When the grass is green in your garden

Amarjeet Singh Baath

Grass is the basic component of any garden landscape. It adds charm, space and usefulness to the garden. There are a number of varieties of grass available in the market. In order to maintain a consistent green cover in the garden one should choose the variety keeping in mind the climatic conditions and the type of garden (public garden, play ground, home garden).

In the subtropical plains of north India, the climate changes from extreme cold to hot dry summer to hot and humid rainy season — and the cycle goes on. Therefore, the choice of grass should be made keeping in mind the extreme weather conditions. The grass should be able to retain greenery irrespective of the change in weather conditions. Some of the factors that should be kept in mind while selecting and maintaining grass in your garden are as follows:

Soil for growth

A good lawn should have least one feet of top good quality soil. Grasses are very hardy and can be grown in any type of soil but a loamy soil with humus is ideal for the healthy growth of almost all varieties.

Popular varieties

There are two popular types of grass introduced in this part of the region — Calcutta Dhoob and Selection No 1. There is myth that Selection No 1 is exotic and superior.

Calcutta Dhoob and Selection No. 1 do not tolerate extreme winter conditions. However, these grasses can be maintained well with proper management by regulating irrigation during winters, especially by using sprinklers in the evenings.

The most fast and easy to grow grass is ‘Cynodon dactylon’ (local dhoob) also called Bermuda grass which is a native to warm temperate and tropical regions. It forms an attractive lawn cover and easily tolerates the harshness of this region’s climate. Its bluish green colour gives a soothing effect all through the year. It grows well in hot sunny locations, but not under shade. With regular mowing and care this grass can surpass the elegance and softness of the above mentioned other two varieties.

Dichondra repens is a perennial herbaceous with creeping stems with small kidney shaped leaves and is also native to tropical and warm temperate regions. It forms excellent green cover and grows well in sunlight and shady areas. At the first look it appears to be different because of small broad leaves. It’s still not a very popular but is rapidly drawing the attention of many landscapers. It grows well in shallow soil with hard surface. Dichondra is ideal for terrace ground cover. It is best suitable for shady areas, home lawns and areas with less human traffic but is not recommended for playgrounds where human movement is more. Since it grows very well in shady areas, the water requirement is less. Frequent mowing is also not required. This variety is not threatened from pests and diseases.

Ficus pumila (creeping fig) is a slow but easy-to-grow variety that can be used as ground cover on shallow and hard surfaces where human movement is absent. It requires less water and low maintenance.

Maintenance tips

The real reflection of garden care can be gauged from the way grass is maintained. Grass is hardy perennial growth which is not difficult to maintain if proper attention is given on a regular basis.

n Most of the grasses are shallow-rooted plants which do not require deep irrigation but water logging should be avoided. Thus ensure a proper gradient for good drainage. Regular weeding for grasses which keep on growing as the weed seed gets dispersed by wind and bird droppings.

n A dose of urea once a month after mowing is mandatory.

n Frequent mowing is desirable for a carpet

like feeling.Maintenance tips

The real reflection of garden care can be gauged from the way grass is maintained. Grass is hardy perennial growth which is not difficult to maintain if proper attention is given on a regular basis.

n Most of the grasses are shallow-rooted plants which do not require deep irrigation but water logging should be avoided. Thus ensure a proper gradient for good drainage. Regular weeding for grasses which keep on growing as the weed seed gets dispersed by wind and bird droppings.

n A dose of urea once a month after mowing is mandatory.

n Frequent mowing is desirable for a carpet like feeling.