Re-seeding patchy lawn with clover?

[fruitylou]

I have two dogs which have caused a few balding patches in the lawn, I would like to re-seed with something other than grass that would benefit the wildlife but could handle being mowed occasionally , I thought clover may work but have no real idea. Any ideas? Could it work?

[Glutton4...]

The advantages of clover are that it remains green, and can survive far longer than grass during a drought. Also if you let it flower, the Bees will thank you!

As far as my experience goes, like many things, it will get in places you don't want it, and it is not always easy to get rid of, as it roots quite deeply.

My Folks have loads of clover in their rear lawn, and it is nearly always green.

[fruitylou]

Thank-you for your reply, sounds fantastic if it will stay green longer than grass. I need to get my butt in action to fill the gaps before volunteer weeds do!

[Snadger]

Thank-you for your reply, sounds fantastic if it will stay green longer than grass. I need to get my butt in action to fill the gaps before volunteer weeds do!

You propbably know this already, but if not, here goes. The reason clover stays green is because its a legume and like peas and beans it fixates nitrogen to its roots so it has a permaneent access to nitrogeneous fertiliser which keeps it green.

I know that farmers sow a ryegrass/clover mix as a fodder crop for this reason.

[taff]

so if I wanted to green up an area around a young plum tree [it's going to die, it's all over the place] but red clover will be a good idea?