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For the love of lawns
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Lawns lend grace to gardens and are easy to maintain
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Lush lawn A perfect place to relax
A lawn provides the setting for a house and if trimmed and maintained well it adds a finishing touch, which plants whatever be their number, cannot give. Many people feel that only a large, sprawling garden can have a lawn and that it is costly to prepare and maintain. But this is not true. A lawn can be developed even in a small garden. There is, of course, always the initial cost and labour involved in developing it.
Grown from seeds
In most parts of our country, where extreme weather conditions do not prevail, 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 commonly used, flourishes in 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 essential and if it is not properly done, the fault cannot be remedied afterwards.
Dig up the ground up to at least 1 foot below the surface and remove all roots and weeds 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 water freely. Leave the cut grass where it falls, clearing it only on the next day. It will form a protective mulch against strong sunshine. Any holes appearing must be filled with little seeds. With a little work there is no greater satisfaction than a lovely lawn.
CHITRA RADHAKRISHNAN
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