Dr_Evil_Mouse Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 So I just finished mowing my first lawn in over twenty years, and while it was fun and everything (took well over an hour, and my arms are still shaking), I've never been quite sold on the stuff (especially having to be conscious of BS local bylaws around proper lawn maintenance). I'm wondering what options there are to grass. Clover seems to be a popular one; any others? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Pavement? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basher Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Astroturf? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaidy Mae Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Periwinkle is what we have at my house (and grass too, which drives me nuts). A friend of mine in SF planted "dwarf grass" on his lawn. Apparently it only grows a few inches. I'm not sure if it's suitable for this climate, but you may want to look into that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SevenSeasJim Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 dandelions are a nice touch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Clover is an option. But if you would like to maintain a healthy lawn for your girls to play in - look into the new Product Beet Juice. It's a natural fertilizer, and weed inhibitor.Remember to cut your lawn no shorter then 2.5/ 3 inches, and only water in the morning (to prevent fungal diseases) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms.Huxtable Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Clover is a good one Doc. Please, please don't lay stones or pavement. Watching your girls run around barefoot in the yard was so beautiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basher Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Automatic sprinkler systems are surprisingly easy to install, and then your lawn can be watered at the proper time (about 5am). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SevenSeasJim Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Remember that your neighbours will enjoy it if you park your car sideways on the lawn as well :wink: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 I use to be an irrigation installer, and Lawn technician.I highly advise getting a company to install a system unless you have the proper tools.so many factors, aware of cables, depths, hooking up the plumbing and electrical pannel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmoothedShredder Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Let it grow, and travel around your area to find natural tall grasses and wildflowrs, just spread some flowers in you're yard, and you'll never know what to xpect in the fantasic years to come.... though a well kept lawn provides more thn enough oxygen for a family of four.If this pisses off you're neighbours it's a good thing... freak out the squares man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamH Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 There was a story on the news the other day about a guy in Toronto whose neighbours forced to remove his wild garden. In that city you need a permit to have one and I don't know if that's the case in Ottawa.go to www.sierraclub.ca and see what tips they have for natural gardens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmoothedShredder Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 FREAK OUT THE SQUARES! and stop working for your car man... revolutionize! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PalacePrincess Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 sweetmarie's mother's backyard is all chamomile & wildflowers. it smells heavenly! looks absolutely dreamy too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AD Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Rob Corddry had an excellent segment last week on the 'plastic grass lawn'AD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Jane Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 we have no intention of mowing the huge backyard, ever! (So warning to those coming to the housewarming, don't drop anything out there...it's already a good six inches of bouncy, fluffy, soft green heaven...well, not exactly the 'green heaven' many of you are picturing right now....) Anyway, this morning my dad, out of 'horror and shame' drove his lawnmower over here for us to deal with the front yard, the only place the neighbours can actually see and complain about, thank god! (So Sharon, the 'hour' Dave speaks of, was just mowing the front!) We are definitely looking for ideas for the back though, in terms of flowers, garden plants, etc. So Sunshine, I'll be sure to pick your brain when you're here! (if anyone wants to bring seeds and/or cuttings to the housewarming and plant them, you'd be more than welcome to!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tooly Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 throw down some peatmoss and manure, and plant boomers, yes, they grow outside, even better actually. then the only upkeep youll have to do is pick em every few weeks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Photogeek Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Vinca (periwinkle) is a great alternative to a traditonal lawn. It isn't suitable for playing/frolicking etc., as it is a ground cover, but it is hardy and can be walked on. My parents replaced their front lawn with it a couple of years ago and it looks great. The only problem is it can be a bit expensive. You do get these wonderful purple flowers on them though: And here's a cool website I found when looking for a vinca picture: Groundcover options Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaidy Mae Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Deb & Dave, If you want to go with periwinkle, I can bring some to the housewarming. It is so beautiful (but will get crushed by the kids). So there ya go; free periwinkle. We probably have about at least an acre of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_Evil_Mouse Posted September 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Thanks for all these brilliant ideas. I like the idea of variety - bit of this, bit of that; we will have to figure out what works well with what (i.e. not to watch some Darwinian spectacle unfold between all the different species), and be circumspect, given that I haven't seen a single dandelion in the neighbourhood, but I look forward to breaking the consistency of the military-issue lawns around here. SSJ, I'm working on finding a rusty old '72 Impala to dump out front if anyone complains about what we do . Btw, does anyone (Snail?) know about mini-strawberries? I like the idea of a lawn you can also eat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms.Huxtable Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 You should plant a jalepeno cornbread tree. That stuff was fantastic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve from Cleveland Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Ummmm... Might I suggest... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaidy Mae Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 I like the idea of a lawn you can also eat. Well then go with the dandelions. Those suckers are good for you. And if you can stomach it, you can even get one doozie of a bottle of wine out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diggzz Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 I say smoke some "lawn", grab a beer and enjoy the exercise.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traveler Posted September 22, 2005 Report Share Posted September 22, 2005 Get a goat!Kids love um and the small ones are good on the BBQ.mmm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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