Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
For the love of lawns
|
GREEN NOTES Lawns lend that special touch to gardens
|
Lawns provide a special setting for a house and if it is trim, smooth and of a heavenly green, will add to the house a finishing touch, which no amount of plants can give. Many people have the notion that lawns can only be made in extensive gardens and that they are costly to create and maintain. Even small gardens can have lawns and except for the initial cost and labour of making one the upkeep charges are negligible.
In most parts of our country where weather conditions are not extreme, lawns can be grown from seeds at all times of the year, before the cold season sets in. The hariali or doab grass, which is most common used here, is a great lover of heat and sunshine. The seeds are available at nurseries or collected from dried up lawns and can be sown at any time from March onwards. Preparation of the ground is very essential and is the foundation on which lawns are built. If badly done at first, the fault cannot be remedied afterwards.
Dig up the ground to a depth of at least 1 foot and remove all roots and weeds very carefully. The earth thus dug out should be well exposed to the sun and turned over three times i.e. for 3 days, every time removing all the roots, weeds and stones. If the soil is poor and sandy it is advisable to add a layer of rich soil or well-decayed manure for about 3-4 inches on the top. Sow the seeds, level the ground and water gently. After 3 to 4 weeks the grass will make its appearance and is ready to be cut after a few weeks.
Wield a scythe as new growth commences and roll again and again and water freely. Leave the cut grass lying as it falls, clearing it only on the next day. It will form a protective mulish against the strong sunshine. Any holes appearing must be filled with little seeds. Grass in its place in the garden, may always be kept evenly green and beautiful with a little work and there is no greater satisfaction than having a lovely lawn.
Chitra Radhakrishnan
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
|
