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Odd patch on lawn?

Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
in Problem solving
This semi circle of darker grass has appeared in the last two weeks and yesterday we noticed small toadstools, so presumably a 'fairy circle'. There are also dead grass patches in the same place. It may be that there are either large live tree roots as there are big trees nearby or dead roots from old conifers . I'm puzzled by the circle though. Any ideas please, I'm just curious.
North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone

Posts

  • barry islandbarry island Posts: 1,847
    I saw something on a facebook group today someone had a patch of black slime growing in their lawn, someone suggested it was "black slime mould" something I'd never heard of before but apparently it is a thing and quite harmless to the garden. Maybe it's that?
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    Hi - definitely a `fairy ring`, but the fungus isn't living on tree roots, it is living under the turf. More info here:
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=158

  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    In German tradition, fairy rings were thought to mark the site of witches' dancing on Walpurgis Night,[37] and Dutch superstition claimed that the circles show where the Devil set his milk churn. In Tyrol, folklore attributed fairy rings to the fiery tails of flying dragons; once a dragon had created such a circle, nothing but toadstools could grow there for seven years. European superstitions routinely warned against entering a fairy ring. French tradition reported that fairy rings were guarded by giant bug-eyed toads that cursed those who violated the circles. In other parts of Europe, entering a fairy ring would result in the loss of an eye.[38] Fairy rings are associated with diminutive spirits in the Philippines.[39]
  • Lena_vs_DeerLena_vs_Deer Posts: 203
    That's most magical thing I've seen in a long time :D 
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Thanks @Pianoplayer and @JamesSB, we're doomed, doomed! We both stepped inside the circle today!
    The RHS information was fascinating but also a bit worrying where it says the ring will gradually spread. We've been here for 14 years and it's the first time it's appeared, although thinking about it, we have the Green Thumb treatment 4 times a year, the lawn has been deteriorating over the last 2-3 years which I attributed to the heatwaves we've had and/or proximity to 4 large trees nearby. Our next treatment is in a week or two's time so I'll ask the chap for his advice.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    I think your lawn looks great! Is your garden an old one? The ring may well have been there for ages. I am sure there are some special invocations you can use!
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    It is quite eye-catching isn't it - I feel as if I should dance in it by moonlight!  
    Now that would really scare the neighbours.
    Yes, it is an old garden from circa 1962, originally orchards, we have been told.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
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