South African Silver Carpet thrives in poor, rocky soils and even salt spray, forming a dense silvery-green mat that smothers virtually all weeds. Large yellow daisy-like flowers appear mainly in spring and early summer.

Dymondia margaretae is widely used in Mediterranean areas as an ornamental alternative to turf. It forms a low, 5cm high, very drought tolerant ground cover and is a good lawn replacement in dry areas, but as with any lawn you may need to improve the soil first (especially if it doesn't get any shade).

Once established, the deep, fleshy roots act as a water reservoir, providing the plant with water when needed. The Dymondia carpet normally appears green/silver, but when the root water reserves are depleted and the plant needs water, the leaves curl up, revealing their silver undersides which reflect the sun's rays, reducing further water loss. It tolerates occasional heavy foot traffic and, like many grass alternatives, works well as a filler between paving and stepping stones.