Category: Grass

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When Artificial Grass Is The Best Option

The-Roots-of-Artificial-Grass2

In 1966 the Astros and Dodgers played the first baseball game on an artificial surface, officially named AstroTurf, the first incarnation of artificial grass. Since then its use has moved from sports grounds to gardens worldwide, seen as a way of having long lasting, low maintenance green grass in any climate. Here are two of the most popular uses of artificial grass over the past decade:

1. Areas of Drought

California has been facing the longest drought in its history – 4 years with no rain in some parts, forcing residents to water their gardens weekly just to keep the grass in their gardens alive, and with the average patch of American grass requiring 45,000 litres of water a year, this has led to water restrictions across California and penalties for misuse.

So what’s the solution to a garden full of dead grass?

Native plants

Some have suggested gardens should be covered by native plants that are accustomed to the landscape and require very little water to survive – namely cactus. The main advantage for this landscape is no water and no maintenance.

Unfortunately native plants have their downsides – if you want to play football with your kids, let your dog roam around or even just lay down in your own garden you will struggle with a garden covered in desert plants, particularly cactus.

Artificial Grass

Whilst not native to the landscape but boasting the same advantages, artificial grass is the best alternative for many in California. For a start well-made artificial grass is perfectly safe for kids, dogs and other pets.

Artificial grass also doesn’t need water or fertiliser which means celebrities in LA can avoid the PR shame of having their extensive gardens seen hogging water, whilst non celebs can cut back on the hiking water costs and maintain an element of the American dream – green grass.

2. For Those Without The Time, Effort Or Ability To Care To Their Lawns

A beautiful lawn needs to be carefully nurtured. In the summer lawns need to be regularly mowed and watered with fertilizing in spring and autumn – that requires time, effort and ability that many don’t have. Caring for your grass also requires tools including a lawnmower, strimmer, fertiliser and a hose just so the grass stays alive.

For those of us who don’t have the time, the effort or the ability to maintain grass there is a solution – artificial grass. Modern artificial grass looks and feels more natural than ever before and importantly this near perfect look takes decades to change – no mowing, no watering and no fertilizing as artificial grass maintenance is quick and easy in only a few steps.

If you have any questions or would like any more information about artificial grass, head over to www.nearlygrass.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

How-is-it-made

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How To Care For Your Artificial Grass

There’s no doubt that artificial or synthetic grass has its advantages. Firstly it always looks good, no matter what the weather (there’s no unsightly brown areas where sun damage has occurred). In addition it doesn’t need to be cut, watered, fed or aerated. In fact it really is the perfect covering for those looking to enjoy their outside space, rather than spend time working on it. Having said that it does need a a certain amount of care, although minimal. With this in mind, let’s take a look at what you need to do to keep your artificial grass looking in tip top condition.

Keeping it clear

Similarly to real grass your artificial lawn or outside space is likely to be invaded with debris such as falling leaves from time to time. This being the case you’ll need to keep it clear. Depending upon the amount of garden debris you get will depend on whether you want to use a simple rake and broom, or invest in a leaf blower or vacuum.

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Acid Tolerant Ornamental Grasses

Fun With Grass 1 by StuffEyeSee
Fun With Grass 1 by StuffEyeSee

TheGardenLady received this question from Donell.

I live in MI and have removed 3 of 6 evergreen trees between my neighbor’s house and mine. I would like to plant something between the 3 that are left to have a little more privacy – are there any acid tolerant ornamental grasses that could be used?

By removing half of the evergreen trees you have opened up the area for more sun. Most grasses like light and at least 6 hours of sun (see here) . Michigan has some interesting grasses that should grow nicely for you (see here)  and since landscapers are recommending grasses for high interest but low maintenance you might find some that will work for you (see here).

Many ornamental grasses tend to be tolerant of a wide range of soil types and prefer a pH between 5 and 7. So have your soil tested to see if you can grow the grasses you like.

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Why Grass Might be Difficult to Grow

Oak Alley by Lake Fred
Oak Alley by Lake Fred

TheGardenLady received this question on a post about acidic soil from Todd.

My yard had many oak trees in it. I have stopped letting leaves sit so I can start a decent yard.  Could this be the reason grass is so difficult to grow?

If you want grass to grow on a lawn, it is good that you stop letting leaves sit on the grass. Grass loves sun. Even the so called shade grass doesn’t like a blanket of leaves covering because all grass needs light. And grass is a heavy feeder. Some kinds of grass need more fertilizer than others.

Grass really doesn’t like to have competition from tree roots.

You wrote that your yard HAD many oak trees in it. What does that mean? Did you chop the trees down? If you still have oak trees in your yard, know that oak trees are also heavy feeders. Their roots want the nutrients and the water to feed the trees. Tree roots are like pancakes- spread out. 90% of tree roots are in the top 3 feet of soil and 50-75% of feeder roots are in the top 1 foot of soil.

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Shade Loving Plants

Pink Double Impatiens by Judes Jewels
Pink Double Impatiens by Jude's Jewels

TheGardenLady received this question from Kevin.

I have a very small front area, very small, 2′x25′ with very little sun. I was thinking about some kind of ornamental grass for height and some other colorful flowers.  Any ideas?

In order to give you a more precise answer, TheGardenLady would need to know your temperature zone and the amount of dryness or moisture in your front area.  Without this information, here are some suggestions:

You seem interested in grasses. Most ornamental grasses need sun. Many are shade INTOLERANT. A few will tolerate light shade.  See here.   But these do not bloom as well in shade. Sedges seem to be more tolerant of shade but some can grow too aggressively for your small area.

Koeleria macrantha, Junegrass and Melica imperfecta by edgehill
Koeleria macrantha, Junegrass and Melica imperfecta by edgehill

For a drier site there is Koeleria macrantha (syn. K. cristata) June grass which is a small, green, native clump grass with showy white flower panicles in June. A host for butterfly larvae. Shade tolerant and soil tolerant.

For a moist area there are two plants that might work:
Carex muskingumensis or Palm sedge is a slowly spreading plant with palm-like foliage that requires shade and moist conditions.

Chasmanthium latifolium by nobuflickr
Chasmanthium latifolium by nobuflickr

Also, Chasmanthium latifolium or Northern sea oats which is noted for its showy, drooping flowers and light green, upright, bamboo-like foliage. Flat green flowers will turn copper. Blooms well in shade and reseeds.

Also, consider hostas. The number of different hosta plants is so numerous that you can create a unique garden just with them alone. For your small area you can find miniature or small hostas. Plant variaged hostas or gold colored hostas to brighten the dark area.

Best shade tolerant colorful flowers would be annuals like impatiens and begonias.

Ligularia Dentata by robelsas
Ligularia Dentata by robelsas

If you want perennials consider Astilbe varieties, Greater Celandine (check to see if it is invasive in your area), Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Hearts), helleborus orientalis (Hellebore) and Ligularia dentata or Elephant ears. One doesn’t see Ligularia very often. It has large leaves. There is one with maroon-black leaves. Showy golden daisy like flowers appear in midsummer.

Lastly, consider an azalea. Azaleas will grow in shade.