Here at Foxy Gardens, a Cambridge Ontario landscaping company, we know that when it comes to creating a lush and vibrant lawn in Ontario, choosing the right type of grass is essential.
With its diverse climate and varying soil conditions, Ontario offers a range of grass species that are well-suited to different regions.
Here, we will explore the various types of lawn grass that thrive in Ontario, providing you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision for your lawn.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Kentucky Bluegrass is one of the most popular grass types in Ontario, prized for its rich green color, fine texture, and excellent durability.
It thrives in the cool-season climate of Ontario, particularly in the southern and central parts of the province.
This grass variety forms a dense and resilient turf, capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic and recovering from damage. Its ability to self-repair and adapt to various soil conditions makes it a top choice for many homeowners.
Where To Buy
Here are five places in Ontario where you can find Kentucky Bluegrass in and around Southwestern Ontario:
Greenhorizons Sod Farms
Greenhorizons Sod Farms is a renowned supplier of sod and turfgrass products, including Kentucky Bluegrass.
They have several locations in Ontario, such as Hamilton, Ottawa, and London. Visit their website or contact them directly for more information on purchasing Kentucky Bluegrass sod.
Sheridan Nurseries
Sheridan Nurseries is a trusted name in the horticultural industry and offers a wide range of gardening and landscaping products.
They have multiple garden centers across Ontario, including locations in Toronto, Mississauga, and Burlington. You can inquire about their availability of Kentucky Bluegrass seeds or sod at the nearest branch.
Van Dongen’s Garden Centre
Van Dongen’s Garden Centre, located in Burlington, Ontario, offers a variety of plants, trees, and garden supplies.
They often carry Kentucky Bluegrass sod or seed products during the growing season. Feel free to contact them or visit their garden center to inquire about the availability of Kentucky Bluegrass.
Guelph Turfgrass Institute
The Guelph Turfgrass Institute, affiliated with the University of Guelph, specializes in research and education related to turfgrass management.
They often have resources and contacts to recommend suppliers of Kentucky Bluegrass in the region. Reach out to them for guidance on where to find high-quality Kentucky Bluegrass in Ontario.
Local Landscaping Supply Stores
Many local landscaping supply stores and garden centers across Ontario carry Kentucky Bluegrass sod or seed.
These stores can vary by region, so it’s recommended to search for local options in your specific area.
Check online directories or use search engines to find nearby stores that specialize in landscaping supplies or turfgrass products.
Fine Fescue
Fine Fescue is another cool-season grass that performs well in Ontario’s climate. This grass variety comprises several subtypes, including creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, and hard fescue.
Fine Fescue is known for its exceptional shade tolerance and ability to thrive in low-fertility soils. It has a fine texture and an attractive, light-green color.
While it may not withstand heavy foot traffic as well as Kentucky Bluegrass, it is an excellent choice for shaded areas or low-maintenance lawns.
Where To Buy
Here are five places in Ontario where you can find Fine Fescue:
Wildflower Farm
Located in Coldwater, Ontario, Wildflower Farm specializes in native plants, wildflowers, and eco-friendly lawn alternatives.
They offer a variety of Fine Fescue seed blends suitable for different lawn applications.
Visit their website or contact them directly for more information on purchasing Fine Fescue seeds.
Terra Greenhouses
Terra Greenhouses is a popular gardening and landscaping supply store with multiple locations across Ontario, including Milton, Waterdown, and Hamilton.
They often carry a selection of grass seed mixes, including Fine Fescue varieties. Check their website or contact your nearest Terra Greenhouses store for availability.
Evergreen Garden Market
Evergreen Garden Market is a garden center located in Toronto, Ontario. They focus on providing sustainable and environmentally friendly gardening products.
They may have Fine Fescue seed blends available. Check their website or contact them directly for more information.
Weed Man
Weed Man is a lawn care service provider with franchises across Ontario. In addition to offering lawn care services, some Weed Man locations also sell grass seeds.
They may carry Fine Fescue blends suitable for specific lawn conditions. Check with your local Weed Man franchise for availability.
Local Co-op or Farm Supply Stores
Many local co-op stores and farm supply stores in Ontario carry a variety of grass seeds, including Fine Fescue.
These stores cater to farmers, homeowners, and landscaping professionals.
Check for local co-op stores or farm supply stores in your area, as they may have Fine Fescue seeds available.
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial Ryegrass is a cool-season grass commonly used for overseeding in Ontario lawns. It germinates quickly, providing temporary cover and greenery until the primary grass species establishes itself.
Perennial Ryegrass has a medium to coarse texture, and its dark-green color adds visual appeal to any lawn. It can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and exhibits good resistance to diseases.
However, it may not survive extreme winter conditions in some parts of Ontario.
Where To Buy
Here are five places in Ontario where you can find Perennial Ryegrass:
Home Hardware
Home Hardware is a well-known home improvement retailer with numerous locations across Ontario.
They often carry a variety of grass seed products, including Perennial Ryegrass.
Visit their website or contact your local Home Hardware store to inquire about the availability of Perennial Ryegrass seeds.
RONA
RONA is another popular home improvement retailer in Ontario, offering a wide range of products for gardening and landscaping.
They typically have a selection of grass seed mixes, which may include Perennial Ryegrass.
Check their website or reach out to your nearest RONA store for more information.
Lee Valley Tools
Lee Valley Tools is a specialty retailer that focuses on high-quality tools and gardening supplies.
They have several locations in Ontario, including Ottawa and Toronto.
They may carry Perennial Ryegrass seed blends suitable for lawns. Visit their website or contact them directly for availability.
Local Seed Suppliers and Garden Centers
There are many local seed suppliers and garden centers across Ontario that carry grass seed products, including Perennial Ryegrass.
These establishments can vary by region, so it’s recommended to search for local options in your specific area.
Check online directories or use search engines to find nearby stores that specialize in grass seed and gardening supplies.
Online Retailers
Online retailers offer a convenient way to purchase grass seed, including Perennial Ryegrass, from the comfort of your home.
Websites such as Amazon, eBay, or specialized seed suppliers’ online stores often have a variety of grass seed options available.
Ensure you read customer reviews and choose reputable sellers when purchasing online.
Tall Fescue
Tall Fescue is a cool-season grass that thrives in a variety of soil types, including both sandy and clay soils.
It has a deep root system, making it more drought-tolerant than other grass species. Tall Fescue is known for its excellent wear tolerance and adaptability to varying sunlight conditions.
It has a coarse texture and a slightly lighter shade of green compared to Kentucky Bluegrass.
While it may not provide the same level of aesthetic appeal as some other grass types, its hardiness and low-maintenance requirements make it a practical choice for many Ontario homeowners.
Where To Buy
Here are five places in Ontario where you can find Tall Fescue:
Turf King
Turf King is a professional lawn care company with multiple locations in Ontario, including Hamilton, London, and Ottawa.
They offer a range of lawn services, including Tall Fescue seeding. Contact Turf King for information on purchasing Tall Fescue seed or to inquire about their services.
Home Depot
Home Depot is a well-known home improvement retailer with numerous locations throughout Ontario.
They typically carry a variety of grass seed products, including Tall Fescue blends.
Visit their website or contact your local Home Depot store to check the availability of Tall Fescue seed.
Parkway Garden Centre
Parkway Garden Centre is a garden center located in London, Ontario.
They specialize in providing a wide range of gardening and landscaping supplies, including grass seed.
They may have Tall Fescue seed available. Visit their store or contact them directly for more information.
Local Landscaping and Seed Suppliers
There are many local landscaping and seed suppliers in Ontario that carry grass seed products, including Tall Fescue.
These suppliers cater to homeowners, landscapers, and gardening enthusiasts. Search online directories or consult with local gardening groups to find suppliers in your area.
Local Co-op or Farm Supply Stores
Local co-op stores and farm supply stores often carry a variety of grass seed options, including Tall Fescue.
These stores cater to farmers, homeowners, and landscaping professionals.
Check for local co-op stores or farm supply stores in your area, as they may have Tall Fescue seed available.
Conclusion
Selecting the right type of lawn grass is crucial for achieving a healthy and beautiful lawn in Ontario. Consider factors such as climate, soil conditions, shade tolerance, foot traffic, and maintenance requirements when making your decision.
Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, and Tall Fescue are just a few examples of the grass species that thrive in Ontario’s diverse conditions.
By understanding the characteristics of each grass type, you can make an informed choice that will result in a vibrant and resilient lawn that enhances the beauty of your outdoor space.
Watch this video featuring another option – almost no lawn at all!
