To get back to the original question, different grasses are suited to different purposes - bowling green, putting green, shade, sun, kids playing etc. Don't worry about what you have. Think instead of how to get it looking good.
All that grass needs is a bit of TLC. Leave it alone till spring when it starts growing again and then keep it cut regularly and not too short. The foliage is there to photosynthesise and send energy to the roots which then take up water and nutrients from the soil and keep the grass healthy. You can apply lawn feed and it's up to you whether you go purely for fertiliser - organic or otherwise - or a combined weed, feed and moss treatment but do read and follow the instructions for dosage or you'll end up witha right mess.
By mid to late April it will be worth buying or hiring a scarifier to run over the grass and remove thatch which is just dead material from previous cuttings. It can form a mat which reduces air an water flow to the roots so should be removed in spring and again in autumn. If you have used a weed and feed mix, a scarifier will help lift the dead stuff and moss.
Then it's a case of wait and see how it grows over the next season and whether it needs aerating to reduce moss and improve drainage or whether it's OK and just needs regular cutting.
Personally, I don't mind weeds in my grass, or wildflowers. They're more interesting than pure grass and better for wildlife and when I see interesting ones in my new grass (been here 1 year so new to me) I leave them alone to grow and flower and it's been lovely.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
I am gradually trying to make my small lawn into a 'Grazed Meadow Lawn' after years of trying to get the bowling green look.I only started this year with a few plug plants to get things rolling and some bulbs which should come up next year.
It looks a bit sad at this time of the year after giving it its final cut last week.Apparently I may not have to mow till July,but we shall see!
“Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
Posts
To get back to the original question, different grasses are suited to different purposes - bowling green, putting green, shade, sun, kids playing etc. Don't worry about what you have. Think instead of how to get it looking good.
All that grass needs is a bit of TLC. Leave it alone till spring when it starts growing again and then keep it cut regularly and not too short. The foliage is there to photosynthesise and send energy to the roots which then take up water and nutrients from the soil and keep the grass healthy. You can apply lawn feed and it's up to you whether you go purely for fertiliser - organic or otherwise - or a combined weed, feed and moss treatment but do read and follow the instructions for dosage or you'll end up witha right mess.
By mid to late April it will be worth buying or hiring a scarifier to run over the grass and remove thatch which is just dead material from previous cuttings. It can form a mat which reduces air an water flow to the roots so should be removed in spring and again in autumn. If you have used a weed and feed mix, a scarifier will help lift the dead stuff and moss.
Then it's a case of wait and see how it grows over the next season and whether it needs aerating to reduce moss and improve drainage or whether it's OK and just needs regular cutting.
Personally, I don't mind weeds in my grass, or wildflowers. They're more interesting than pure grass and better for wildlife and when I see interesting ones in my new grass (been here 1 year so new to me) I leave them alone to grow and flower and it's been lovely.
nutcutlet
I have always tried to orientate my garden to be good for wildlife ; please read my post on 'Mixed Hedge Advice' from a couple of days ago !
Sounds a good hedge Paul
In the sticks near Peterborough
I am gradually trying to make my small lawn into a 'Grazed Meadow Lawn' after years of trying to get the bowling green look.I only started this year with a few plug plants to get things rolling and some bulbs which should come up next year.
It looks a bit sad at this time of the year after giving it its final cut last week.Apparently I may not have to mow till July,but we shall see!