Do you need to grass it all? Maybe a raised bed where it floods, in an L shape, a small gravelled area inside the L to give you a seating area that drains and then start the lawn further back? Were you planning some flower beds anyway? Now could be a good time to really think what's going to work best. Would be a shame to lovingly tend grass seed, or (much more expensive) turf, and then decide it just doesn't work on the site. If the idea of grass is for lower maintenance, there are lots of other options that would work better with the dog, and save you having boggy grass that may be prone to moss, especially if that's a north-facing spot. I know you're itching to get on, and I understand that, but the rain might just help you avoid a future problem that's worse than not getting the seed going just yet.
No longer newish but can't think of a new name so will remain forever newish.
Thanks for your advice Stephanie... I will think about what you suggested with possibly gravelling that area..
However, do you think this would work: if I was to dig out a channel 12" to 18" wide and around 24" deep along the edge of the drive then fill in with stones, then put 4" of soil on the top for the grass
Once you start mowing, it'll keep the weeds down. You'll find weeds will seed in from elsewhere, so it can be difficult to avoid. If you can be bothered, you can hand pull them, but you'll find mowing regularly will help. It's too soon to be using any weedkiller, so don't be tempted. Has your soggy bit improved? Sometimes it improves once you have something growing on the plot, simply because it takes up the water. If it becomes problematic, you can always aerate and add coarse grit to the holes. If that doesn't help, you may need to lift that section and improve the general drainage there. It seems to be a bit of a dip there anyway, with the slope going towards the building, so it may well be a bit of a nuisance. Alternatively, you could cut that corner section away and plant it up with some shrubs and perennials
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks Fairygirl for your reply on this.. I raised the level of soil - see pic.. when it rains now it accumulates on the concrete but doesnt flood the soil/grass and eventually soaks away.. I think with a heavy downpoor it may be more of a problem but time will tell and if need be I will have to look at some kind of drainage
Once you start mowing, it'll keep the weeds down. You'll find weeds will seed in from elsewhere, so it can be difficult to avoid. If you can be bothered, you can hand pull them, but you'll find mowing regularly will help. It's too soon to be using any weedkiller, so don't be tempted.
I started pulling the weeds out.. but there are so many its going to take me forever!
By cutting the grass will this not simply leave the weeds there and allow them to get more established?
Regularly cutting the grass will weaken the weeds and prevent them from getting established. After a while you will have fewer to worry about and can deal with them.
Regularly cutting the grass will weaken the weeds and prevent them from getting established. After a while you will have fewer to worry about and can deal with them.
Thanks AnniD... Thats what I was hoping to hear.. just seemed like an almost endless task and made worse by feeling it was to some extent a waste of time digging them out
Ill maybe spend an hour pulling the bigger ones out tomorrow then cut the grass
Posts
Were you planning some flower beds anyway? Now could be a good time to really think what's going to work best. Would be a shame to lovingly tend grass seed, or (much more expensive) turf, and then decide it just doesn't work on the site.
If the idea of grass is for lower maintenance, there are lots of other options that would work better with the dog, and save you having boggy grass that may be prone to moss, especially if that's a north-facing spot.
I know you're itching to get on, and I understand that, but the rain might just help you avoid a future problem that's worse than not getting the seed going just yet.
Has your soggy bit improved? Sometimes it improves once you have something growing on the plot, simply because it takes up the water. If it becomes problematic, you can always aerate and add coarse grit to the holes. If that doesn't help, you may need to lift that section and improve the general drainage there. It seems to be a bit of a dip there anyway, with the slope going towards the building, so it may well be a bit of a nuisance.
Alternatively, you could cut that corner section away and plant it up with some shrubs and perennials
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...