Gravel-clay lawn and flowers for more biodiversity in public spaces

The theme of "green in the city" is more topical today than ever. TerraViva's grass tile mixtures and green grout infills create low-maintenance, aesthetically pleasing spaces and fuel biodiversity in city centers. "Everyone talks about bees and butterflies, but then you have to make sure they come and stay," says Bart Geerts, driving force behind TerraViva.

TerraViva has been the market leader in ride-on lawn for years. Bart Geerts: "We once started with a pure focus on grass, but over the years we have gone through a strong evolution. Within two years, a good 50 % of public parking lots may be planted with flowers. Given the current climate issues, we feel morally obliged to develop the best products for urban biodiversity. Everyone talks about bees and butterflies, but then you have to make sure they come and stay."

TerraViva's mixtures and fills are used for a variety of applications. From Cobblestones to concrete clinkers and even for large format tiles.

Ideal alternative

TerraViva's mixtures and fills are used for a variety of applications. From Cobblestones to concrete clinkers and even with large format tiles. "And it's not just about grass, but also tread-resistant flowers such as buttercups and daisies. Our grass tile mixes and grout fills are an ideal alternative to grouting with grout or porphyry. With those traditional methods, sooner or later you have to tackle weeds with less ecological methods. By seeding our mixtures right away, we create a low-maintenance environment that in many cases barely needs to be mowed three times a year."

Gravel Clover Lawn

Another product developed and marketed by TerraViva is gravel clover lawn. "That's a mixture of very small clover with grass," Bart Geerts clarifies. "The big advantage is that the clover provides fertilization for the grass. That fertilization is obtained because clover absorbs nitrogen from the air. In urban areas, that would mean that 1 ha of micro clover and grass takes all the nitrogen from the air of 40 cars driving an average of 40,000 km annually."

Years of development

In order to achieve the most sustainable result possible, TerraViva's products are constantly subject to innovation. Bart Geerts: "Among other things, we have to take into account the increasingly extreme summers. For example, our grass plants must be able to root deeper in order to collect water in deeper layers. On the other hand, heavy rainfall is also a challenge because our mixtures must be sufficiently permeable. Our self-developed grass tile mixtures and grout fillings are patented and subject to food inspection supervision. Technically and in terms of bearing capacity, frost resistance, plant friendliness and safety, TerraViva products must therefore meet the highest standards."