroading
1

Hello All,
Now that I have my simple starter layout up and running I have a question that I am sure someone can help me with. My question is “what is used as imitation grass other then a astro-turf type of mat or rug”. The grass would be placed around the houses and in the town park. The layout is in out in the elements.
Any help would be appreciated’
Ron
[:)]

2

Are you looking for a living plant that looks like grass, or another (non living) substitute? If living, there’s a plant that’s called “living astroturf” because it looks like a carpet.

3

Rene,
Thanks for your reply, I am looking for anything. I am willing to consider all replys including living plants. Thanks very much for the information.
Thanks again,
Ron

4

Ron,

for just a ground cover type of look you could use different types of thyme to the left is Wooly Thyme to the right is Elfin Thyme. The Elfin has a bit smaller leaves. the Wooly has a silverish fuzz on the leaves.

Irish or Scotish Moss both have a semi grassy look to them and also produce very small flowers so could be a good look for a natural meadow. This picture is Irish Moss the tree is a Dwarf Boxwood.

As I remember there was some articles in GR recently (last 3 issues or so)about different ground covers and ways they can be used.

Hope this helps you a bit,
Jack

5

Ron,

Here are some other suggestions. Click on the link to get a pic and info on the plant. Note that some of the pics show the plant in bloom. When not in bloom, they are more grassy looking.

Living astro-turf. http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/000/777lwpju.asp
Creeping phlox: http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/000/780iokdz.asp
pussytoes: http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/004/451yhqhk.asp
moneywort: http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/005/984mvhcq.asp
wire plant: http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/000/799ndyyg.asp

6

to: Rene & Rastun,
Thanks so much for the replies, it is just what I was looking for. Its nice to know that folks like you are not far that from my keyboard and your answers are always on target…
Thanks again,
Ron
[:)]

7

Mahoneys down your way should have some!!

8

Sean,
Thanks for your reply. My railroad is now up and running and I have placed some of my buildings out on the layout, thats the reason for my request… I still have lots of work to do but as I said the Squeaky Wheel Railroad, Elbow Division is up and running.
Ron
Chief Engineer
[:)]

9

Ron when I look @ your bio I just think of " Fire Marshall Bill "
I hope you are enjoying yor railroad!!

10

Sean,
Thanks for the kind words and yes I am enjoying it very much. As I stated yesterday I still have a lot to do to complete this part of the project but I find myself looking ahead at what I can do here or there and how I can expand the tracks. As I told my wife two years ago. “THIS IS A NEVER ENDING PROJECT”.
Thanks Again,
Ron
[:)][:)]