| An
Introduction to
FENG SHUI GARDENING.
by
Eloise Helm
GROWING
A LAWN
Grass has been chosen for centuries to create lawns because
it is usually appealing, pleasant to walk on, represents
the color green for money and is excellent for creating
harmony and balance in the garden. It is also a plant most
commonly chosen because it is hard wearing and can be cut
down repeatedly and continues its lush green vibrant color.
In most cases, the grass lawn is the simple most area in
the garden so it is important to shape and position the
area carefully.
The
lawn serves several functions, it is attractive in its own
right, however it creates a flow of energy leading the eye
to the beautiful flowerbeds at the edge of the lawn. The
green color blends so beautifully with all the bright colors
of the flowers in your garden. The level surface of the
grass forms a foil for more sculptural plants around the
border of the lawn. The lawn is even more attractive when
edging it with stones or bricks. When edged with stones
or bricks, it makes it easier for cutting the grass without
damaging other plants.
When
planting a lawn there are many different types of grass
to be considered. Cool-season grasses are widely used throughout
America, Europe and Great Brittan with similar climates.
The most common grass is bent grass (bluegrass also known
as meadow grasses and perennial ryegrass. Bents are the
most tolerant for close mowing and are quite hardwearing.
Meadow grass is more resistant to wear, however it cannot
be cut as low. Ryegrass can tolerate most soils, including
heavy clay; however, it does not like to be closely mowed.
Bluegrass is annual and considered by most gardeners as
a weed.
It
is common to mix several types of grass together because
it improves the texture and overall color. Bermuda and zoysia
grasses are considered warm-season grasses and are the most
common in warm weather areas; however, they become dormant
and lose their color at temperatures below 50F. In temperatures
above 50F, consider cool-season grasses such as ryegrasses.
For cool-season and high-quality lawn, a mixture of Kentucky
bluegrass and red fescue is the best for most soils and
regions.
For
lawns, such as wet or dry areas choose a grass mixture that
is designed for such conditions. There again consult with
your local nursery to find the most suited grass for your
area.
There
are other ground covers such as chamomile and different
species of moss, however, they do not stand up to continual
use and not advised for the main lawn. These types are primarily
used for ornamental purposes in a patio area to provide
a patch of green or around a pond or statue area. Dichoudra
is a ground hugging plant that has small leaves that look
like water lily pads.
If
you are planning to establish a new lawn, it is easier and
cheaper to prepare the yard properly rather than to try
to save the partially grassed area that is in poor condition.
Remove all the old grass and start from the beginning. The
ideal topsoil for a lawn is a sandy loam at least eight
inches in depth, overlying free-draining subsoil. If the
soil does not drain freely, the drainage should be improved.
If the top soil is poor, it is necessary to add new topsoil.
If you have it in another part of the garden, it can be
moved to the area where you are working or else it can be
bought and brought in, however this may prove costly.
Speaking
of drainage leveling the site and adjusting the Ph levels
of 5,5-7 depending on the type of grass you use. This could
vary a little in your area. Once the surface is prepared,
fertilizer has to be applied. The fertilizer should contain
nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Lawns that have not
be fertilized for years could be deficient in all three
nutrients. You can then plant grass seed or sod the lawn.
In
cool season, grasses can either be seeded or sodded. Seeding
is usually the cheapest method, however it may take up to
a year before the grass is well established. Sodding although,
more expensive gives an immediate visual effect and only
take two to three months to become permanent. If you use
sod, always buy from a reputable, established garden center.
Be sure to check the grass for insects or diseases before
making the purchase. Sod comes in different sizes and shapes.
High quality sod comes in one-foot squares and lower quality
comes in three by one foot. It is best to place the sod
the same day of purchase. If the sod is left any length
of time, it turns yellow and dies. It can be laid anytime
of the year with weather permitting. If possible, choose
the rainy season for best results. |
