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Grass too long to mow!

katiem111katiem111 Posts: 36
in Problem solving
Hi all, I decided to stop mowing part of the garden, to let it rewild.  I didn't realise that you have to still mow now and again, so now have foot high grass with random weeds!  As it's constantly wet and windy here (west of Ireland) It just lies in wet clumps so can't use the mower.  Will it die back in winter, given that we seldom get frost?  Help, please.
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  • glasgowdanglasgowdan Posts: 632
    Take the bag off your mower,  prop the flap open with something, and mow it on the highest setting. The grass will fly out all over your feet and you can then rake up. It's easier than strimming
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Don't know if you have hedgehogs in your area, but please check for any wildlife before mowing or strimming it  :)
  • katiem111katiem111 Posts: 36
    Very good point.  In 30 years here, only once have I seen a hedgehog but I will certainly check for any wildlife.
  • katiem111katiem111 Posts: 36
    Hi Glasgowdan, 
    Was thinking of borrowing a sheep but will try your approach.  Main problem here is rain, not the lawnmowers friend.
  • bullfinchbullfinch Posts: 692
    Yes, I loved Adam's new lawnmowers on GW this week🐑 😊
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Here you are @katiem111

     :D 
    I used to do the same as @glasgowdan suggests, at a previous house, as it was a big area to cut, and it was easier than constantly emptying the box. The wind blew it all away quite quickly too  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • katiem111katiem111 Posts: 36
    Ha ha, thanks for all the replies!  No shortage of sheep in these parts fairygirl but thanks for the offer.  Husband is going to tackle it at the weekend if the rain holds off. My vision of a bee friendly meadow was well wide of the mark but have my daffs and tulips all set to plant once the grass is gone so will see what spring brings.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think if you want a wildflower meadow, or similar, you need to remove the grass and then start from scratch with that. If there's a strong growth of grass, that will be the dominant plant, and it'll result in the issue you have.
    You have to work out the best plants for your conditions, scrape/remove the grass  as best you can, and then plant or sow seed accordingly. Yellow rattle is the thing to use to help prevent grass regrowing strongly.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • katiem111katiem111 Posts: 36
    Dont know about yellow rattle, we are right on the coast and dont have cold winters so may not germinate.  Its only a little patch so maybe just clear and start over.
  • jonathan.colejonathan.cole Posts: 221
    The other option, depending on how big a patch you have, is to use a hand tool like a Japanese sickle. You can grab clumps even of wet grass and cut at the base. Then mow if you once it is short enough.

    Much harder work. And do check if the sickle is stainless because if you leave your shiny new Japanese sickle wet it will rust and then be a pain to clean off..
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