The backyard is almost a sacred space for many Australian homeowners. It's a place to play, relax, entertain and enjoy the outdoors way of life. One of the cornerstones of a great backyard is a substantial expanse of lawn, but this feature can be the bane of many people's existence.
If you're laying a new lawn, then getting the basics right is one of the key factors of a successful and healthy lawn. Here are three vital steps to take to ensure that your new lawn is lush, green, beautiful and robust.
1. Use a high-quality topsoil
Like any plant, grass will grow best if it's grown in high-quality and nutrient-rich soil. Unfortunately, not all backyards have the type of soil that will promote healthy grass and solid growth. This problem can be solved by adding a high-quality nitro topsoil before you sow your grass seed or lay your turf.
Opt for a topsoil that has a high level of decomposed organic matter for natural nutrients and great water absorbing properties. Topsoil that also has fine grain sand in the mix is also advisable as this will help to keep the soil properly drained, well ventilated and will prevent root rot.
2. Choose the right grass variety
For the uninitiated, grass may not seem like a plant that has much variety. However, there is a surprisingly large array of different grass types available in both seed and pre-grown turf. Many of these have been developed for use in specific regions around the country dependent on the climate and soil conditions of the area.
For hot, dry regions, drought-resistant varieties are a wise choice, while if you live in a place with cold winters, grass that can withstand regular sub-zero temperatures and periods with little sunshine are best. You can also choose a grass that suits your sensibilities, with different shades of green, blade width and thatch density to select from.
3. Add an irrigation system
Even the most drought-resistant lawns require water in order to stay healthy, green and lush. The simplest and least time-consuming way to provide this is to install an irrigation system into the topsoil before you sow or lay your lawn. This provides your lawn with a regular and appropriately metered water supply that is added directly to the root system that needs it.
This may sound more complex than it actually is. Irrigation systems are readily available from most hardware or garden stores and are simple enough for even a complete novice gardener to install. They can be attached to your garden hose, a rainwater collection tank or a grey-water recycling tank.
I love the taste of fresh fruit and have always encouraged my kids to enjoy fruit and vegetables too. When we moved into our new home a couple of years back, we wanted to change the landscaping design to include lots of fruit trees, but I had never grown these trees before. I am so excited to share what I learned about adding fruit trees to our garden. From choosing the right type of tree to the care they need, my blog will help you to become a fruit tree grower too. It does not matter how many trees you plan to plant as just one is all you need to give your family the thrill of producing something healthy.