LAWNS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 April 1940, Page 8

LAWNS

SHOULD BE GIVEN ATTENTION. From now until early spring much may be done’to improve existing lawns, while new lawns may be laid down. It will be advisable to use the mower regularly to keep a neat appearance during winter, and to lighten the work in spring. The roller, however. should be used regularly during the winter, particularly on tennis and croquet courts. Frequent sweeping to disperse worm casts is beneficial to the grass in other ways. After heavy rains it will bo better to keep off lawns altogether for a few days. Where there has been much wear during the summer a certain amount of patching may be necessary, if the grass has actually disappeared. This can be accomplished either by sowing seed now, or by laying new turf. If the latter plan is decided on see that the turves contain as little coarse grass and as few weeds as possible. Cut the turves two or three inches deep, and about 10 inches wide. They are handled much easier if rolled up with the grass inwards. Remove the old grass and soil to the necessary extent. being careful to avoid excavating too deeply; it is better to err the other way. Cut the edges and ends as cleanly as possible, and press the new turf tight against these. It is important to press each turf close to its neighbour in this way, otherwise cracks will appear during the ensuing summer. If there are places where the edges do not meet nicely, brush some fine soil into the crevices. When the whole patch is laid beat it down well with tiie back of a spado, and finish off with roller if necessary.