Mat-forming native plants that require no mowing can be an appealing alternative to conventional mown grass or even to other surfaced areas paved with asphalt or concrete. They can add texture and colour with foliage, and include brightly coloured berries and seed heads. They will require little or no mowing; no lawn clippings to dispose of, and with a little bit of maintenance they can be a great alternative to a turf lawn. There are a range of suitable species for different environments (foot traffic/rainfall/sunlight), and having them in your garden will improve biodiversity.
| Plant name | Foot Traffic | Conditions |
| Acaena inermis | Light to moderate | Sun or semi-shade, moist |
| Acaena microphylla | Light to moderate | Sun, dry |
| Blechnum penna-marina | Light | Sun or semi-shade, moist |
| Leptinella calcarea | Moderate | Full sun in a dryer well drained site. |
| Leptinella dioica | Moderate | Prefers damp well drained soil in sun or semi-shade. |
| Leptinella minor | Light | Sun or semi-shade, moist |
| Leptinella ‘Platts Black’ | Light to moderate | Best in full sun with adequate moisture |
| Leptinella serrulata | Light to moderate | Full sun in a dryer well drained site. |
| Leptinella squalida ssp. squalida | Light to moderate | Semi-shade or shade, moist |
| Plant name | Foot Traffic | Conditions |
| Mazus ‘Matapouri Bay’ | Light, occasional | Sunny, moist |
| Mazus radicans | Light, occasional | Sunny, moist |
| Muehlenbeckia axillaris | Moderate to heavy | Hardy for sunny & dry sites |
| Pratia angulata | Light | Sun or semi-shade, moist |
| Selliera radicans | Moderate to heavy | Sun or light shade, moist |