LAWN GONE

The concept is simple. Removing sections or perhaps all of the lawn would eliminate a lot of garden chores. Less grass to care for would mean less time spent mowing, watering, fertilizing, weed prevention, raking and money spent to maintain a monoculture of green. Why then have so few people embraced this concept? The removal of a lawn carries with it social and psychological implications. Pressure from neighbors and community to conform is immense. The expectation for the home owner is to place a green lawn into the landscape as soon as possible. Rolling sod out provides an instant transformation to the property. However, the decision to grow Kentucky bluegrass (poa pratensis) becomes a lifelong commitment. The lawn is the law. Tamper with the unwritten law and you will discover what reaction it generates. Neighbors and friends will question your decision through judgment rather then approaching your decision with a curiosity. The truth be known, it is time for a change in the way we manage the environment and to say farewell to turf is not treason.

Kentucky bluegrass has a rich history on our planet. The word Kentucky is misleading. The grass seed is believed to be native to northern Asia and the mountains of Algeria and Morocco. This cool season grass can grow up to 60cm during the growing season. It is readily identified by its boat shaped leaf tip. Cool season grasses green-up early but go dormant in hot weather causing the foliage to brown. After being introduced to Europe, King Louis XIV (1638-1715) grew the grass and maintained it as a carpet to be seen from a high vantage point from the palace. The gardens were shaped in a symmetrical design to resemble an outdoor living Persian carpet. King Louis was of the belief that nature was to be controlled and conquered thereby demonstrating the superior nature of man. Growing grass at that time in history was a blatant symbol of wealth and prestige. Making the choice to not grow food and fruit crops and strictly grow plants for ones personal sense of beauty flew in the face of all those who struggle to make a living off the land. The prestige that turf brings remains today in the landscapes of Europe as well as North America. Try to imagine a large estate, golf course or park without turf.

 Every plant has certain requirements to attain optimum growth. Kentucky bluegrass requires a sunny level surface with a rich organic soil base and roughly 3cm of water applied per week to prevent the turf from going dormant. A property that is sloped, shaded, has poor soil or irrigation challenges are not suited for this type of grass. No amount of fertilizer and special care will promote healthy growth of a plant when it is not suited for the location. Therefore, the landscape becomes an opportunity for new possibilities. Give yourself permission to explore the many possibilities that you may achieve in your own unique space. A sunny sloped yard may provide an ideal location for a rock or alpine garden. While a property immersed in shade can become a quite tranquil retreat, woodland or shade garden. Some folks would like to have more flowering plants to attract butterflies while another individual may wish to put down a hard surface and enjoy a carefree relaxing oasis. We pride ourselves in our individual expression so why not express your personality in the outdoor spaces?

The task of removing an established lawn seems daunting. In the past it meant doing back breaking work using a spade and removing or turning the soil over. The thought of this alone is enough to dampen our intentions of having a more varied landscape. With the help of some machinery a project that takes weeks can be turned into hours. A sod cutter is a relatively simple machine to operate that can be rented. It takes roughly an hour to slice the sod off of a 1500 square foot area. That freshly cut sod can now become a valuable form of organic material. Flip the sod strips over and use the sections as organic matter. Perhaps you might want to build the landscape up and form a berm. Remember that the landscape need not remain flat. Rises and falls add interest and depth to space. Mystery is a wonderful element to acquire in the garden. There is no mystery with a flat green surface. You are now ready to bring in soil. Order a garden mix soil with loam, organic matter and perhaps a small percent of course peat or mulch. Healthy deep soil is the foundation for every successful garden. A layer of 20cm is preferred. You are now ready to plant.

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