"Touching grass is so 2023. The latest in alfresco trends is "flower walking," enjoying tiptoeing through springy, textured, fragrant, and sometimes flowering perennials for a bit of grounding, outdoor bliss.
FootPrince Blue Star Creeper features small, blue, star-shaped flowers covering a dense mat of dark-green foliage.
Haven't heard of it? Well, then, now you have something new and interesting to introduce to your customers! Move over petunias, it's time for Pratias. Google search trends show that power gardeners are already hopping aboard the lawn replacement or reduction train and FootPrince™ perennials are the perfect plants you can offer to help them accomplish their goals," says Zen Landis of FootPrince.
Groundcovers
Kathy Jentz, author of 'Groundcover Revolution: How to use sustainable, low-maintenance, low-water groundcovers to replace your turf', says "What always gets overlooked is the sheer beauty of groundcovers. It is much more interesting to look at a yard planted with groundcovers than turf. Wouldn't you rather look at a lot of little flowers and butterflies visiting those flowers than grass?"
How do FootPrince perennials fit into the picture? Landis adds: "Think groundcovers with benefits. These tough plants invite a closer look and feel than a lawn, but can handle the wear and tear of light foot traffic. They also offer more ecological benefits than monoculture turf, especially when planted as part of a diverse landscape.
Several genera form the backbone of the FootPrince line:
- Dymondia: a low-growing flowering plant with gray fuzzy leaves. Perfect in between pavers.
- Erodium: clusters of deep green leaves support delicate white, pink, or fuchsia blooms.
- Isotoma: also known as "blue star creeper," it's a gorgeous, flowery lawn substitute.
- Leptinella: forms dense mats of ferny foliage. Great for moist but well-drained areas.
- Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana': turflike in nature and look, this one's a slam dunk for anyone afraid they'll miss their grass!
- Pratia: a true creeper with white or purple flowers. A dense groundcover with many applications.
- Sagina and Scleranthus: Irish and New Zealand moss, respectively. They have a similar look and feel, though Sagina prefer more moisture than Scleranthus.
Thymus: creeping varieties thrive in full sun with well drained soil. Delightful fragrance when stepped on." 
Meeting gardeners where they are
"The fact is," Kathy says, "Once you've lived in a house for 20 years you can end up with a lot of shade. You might also be looking to enjoy a lower maintenance garden. Groundcovers are ideal for that, requiring less weeding, less water, and less care." She continues, "I tell people to stop the struggle. If grass won't grow there, quit trying to grow it." To this end, she's started an official new holiday, "Reduce Your Lawn Day." It will happen each year on May 20th. She encourages everyone to replace a bit of their lawn that they're not using with something else: a shrub border, a veggie garden, or, yes, groundcovers. According to Landis, FootPrince plants are suitable for lawn replacement while still allowing for foot traffic.
FootPrince Double Alpine Geranium features double pink flowers blooming on compact mounds of dark green, scalloped foliage.
Shipping and liners
Plants are available shipped via pallet racks and ready to sell with branded tags with care info. Liners are available too.
For more information:
Zen Landis 
Little Prince of Oregon
[email protected].
www.littleprinceoforegon.com
Maria Zampini
UpShoot™ LLC
5010 South Ridge Rd
Madison, OH 44057
Cell: 440-812-3249
[email protected]
www.upshoothort.com