Search

12 things you should never do to your lawn

Whether you have a green thumb or not, it’s easy to maintain a blissful, barefoot-worthy backyard. For starters, avoid these no-nos. Don't remove grass clippings Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after you mow can cause thatch problems, right? Nope! That’s a myth. Turns out, grass clippings can actually help with the overall health of your lawn. And (bonus!) that means less work for you when you mow. Don't skip aerating Most lawns, whether seeded or sodded, are planted over a fairly skimpy layer of topsoil. Over time, lawn mowers, pets and football games compact the soil, making it difficult for air, water and vital nutrients to penetrate to the grassroots. Your challenge: to restore healthy soil conditions that nurture your lawn. To loosen and aerate the soil, rent a power core aerator. They’re available at rental centres, plus some hardware stores and garden centres. Don't use a dull mower blade Dull mower blades rip through the grass blades instead of slicing them cleanly, and that stresses the plant. You can always tell a lawn that’s been mowed with a dull blade because it looks brown on the top. Get on your hands and knees and you can actually see the damage. Be sure to sharpen your mower blade each season to keep your lawn in good shape. Don't water every day Did you know your lawn can actually get dependent and needy if it has too much water? Instead of watering every day for 15 minutes, choose one day a week to water the lawn for an entire hour. Your lawn will be watered deeply, and it will be healthier and more drought-tolerant. Don't forget to dethatch Thatch is a layer of slowly decomposing grass stems, roots, clippings, and debris that accumulate at the soil surface over time. It can build up in your lawn and virtually choke it to death. Excessive thatch build-up is commonly found in lawns that have been overfertilized or overwatered and have never been aerated. Thatch build-up of 2cm or more will restrict water and nutrient penetration into the soil (think thatched roof) and can harbour disease organisms that can increase the need for pesticides. Slice open a section of turf. If the thatch is more than 2cm thick, take action. Don't give up on shady areas Growing grass under shade trees isn’t easy, but one key to success is choosing the right shade grass species and planting method for your region. In cool-season areas, you’ll get a better result using seed rather than sod. Sod is grown in wide-open fields under conditions that favour sun-loving grasses. Garden centres will have grass seed mixes formulated for shade. Late summer and mid-spring are the best times to establish cool-season grasses in shady areas. Don't wait too long between mowing If you came back from a holiday and didn’t arrange to have the grass mowed while you were away, don’t try and mow it down in one day. Cut off some of the length and then wait a couple of days and mow again. This will cause less stress on the grass. You may need three passes depending on how long the grass grew. Don't cut grass too short Every grass type has an optimal cutting height, and you’re better off on the high side of that height. Here are a few reasons: The grass blade is the food factory of the plant. Short blades just can’t generate as much food as long blades. Long blades also shade and cool the soil. That means weed seeds are less likely to sprout, and you won’t have to water as often because water won’t evaporate as fast. Not sure what type of grass you have? Take a sample to a garden centre for identification. Don't mow in the same direction every time Instead, mow in a different direction every time: front to back, back to front, diagonal, etc. Repeatedly mowing the exact same way will cause the grass blades to grow at an angle, and you may develop permanent tracks from the mower wheels. Don't cut wet grass Mowing wet grass can cause the mower wheels to leave ruts in your yard, and you could leave behind giant clumps of clippings that could smother the grass beneath. And the wet grass will carpet the underside of your mower deck with a thick mat that’s a pain to clean. Yikes! Don't overfeed If you apply too much grass fertiliser, especially in sandy soils, a good share of it will leach through the soil and make its way into our precious groundwater, rivers, streams and wetlands. Lawn grasses only need a certain amount of food. More isn’t always better. Don't ignore pet areas Dog spots are round patches about 10 to 20cm in diameter with dead grass in the middle, encircled by dark green grass. They’re most apparent in the early spring when dormant grass first begins to turn green again. You have to replant your grass; it won’t come back on its own. But first, you have to dilute or remove the caustic urine from the soil. Thoroughly soak the area with lots of water. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/gardening-tips/12-things-you-should-never-do-to-your-lawn?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

Kate Middleton to face Roger Federer in tennis

The Duchess of Cambridge will go head-to-head with Roger Federer in a tennis match for a special charity event. Kate Middleton will go against the Swiss 20-time Grand Slam tennis champion to help raise money for disadvantaged and vulnerable children. All funds raised will go toward two organisations backed by the Duchess, Action for Children and the Lawn Tennis Association. Children between the ages of 8-15 will have the opportunity to meet the professional tennis player and enjoy a game or two with him. The exciting match, which was reportedly suggested by Kate, will go ahead on September 22 as part of the Laver Cup which was co-founded by Federer. “Her Royal Highness is passionate about supporting grassroots tennis and encouraging young people from all backgrounds to become involved in the sport,” a statement from the Palace read. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Excited to announce that Laver Cup is partnering with The Duchess of Cambridge this year to raise funds for two incredible charities – @actionforchildrenuk and the <a href="https://twitter.com/LTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LTA</a> Tennis Foundation. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing you in London! <a href="https://t.co/7B82Gkj5EE">https://t.co/7B82Gkj5EE</a> — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1559843493610246145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></blockquote> The Laver Cup is a three day tournament which sees six of the best tennis players across Europe go against six of the best tennis players from the rest of the world. Federer is no stranger to the royal family, having played tennis with Prince George, nine, and attended Pippa Middleton’s wedding. "Her Royal Highness is passionate about supporting grassroots tennis and encouraging young people from all backgrounds to become involved in the sport," the palace said in a statement. The Laver Cup will see Federer’s <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/federer-sends-tennis-world-in-a-spin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">return to the court</a> after struggling with his right knee after undergoing three operations to help repair damage to his meniscus and cartilage. Images: Twitter/Getty

Beauty & Style

Support the environment. Don’t mow your lawn

<div class="copy"> Mowing urban lawns less often or less severely increases biodiversity, saves money and reduces pests, according to research from the British Ecological Society. A meta-analysis of data from North America and Europe found strong evidence, the researchers say, that greater mowing intensity at home, in parks and on roundabouts and road verges has negative effects, particularly on invertebrate and plant diversity. Pest species thrive, however. “Even a modest reduction in lawn mowing frequency can bring a host of environmental benefits: increased pollinators, increased plant diversity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions,” says Chris Watson from the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières, Canada, lead author of a <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13542" target="_blank" rel="noopener">paper</a> in the Journal of Applied Ecology. “At the same time, a longer, healthier lawn makes it more resistant to pests, weeds, and drought events.” The reason, Watson says, is that regular mowing favours grasses, which grow from the base of the plant, and low growing species such as dandelion and clover. Other species that have their growing tips or flowering stems regularly removed by mowing can’t compete. {%recommended 6627%} “These findings support a lot of research done by the turfgrass industry that shows that the more disturbance a lawn gets, the higher the likelihood of pest and weed invasion,” he adds. For their meta-analysis, the researchers identified 14 studies undertaken in urban areas between 2004 and 2019 that measured mowing intensity (either height or frequency) as an experimental factor. They also included three unpublished studies of their own. A separate case study was used to estimate the economic costs of high-intensity lawn management – which are known to be considerable. Previous studies have shown, for example, that the cost of allergies to ragweed, which is common in North America and Europe, is around CAD$155 million per year in Quebec and €133 million a year in Austria and Bavaria. As it has a more rapid reproduction than other species, the researchers say, ragweed is able to colonise disturbances caused by intense mowing. You can also save money more directly. In their case study, Watson and colleagues analysed mowing contractor data from the city of Trois-Rivières. They estimated a 36% reduction in public maintenance costs when mowing frequency was reduced from 15 to 10 times per year in high use lawn areas and from three times to once a year in low use areas. Watson acknowledges that people worry that leaving grass long attracts ticks and rodents but says there is little evidence to support this. “The presence of ticks are more strongly related to host populations, like deer, than type of vegetation,” he says. “With respect to small mammals, some species prefer longer grass, whereas others do not.” The plan now is to expand the research and begin applying the findings to improve lawns. Image credits: Getty Images </div> <div id="contributors"> This article was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/earth/sustainability/support-the-environment-dont-mow-your-lawn/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Nick Carne. </div>

Home Hints & Tips

Is this Australia’s oldest lawn mower?

Geoff has tried to retire five times but just can’t seem to adhere to a lifestyle without work. A bit shy of 80, Geoff and his wife Gayl, 69, have together purchased a Jim’s Mowing Franchise and is now mowing lawns in Mackay and Ayr. The even more exciting bit is that Geoff is basically booked out - working from sunrise to sunset. "I'm up at 5.30 every morning and in bed by 8. I work from sun up to sun down," Geoff said. "I've got so much work I am now going to employ my own kids and my grandkids. They have to help me out because I've got so much work on I can't keep up with it all. "People can't believe I'm turning 80 and I'm mowing five lawns a day." Geoff and Gayl are part of a group of retirees who refuse to stop working. A study of 4,000 elderly people, conducted by National Seniors Australia shows 20 per cent of pensioners would consider returning to the workforce after retirement if Age Pension requirements. Sixty per cent of respondents said the main reason to re-enter the workforce was to earn more money, while 15 per cent wanted to keep active, and 12 per cent wanted to contribute to society. Professor John McCallum, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director of Research at National Seniors said that elderly Australians re-entering the workforce will become more common. “We have got something we are looking backwards at and not looking forwards for the next 20 years of an ageing society, which continues to 2040, and not setting up the systems to really make it work and to benefit the economy, frankly,” he said. Images: Supplied

Retirement Life

Help insects flourish from your backyard

As winter phases into spring across the U.S., gardeners are laying in supplies and making plans. Meanwhile, as the weather warms, common garden insects such as bees, beetles and butterflies will emerge from underground burrows or nests within or on plants. Most gardeners know how beneficial insects can be for their plots. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/animals/flies.shtml" target="_blank">Flies pollinate flowers</a>. Predatory bugs, such as the <a rel="noopener" href="http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/podisus_maculiventris.htm" target="_blank">spined shoulder bug</a>, eat pest insects that otherwise would tuck into garden plants. As a <a rel="noopener" href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tzo9De0AAAAJ&hl=en" target="_blank">scientist whose research involves insects</a> and as a gardener, I know that <a rel="noopener" href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2023989118" target="_blank">many beneficial insect species are declining</a> and <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/is-an-insect-apocalypse-happening-how-would-we-know-113170" target="_blank">need humans’ help</a>. If you’re a gardener looking for a new challenge this year, consider revamping all or part of your yard to support beneficial insects. <iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H-iIgTNdmRo?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Ladybugs, lacewings, spiders, earthworms and honey bees are among the most beneficial common garden animals. Lawns are insect food deserts Some gardeners <a rel="noopener" href="https://plants.usda.gov/checklist.html" target="_blank">choose native plants</a> to attract and support helpful insects. Often, however, those native plants are surrounded by vast expanses of lawn. The vast majority of insect species find blades of grass as unappetizing as we do. Yet, lawns sprawl out across many public and private spaces. <a rel="noopener" href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/Lawn" target="_blank">NASA estimated in 2005</a> that lawns covered at least 50,000 square miles (128,000 square kilometers) of the U.S. – about the size of the entire state of Mississippi. A well-manicured lawn is a sure sign that humanity has imposed its will on nature. Lawns provide an accessible and familiar landscape, but they come at a cost for our six-legged neighbors. Grasses grown as turf provide very few places for insects to safely tuck themselves away, because homeowners and groundskeepers cut them short – before they send up flowering spikes – and apply fertilizers and pesticides to keep them green. Entomologists have a recomendation: Dig up some fraction of your lawn and convert it into a meadow by <a rel="noopener" href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2002547117" target="_blank">replacing grass with native wildflowers</a>. Wildflowers provide pollen and nectar that feed and attract a variety of insects like ants, native bees and butterflies. Just as you may have a favorite local restaurant, insects that live around you have a taste for the flowers that are native to their areas. This bold choice will not just benefit insects. Healthier insects support local birds, and meadows require fewer chemical inputs and less mowing than lawns. The amount of attention lawns demand from us, even if we outsource the work to a landscaping company, is a sign of their precarity. A meadow is a wilder, more resilient option. Resilient ecosystems are better able to respond to and recover from disturbances. Entomologist <a rel="noopener" href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3EsB164AAAAJ&hl=en" target="_blank">Ryan Gott</a>, integrated pest management and quality control specialist at Maitri Genetics in Pittsburgh, describes lawns and meadows as two opposite ends of a resiliency spectrum. “As far as basic ecological functions go, a lawn does not have many. A lawn mainly extracts nutrition and water, usually receiving outside inputs of fertilizer and irrigation to stay alive, and returns very little to the system,” he told me. Native flowers, by definition, will grow well in your climate, although some areas will have more choices than others and growing seasons vary. Native plants also provide a palette of colors and variety that lawns sorely lack. By planting them as a meadow, with many different flowers emerging throughout the growing season, you can provide for a diverse assortment of local insects. And mowing and fertilizing less will leave you more time to appreciate wildlife of all sizes. There are many different types of meadows, and every wildflower species has different preferences for soil type and conditions. Meadows thrive in full sunlight, which is also where lawns typically do well. Making insects feel at home Not every yard can support a meadow, but there are other ways to be a better, more considerate neighbor to insects. If you have a shady yard, consider modeling your garden after natural landscapes like woodlands that are shady and support insects. What’s important in landscaping with insects in mind, or “entoscaping,” is <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.amentsoc.org/insects/insects-and-man/gardening-for-insects.html" target="_blank">considering insects early and often</a> when you visit the garden store. With a few pots or window boxes, even a balcony can be converted into a cozy insect oasis. If you’re gardenless, you can still support insect health. Try replacing white outdoor lights, which <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/light-pollution-contributes-insect-apocalypse-180973642/" target="_blank">interfere with many insects’ feeding and breeding patterns</a>. White lights also lure insects into swarms, where they are vulnerable to predators. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-have-figured-out-the-type-of-light-bulb-to-use-if-you-want-to-avoid-insects" target="_blank">Yellow bulbs or warm-hued LEDs</a> don’t have these effects. Another easy project is using scrap wood and packing materials to create simple “hotels” for <a rel="noopener" href="https://modernfarmer.com/2017/02/build-native-bee-hotel/" target="_blank">bees</a> or <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/craft-a-ladybug-hotel" target="_blank">ladybugs</a>, making sure to carefully sanitize them between seasons. Easiest of all, <a rel="noopener" href="https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=26345" target="_blank">provide water for insects to drink</a> – they’re adorable to watch as they sip. Replace standing water at least weekly to prevent mosquitoes from developing. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/390417/original/file-20210318-23-16piil9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/390417/original/file-20210318-23-16piil9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="Butterflies on a pebbled pathway." /></a> Giant swallowtail (left) and Palamedes swallowtail (right) drinking water from a puddle. <a rel="noopener" href="https://flic.kr/p/PGuLZ" target="_blank" class="source">K. Draper/Flickr</a>, <a rel="noopener" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank" class="license">CC BY-ND</a> A refuge in every yard Many resources across the U.S. offer advice on converting your lawn or making your yard more insect-friendly. The Xerces Society for Insect Conservation publishes a <a rel="noopener" href="https://xerces.org/publications/guidelines/establishing-pollinator-meadows-from-seed" target="_blank">guide to establishing meadows</a> to sustain insects. Local university extension offices <a rel="noopener" href="https://extension.unh.edu/resource/planting-pollinators-establishing-wildflower-meadow-seed-fact-sheet" target="_blank">post tips on growing meadows</a> with specific instructions and resources for their areas. Gardening stores often have experience and carry selections of local plants. You may find established communities of enthusiasts for local plants and seeds, or your journey could be the start of such a group. Part of the fun of gardening is learning what plants need to be healthy, and a new endeavor like entoscaping will provide fresh challenges. In my view, humans all too often see ourselves as separate from nature, which leads us to relegate biodiversity to designated parks. In fact, however, we are an important part of the natural world, and <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.si.edu/spotlight/buginfo/benefits" target="_blank">we need insects</a> just as much as they need us. As ecologist <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.udel.edu/canr/departments/entomology-and-wildlife-ecology/faculty-staff/doug-tallamy/" target="_blank">Douglas Tallamy</a> argues in his book, “<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.workman.com/products/natures-best-hope" target="_blank">Nature’s Best Hope</a>,” the best way to protect biodiversity is for people to plant native plants and promote conservation in every yard.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/153609/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brian-lovett-1032419" target="_blank">Brian Lovett</a>, Postdoctoral Researcher in Mycology, <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/west-virginia-university-1375" target="_blank">West Virginia University</a> This article is republished from <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/to-help-insects-make-them-welcome-in-your-garden-heres-how-153609" target="_blank">original article</a>. Image: Getty Images

Home & Garden

"Get off my lawn!": Man cops spray for hose-based deterrent

A man has gone viral on TikTok for showing his controversial way of preventing people from cutting across his front lawn. Thomas Lyons' house is located on the corner of two streets, with many using his unfenced front yard as a shortcut to the adjoining street. Thomas was sick of people trespassing on his property and trampling all over his perfect grass, so he devised a cunning plan to stop people using it as a thoroughfare. Thomas has repeatedly asked those who frequently cut across his lawn to stop and use the footpath, but his warnings have since gone unheeded. Taking matters into his own hands, Thomas installed sprinklers that go off whenever they detect any motion, leaving trespassers soaking wet and having to run to the footpath as quickly as possible. Thomas shared a video of his unique methods to his TikTok account, after also posting videos of people trampling on his perfectly maintained lawn at all hours of the day and night. Many people have divided opinions on his tactics, as the video has quickly racked up an impressive 40 million views. Many of his followers have praised his efforts, with one person commenting, "There's a sidewalk 10 feet away... constantly walking over the grass will kill it." "I was always taught not to walk on people's grass but I never knew why," another person says. "Also, if they tripped and fell on the grass and broke their leg, I'm assuming they would sue the owner," says another understanding user. While many commenters were quick to praise Thomas' efforts, there were also a lot of comments wondering why he went to such extremes to install a sprinkler system when he could've built a fence around his property instead. "The level of petty," says one person. "These are school kids," comments another. "You could just put a stone path. It's just grass, kindness means so much more." Image credits: TikTok @tgunz81

Travel Trouble

Did you know this bad cruise habit could get you into trouble?

Cruise ships are a haven away from home and a place to put your feet up, relax and enjoy your time on the high seas. However, there are always rule everywhere we go - and a cruise getaway is no different. There is one rule cruise ship passengers are expected to follow or else they face the risk of getting into big trouble. Supercruisers said sun lounge “hogging” is no longer acceptable on cruise ships and could get travellers into a bit of trouble if they are spotted making that mistake. One expert told<a href="https://www.express.co.uk/travel/cruise/1157046/cruises-2020-cruise-ship-passenger-chair-hogging-sun-lounger-carnival-cruises"> express.co.uk</a> passengers have a number of activities to enjoy while onboard so it can come off as extremely selfish to hog beach chairs when there's already a limited number. “If you’re looking to begin your days on the ship relaxing by one of the onboard pools, you’ll be looking to reserve a sun lounger – often a topic of contention on many holidays, both onboard and on land. “To stop guests unfairly chair hogging, a term that has been coined for the act of reserving prime spots by the pool with towels and other belongings while the chairs remain empty for hours, Carnival Cruises has implemented a strict policy. “The rules that are enforced by shipboard team members, state that if belongings are left unattended for longer than around half an hour to reserve chairs, the items shall be removed.” Carnival cruises implemented the new ryle as a way to stamp out selfish hogging.

Cruising

Quick tips to revive your lawn

If your lawn is invaded by moss and weeds, give it a quick renovation in autumn. With a few tricks up your sleeve, in spring your lawn will be as good as new and you’ll avoid a more time-consuming revamp. On a day when there’s no wind, apply a selective lawn weed killer and leave it to work for around 10 days (check all lawn products to make sure the one you use suits your lawn variety). Borrow or rent a dethatcher, choosing a power model for more than 100 square metres of lawn. Water the lawn to loosen the soil, then five days later go over it thoroughly lengthways and widthways with the dethatcher fitted with a catcher to eliminate moss. Scatter coated grass seeds in the bare areas and spread slow-release fertiliser granules, that gradually release their nitrogen, over the whole surface of the lawn. The repeated addition of lawn foods can result in soil becoming acidic, which favours weeds, so add lime to your lawn occasionally to reduce acidity and cut down on time spent weeding. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.handyman.net.au/quick-tips-revive-your-lawn">Handyman Australia</a>.

Home & Garden

5 steps to a green winter lawn

The backyard tends to get neglected in winter as cool weather keeps people indoors. When there’s less sun to produce chlorophyll, grass growth is slowed and the lawn colour fades. 1. Give it some air The lawn compacts when people or vehicles move over it regularly and wet soil is even more prone to this problem. Test by pushing in a garden fork, if it won’t go in far then the lawn needs aerating. FOR SMALL LAWNS Wiggle a fork into the soil across the entire area every 100mm, opening up the soil so oxygen and water can get to the roots. FOR BIG LAWNS aerate the soil by hiring a lawn corer, for about $85 for four hours, from <a href="http://www.kennards.com.au/">Kennards Hire</a>. 2. Check the pH Measure the acidity or alkalinity of the soil using a pH test kit, $13 from nurseries or hardware stores. The ideal level is between 6.5 and 7. Below 6.5 means soil is acidic and needs a handful of dolomite for every square metre followed by a good soaking. Above 7 means the soil is alkaline. 3. Feed the lawn Use a fertiliser spreader for even distribution of a slow-release lawn fertiliser such as Yates Lush Lawn Lifter. Also add a soil-wetting agent in preparation for warmer, drier weather. Always water lawns well after feeding as the fertiliser can burn the grass if it’s left on dry. TIP To avoid disease and rot from too much moisture, water in winter only after a long period without rain. 4. Cut for growth Mow the lawn every three to four weeks. Set the blade height to cut weeds and just the tip of the grass to leave a larger leaf surface area to capture sunlight, increasing the photosynthesis process. 5. Zap the weeds Weeds flourish in weakened winter grass so dig them out of small lawns with a trowel or garden fork. Spray larger areas with weed killer. Written by Jecca Blake. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.handyman.net.au/5-steps-green-winter-lawn">Handyman Australia</a>.

Home & Garden

6 tips for maintaining a healthy lawn at sea

Maintaining a healthy green lawn can be difficult enough on land, so we were really impressed when we discovered there was a cruise ship that maintains real grass onboard. The highest deck on the cruise ship, Celebrity Solstice, is covered in a lawn of luscious green grass. It is the only cruise ship in Australia to have real grass onboard. Can you imagine the challenges involved in trying to maintain a thriving lawn at sea? There’s wind, salt spray, humidity and climate changes to contend with. Not to mention the fact that the grass is not actually taking in root in the earth. Yes, there are problems aplenty but the crew at Celebrity Solstice seem to have it figured out. The ship employs two highly trained lawn keepers and an onboard Environment Manager who is tasked with overseeing grass maintenance, among other things. To keep the lawn in peak condition, the keepers monitor the area daily and undertake vigilant pest control practices. The grass is mowed to precisely 35mm, as often as every day where conditions are warmer and every three days in cooler climes, using a non-gas emitting cylinder mower or reel mower. The lawn is watered using automated sprinklers, sub-surface sprinklers, as well as old fashioned manual watering. Mineral and organic lawn care products feed and protect the grass, and of course deck chairs and high heels are discouraged. The lawn consists of Couch grass during the warmer months. In places like Alaska, where temperatures are much cooler, the Couch grass is overgrown with Rye grass seeds that germinate and provide green grass even in arctic conditions. The grass grows on a porous base made of lightweight calcium clay, crushed and blended together with sieved and washed volcanic pumice. Not only do these materials have nutritional benefits for the grass, the calcium clay and volcanic pumice provide great drainage after rain and when the area is irrigated. Staffers were really impressed with the quality of lawn care practiced at Celebrity Solstice so when Environment Manager Nick Asproudas offered to share his lawn care tips with us we jumped at the chance. Nicks says his tips for maintaining healthy grass can be easily applied to residential lawns. We agree. Nicks tips are in line with our own advice when it comes to keeping the lawn green and luscious. Here are Nick's tips. 6 Tips For Maintaining A Healthy Lawn At Sea Or At Home 1. Cut with care Never cut your grass too short – I suggest taking off no more than 10% of the leaf at one time because more than this can damage your grass. 2. Control weeds While herbicides are great for preventing weeds from spreading, it can take days before the chemicals kick in, not to mention the damage most do to the environment. So if you have a smaller backyard there is nothing better than good old fashioned manual weeding - it’s what we do on Celebrity Solstice’s lawn - just make sure the whole root is removed from the soil. 3. Fertilise A slow-release fertiliser is always best and won’t burn your grass. I recommend you fertilise every 6-8 weeks -just don’t forget to water your lawn after the application. 4. Water the lawn It’s vital to water your grass all year around, but it is especially important to do so during Australia's harsh summer months. Watering by hand is always best as sometimes sprinklers do not provide a sufficient amount of water. 5. Eliminate brown patches Firstly, check soil moisture levels using a soil probe. If you find your lawn soil is quite dry, water it manually or use an oscillating sprinkler. If it isn’t, brown patches are often caused by a disease. If this is the case, isolate the area so nobody steps on the grass and apply a fungicide to stop the disease from spreading. 6. Mow with purpose Change your mowing directions each time you mow your lawn to increase the density of your turf and reduce scalping. The round the clock technique works best, which involves changing your mowing pattern based on the numbers on an analogue clock. For example, one day you may mow from 12 to 6, another day from 9 to 3 and then another day from 2 to 8. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.handyman.net.au/6-tips-maintaining-healthy-lawn-sea">Handyman.net.au.</a>

Cruising

How to get rid of weeds without ruining your lawn

The battle for weed-free grass is something almost every home-owner will deal with at some point. Weeds like crab grass, dandelions, ivy, clover, bluegrass, and chickweed are some of the most common culprits when it comes to sullying the appearance of a perfectly manicured lawn. While some accept weeds as a fact of life or opt for grass alternatives, others will try whatever they can to get rid of those unwanted plants. Luckily, it’s not quite as hard as you think. Try some of these preemptive tips and suggestions for regular maintenance, and look forward to a lawn that all of your neighbours will envy! 1. Apply corn gluten meal There are non-toxic products that you can use on your grass that work just as well as herbicides, and the best is corn gluten meal. Corn gluten meal is great for your grass because it contains nitrogen, and it also prevents the seeds from weeds from germinating. You shouldn’t use it if you’ve planted seeds you want to keep, though, as it can have an adverse effect on these as well. It’s best to use corn gluten meal early in the spring before you see weeds. Applying it to already-established weeds will just be feeding them and can make your problem worse. 2. Lay down mulch One of the best ways to get rid of weeds is to prevent them from taking root in the first place. Weeds can get out of hand pretty quickly, so it’s important to do everything you can to keep them from invading your yard. For flower beds, patios, and walkways, you can apply mulch to the top of your soil. Mulch prevents weeds from getting the sunlight they need to grow. 3. Pull weeds by hand Sometimes, the best way to get rid of weeds is to pull them out by hand. While this is not a great solution for a weed problem that’s gotten a little out of hand, it is a good — and effective — solution if you’ve just started to notice weeds popping up in your grass. Always make sure you grab the weeds at the base of the plant so you can make sure you pull up the roots as well. You can also purchase a stand-up weeder to make the job easier on your back and legs. 4. Use the right amount of fertiliser If you don’t fertilise your grass, it’s time to start. Fertiliser is essentially food for your grass, and it provides it with all of the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. While it may seem counter-intuitive, fertiliser can be a great way to curb a weed problem; the trick is to make sure you’re using the right amount. Too much fertiliser can encourage weed growth and send them into overdrive, whereas not enough fertiliser will make your grass too weak to stand up to weeds. The best defense against most types of weeds is a thick lawn to ensure there’s no room for them to take root. 5. Water your lawn deeply One of the biggest mistakes gardeners and home-owners make is how much they water their lawns and flowers beds, and this can have a big effect on your weed situation. Instead of watering lightly and frequently, it’s best to water your grass deeply and not too often. This kind of watering schedule will allow your grass’s roots to take hold, letting them grow strong and healthy. Strong and healthy grass means it can compete better with weeds. 6. Mow your lawn high Regularly mowing your lawn is essential to keeping your lawn healthy, and it can also prevent weeds from growing and getting stronger. Even if your lawn has been cut recently, you can adjust your lawnmower to a higher setting if you’re noticing weeds appearing. Run your lawnmower over these weedy spots on a setting that’s high enough to leave your grass relatively untouched but low enough that it decapitates the unwanted weeds. If you do this regularly, eventually the weeds will stop coming back and they’ll die off. 7. Use weed-specific herbicides If you want to go the herbicide route for your weed problem, it’s important that you do your research before you buy any herbicides. Herbicides are designed to target specific plants, and if you don’t buy the right one, you could damage your grass without having any effect on the weeds. There are a wide range of weeds, so make sure you identify which weeds you have and choose an appropriate herbicide to combat your problem. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.domain.com.au" target="_blank">Domain.com.au</a>.

Home & Garden

7 unusual uses for artificial lawn

Sometimes the joy of home-making is the chance to get creative. The very material you use for a beautiful no-maintenance artificial lawn has a few other unusual uses you may not have considered before. Here are just a few suggestions: 1. Balcony surface Do you have a terrace or balcony? Why not give it a more outdoor feel by carpeting it with artificial turf? Better yet if you have space for a rooftop garden, give it the true garden feel by installing a layer of artificial lawn. 2. Backyard golf Any golf fans at home? You could set up a private putting area. It can be tucked away in the basement or spare room; simply set up a patch of lawn and measure out a hole and you are good to go! 3. Pool surrounds Reduce the slippery surfaces around the outdoor pool by setting up turf around the perimeter. Then you can splash all you like without worry about mopping up afterwards! 4. Playground Cover If you have a play set for the grandkids in your backyard, setting turf underneath will make the area safer – or at least minimise any inevitable mishaps. It will also help to give some traction to hyperactive kids so they will have less falls (at least that’s the theory!). 5. Pet cushion Line the critter crates! Do you have a rabbit, dog, parrot, or snake? Any pet would love to have artificial lawn to cushion their crates and lay down on when they have to rest up. 6. Wall décor If you want to get really creative, go all out. Make an indoor garden by lining the walls, floors, or ceilings to really create that green feel. If that’s too much, design a mural with the grass sectioned along one wall. Or simply accent the room with patches of turf on the ceiling fan panels, the lampshades, covering a chair, or as a background for a water element. 7. Grass replacement Lastly you can use your artificial lawn as … an artificial lawn. An easy, eternally green, mud-free, and maintenance-free solution to lawn care! First appeared on Australian Outdoor Living. Find more great tips on gardening and design at their <a href="https://www.australianoutdoorliving.com.au/" target="_blank">website here</a>. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/08/the-trick-to-growing-herbs-in-a-pot/">The trick to growing herbs in a pot</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/06/how-to-tell-what-a-plant-needs-from-leaves/">6 things your plant's leaves are trying to tell you</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/06/ideas-to-transform-plain-vase/">11 great ways to transform a plain vase</a>

Home & Garden

Artificial lawn or real grass?

Even with a passion for gardening, sometimes keeping the garden and lawn in order can be a lot of work. If you’re having trouble finding the time or energy to maintain the garden, there is a way to minimise the work. Artificial lawn has improved a lot in recent years, and it might be time to take another look at the benefits of artificial grass. Whether you’re having health problems, or spending more of your time with the grandkids, taking lawn maintenance off your plate will mean you can take care of yourself and spend more time doing what you love. Plus, you’ll still have a neat and beautiful garden. <img width="498" height="265" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/23493/lawn-one_498x265.jpg" alt="Lawn One"/> Good-looking, nice-feeling grass We all want that nice, lush grass, but even if we put maximum effort into our lawn it doesn’t guarantee it will thrive. Real grass can be patchy, which can be pretty annoying to try and remedy. It can turn yellow and dry in summer, not to mention you may have to try and combat weeds like dandelions and bindi infestations. The first thing you probably think of when you hear artificial lawn, is that scratchy, plastic stuff that fades over time and looks extremely fake. But there has been a lot of innovation in artificial grass, and as long as you know where to look, you can get quality artificial grass. Companies like Australian Outdoor Living have artificial grass that is as natural feeling and looking as possible. It’s springy and soft, and it is specifically designed to last the summer without fading. So if you do install artificial grass, you will get many of the benefits of natural grass without the drawbacks or the hassle. <img width="498" height="265" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/23492/lawn-two_498x265.jpg" alt="Lawn Two (1)"/> Caring for your lawn Speaking of hassles, maintaining your lawn can be difficult and sometimes unrewarding. If you’re lucky enough to have grass growing evenly, you still have to shell out a lot to keep it healthy. You’ll need a lawn mower, which will have its own maintenance costs. You’ll likely need a whipper snipper to keep the edges neat, fertiliser to keep it healthy, and then there’s your water bill. If you can’t mow your own lawn for whatever reason, you may be stuck paying someone else too. If you’ve moved into a smaller unit, you may have only a courtyard with a smaller patch of grass, artificial grass might be more suited to such a small area. Even with all the time, money and energy you put into your lawn, it may still look worse for wear. It can be unpredictable, and in a hot summer it can turn an awful yellow. But an artificial lawn will look beautiful all year round, and the only maintenance it requires is a hose down every now and then. There are lots of online tools and resources that will help you design a backyard that will make the best use of artificial lawn. <img width="498" height="265" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/23490/lawn-three_498x265.jpg" alt="Lawn Three"/> Costs and savings Real grass takes a lot of effort to maintain, and the costs of maintaining it do add up. And all of these costs are ongoing. But if you have artificial lawn installed it’s a one-time fee. Yes, it is expensive, but you’ll soon realise that it will pay for itself, as you will no longer be forking out money for an expensive water bill or for help mowing the lawn. With an artificial lawn you won’t need to exert yourself to care for it and you won’t need to dedicate some your monthly budget to it once it’s installed. You’ll be able to enjoy your backyard rather than straining to look after it. It’s a big decision, but a great investment. To find more great tips on gardening and design, please visit the Australian Outdoor Living <a href="https://www.australianoutdoorliving.com.au/" target="_blank">website here</a>. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/06/houseplants-that-can-survive-dark-corners/" target="_blank">Houseplants that can survive dark corners</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/06/tips-for-gardening-on-uneven-ground/">Tips for gardening on uneven ground</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/05/garden-fixes-after-heavy-rain/">Garden fixes after heavy rain</a>

Home & Garden

How to get the best lawn for winter

Better Homes and Gardens’ resident landscaper, Jason Hodges, shares his top tips to get the best winter lawn possible. With good rain and plenty of sun you’re probably still mowing the lawn quite often. Well, the next few weeks are the last chance for you to get your lawn right before winter. To have the best winter lawn possible you need to prepare it now while the days are still warm and long and the soil hasn’t cooled too much. With quality lawns and modern techniques you can have a well-presented lawn all year and one that keeps its colour right through winter. The reason lawns can look poor during winter is that we have warm-season grasses like buffalo, kikuyu and couch which suit our climate more than cool-climate grasses like rye and fescue which need tonnes of water to survive our summer heat, if at all. Warm-season grasses’ growth rate slows as it gets cooler and the grass can brown under heavy frosts. The lack of growth means the lawn is prone to wearing out and that’s an invitation for weeds to establish. 1. The first thing I like to do is start mowing the lawn a little higher. The longer the blade of grass, the more sun it can absorb. Just like we need vitamin D, so do our lawns. This also reduces the chance of scalping the lawn putting it under further stress. 2. Look for damp or compacted areas in your lawn and aerate them with a garden fork. Don’t top-dress these areas as you would in spring. Just let the soil dry out a little and allow oxygen to get into the soil. 3. Back off on the watering because the grass isn’t growing as much and as the weather cools, it requires much less. Overwatering can encourage diseases and in extreme cases, even rot the lawn. 4. When your lawn is at its weakest, winter grass weeds are at their strongest. You can chip them out year after year when they’re young but the best way to eliminate them is with a pre-emergent herbicide. If you had them last year you’ll have them this year so a spray before they pop up will keep your lawn weed-free this winter. 5. Most people fertilise their gardens going into spring when your lawn is going to look its best and you get instant reward for your hard work. Going into winter, you don’t see the rewards as much but the effort is well worthwhile. The healthier your lawn goes into winter the better it will survive it and the quicker it will look good when the weather improves. Keeping the lawn growing will help it compete with the weeds that will try to take hold. 6. Keep the garden beds away from the lawn. Check for shaded parts of the lawn where ground covers have encroached onto the lawn or where shrubs and trees have grown bigger over the growing seasons. When the days are at their shortest, competition from the garden and shade from houses and fences is problematic and often hard to rectify. 7. A new product that I used on my lawn last winter is called ColourGuard. It’s a lawn paint that is absorbed into the blade of the leaf rather than sitting on the foliage. It has an organic pigment that can last three months in winter meaning your lawn looks vibrant when the neighbours’ lawns are looking tired. The grass can always look greener on the other side of the fence, as long as the person saying it is looking into your garden. Written by Jason Hodges. First appeared on <a href="http://www.domain.com.au/" target="_blank">Domain.com.au.</a> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/01/how-to-beat-weeds/">5 easy ways to beat weeds</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/homemade-remedies-for-the-garden/">Homemade remedies for the garden</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/11/plants-that-are-hard-to-kill/">8 plants that are near impossible to kill</a>

Home & Garden

Lawn mowers can damage hearing

Do you wear hearing protection when mowing the lawn? If you answered no, then you might be at risk of damaging your hearing. A survey of 2,500 people by consumer ratings agency Canstar Blue has found that 58 per cent of people choose not to wear earplugs or earmuffs when mowing the lawn, thereby risking hearing damage. The survey also found the baby boomer generation is most likely not to wear hearing protection, with 60 per cent of boomers not choosing to wear protection. This is compared to 59 per cent of Generation X and 48 per cent of Generation Y respondents. "This is particularly concerning given the Baby Boomer generation are more vulnerable to hearing damage because of their age,'' Steve Mickenbecker, head of research at parent company Canstar Cannex, told The Courier Mail. "These findings are particularly concerning as permanent hearing damage can occur after only one hour of unprotected exposure.'' It’s a reminder for everyone who loves to keep their lawn pristine to take precautions. Dr Nicholas Vardaxis, director of education at Endeavour College of Natural Health, said this type of neglect can result in permanent hearing loss. "This type of damage is entirely preventable,'' he added. Related links: <a href="/health/hearing/2015/12/myths-about-hard-of-hearing-people/">7 myths about hard of hearing people that aren’t true</a> <a href="/health/hearing/2015/11/history-of-hearing-aids/">What people did before hearing aids</a> <a href="/health/hearing/2015/11/hearing-comics-collection/">Hearing comics that will make you laugh</a>

Hearing

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

12 things you should never do to your lawn

Kate Middleton to face Roger Federer in tennis

Support the environment. Don’t mow your lawn

Is this Australia’s oldest lawn mower?

Help insects flourish from your backyard

"Get off my lawn!": Man cops spray for hose-based deterrent

Did you know this bad cruise habit could get you into trouble?

Quick tips to revive your lawn

5 steps to a green winter lawn

6 tips for maintaining a healthy lawn at sea

How to get rid of weeds without ruining your lawn

7 unusual uses for artificial lawn

Artificial lawn or real grass?

How to get the best lawn for winter

Lawn mowers can damage hearing