Runs in the Family!
Warming the engine of the mower so my sister could mow on a cold morning!
My favourite gardening task is nurturing my lawn. I take immense pleasure in mowing it, finding it to be a job uniquely impervious to interference by others. Unlike cleaning a house that quickly gets dirty again, a mowed lawn can be seen for a least a few days and the sense of accomplishment I feel is indescribable. I love looking out or coming down the street and seeing my freshly cut lawn
To me, lawns form an indispensable facet of a garden's landscape, bearing numerous positive attributes that are nowadays often overlooked.
Recreational Space
Lawns offer a versatile space for outdoor activities - be it sports like soccer (our front lawn moonlights as a mini soccer field complete with its own built in goal), at home picnics or easy to clean up kids dinners, gatherings, or simple relaxation. A well-kept lawn invites people to be outside nature, whether it’s to engage in physical pursuits or just ‘chill’. You will often find my teenage son and his friends just chilling on our front lawn.
Aesthetic Appeal
Well-maintained lawns enhance the visual appeal of a property. They create a sense of order and cleanliness, contributing to the overall beauty of a landscape and increasing the curb appeal of homes and public spaces.
Stormwater Management
Lawns adeptly soak in and decelerate rainwater runoff, curtailing flooding and erosion risks. The lawn and soil function as nature's sponges, filtering and absorbing water before it reaches drains or water bodies.
Erosion Control
Lawns, when properly established with healthy root systems, can help prevent soil erosion. Their dense vegetation and root structure stabilise soil and reduce the risk of soil loss during heavy rains or wind.
Cooling Effect
Lawns can mitigate the urban heat island effect by reflecting sunlight and providing a cooler surface compared to paved/concrete/rock/fake turf areas. This helps maintain more comfortable temperatures in and around your home. I know how much cooler our front patio is since we created our turf area.
Mental and Emotional Well-being
A well-maintained lawn fosters mental tranquillity The sight of green and lush open areas lessens stress, instils calmness, and revitalises the mind. For me, it evokes strong emotions rooted in cherished memories of learning about gardening from my grandfather.
Air Quality Enhancement
Lawn grasses can ensnare airborne particles and pollutants, elevating the air quality within their vicinity. This leads to healthier, more breathable air. The difference is tangible; once our front yard evolved from a dirt patch, the home became less dusty and the air more invigorating.
I believe incorporating sustainable practices, like opting for organic fertilisers, water wise methods, and minimising pesticide usage, can amplify all these positives while mitigating the negative ecological and social impacts lawns seemed to have suffered over the last few years.
Chelsea Mowing at her old house
I firmly believe lawns don't necessitate extravagant expenses or environmental detriment for upkeep. They can be tended organically, and a well-rooted, robust lawn requires minimal watering. Maintained lawns are not onerous chores; they just demand consistent, manageable care.
While my lawns may not be in their prime currently, I employ simple, accessible organic techniques that anyone can adopt. Lawns, in their dynamic nature, thrive with regular but not excessive attention.
For me, a lawn is a key ingredient that adds that extra dose of joy to a household and completes the picture of a beautifully landscaped yard.