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Ornamental Grasses Add Tranquility to Human Habitat

Taking care of a new lawn can seem confusing with so many options being promoted. But organic products often provide the best long-term answers.

QUESTION: “I have a newly sodded yard (Fall 2008). What do I need to put on my yard to get it ready this spring? A lawn treatment service called to try and sell me a pre-emergent treatment and fertilizer. I, like you, want to avoid chemicals. Can you recommend some organic steps to get my yard ready. You are speaking to a "yard kindergartner" here... I know very little about grass.” – J.C. Konecny

ANSWER: It seems as though one needs a degree in yardology to maintain a decent lawn! So, I have included a link (the first one below) which will give you good basic information on lawn care and weeds. Read it carefully, then put that knowledge to the side and read the second link which is about natural lawn care.

One particularly good product is Green Tek ECO, and yes, it is organic and I recommend it for building up soil and improving drainage. It helps the roots of plants, including grass, increase in mass and depth and repels a number of flying and soil-born insects. I’ll be happy to forward some buying information if you send me an e-mail at steve@landsteward.org

If your grass was brown in early spring, it might simply have been dormant. It just depends on what type of grass seed was used as there are cool and warm weather blends. Cool weather grass blends perform at best during fall/winter/early spring while warm weather blends are at peak during late spring/summer/early fall when temps are warm to hot.

When using organic lawn products such as Green Tek, it may take longer to see the results you want as they actually build up the soil to make it healthy, but I believe that’s a better strategy than applying “quick fix” greening chemicals.

Some weeds are normal and should be expected even in the best of lawns. Weeds don’t generally grow in healthy soil, so the best defense in weed prevention is to build up the soil with organic matter. One thing you should know is that weed seeds can come from anywhere (wind, wildlife, topsoil, straw, etc) and can lie dormant for as long as 3 to 4 years before germinating. However, if the soil is rich and healthy, any weed seeds will have a difficult time germinating.

I hope this helps to give you a start.

While I was away overseas recently, my wife Cheryl responded to the following question.

QUESTION: “Cheryl, we have a 33-foot diameter circular drive area that I need some suggestions for landscaping. It is a full circle and has sprinklers already installed. I’m wanting something that is low maintenance but will be attractive since it is directly in front of our new home. Thanks for any help you can provide!” – Mary Ann White

ANSWER: There are several elements that you need to consider, such as the following:

Do you want a focal point in the center of the circle such as a weeping flowering tree or a fountain?

Do you want a walk way through it?

The exterior style of your home should also dictate how you plan the circle. Flowering plants are often used, but bloom colors should complement the colors of the house’s exterior. For example: if the house is white, red blooming shrubs like the red knockout roses would be striking. Should the house have a stone or natural wood exterior, plants that are found in the woodlands might be more appropriate such as red buds, dogwoods, mountain laurels, etc. Or for a less formal, more welcoming look, a cottage garden could be most appropriate with plants like lavenders, roses, rosemary, chives, sage, mock orange, hydrangeas and other fragrant and flowering plants.

Plants that you will be able to choose from will be limited to the amount of light in that area. Roses need full sun while plants such as hydrangeas require afternoon shade.

I hope this gives you some things to think about and ideas to build on. Good luck with your project.

The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org and for resources and additional information, or to subscribe to Steve’s free e-mailed newsletter, visit www.landsteward.org