March Edition
Less watering and more time this Summer
Angela Lassam
It seems every year we are asked to conserve water. Climate change seems to have altered our summers making us reconsider our gardens and grass lawns.
Our lawns are the heaviest user of water so think how you can reduce the footprint in your landscape?
Making walkways with patio stones will save stress on grass when dry and makes for a more interesting view of any garden.
Cut down the size of your grass by cutting back edging by 1’ and place edging or an easy task is to put down a mulch edging.
Build a pond with a circulating system. The sound of running water is relaxing and the air will feel cooler for yard comfort. Stock it with fish and they will eat any mosquito eggs laid on the surface.
Make another flower bed – who doesn’t need more space to grow a new plant? But remember to plant perennials close together to avoid weeding and conserve water.
Better than that, plant shrubs and ground cover which make a complete soil cover and need less water as it matures.
Mulch round trees where you struggle to get shade-loving grass to grow or plant drought tolerant species or groundcover (needs no mowing).
Building a larger deck or patio will give you more space to spend entertaining instead of cutting grass.
Set up a graveled play area for children or even for adults to exercise with bocci, ball toss, horseshoes or other games.
If you must have grass and need to reseed take a look at one with RTF – Rhizomatous Tall Fesque. This grass is newly developed in opposition to Bluegrass, has a shorter germination time and better appearance.
Clover is a good alternative for bare spot repair as it will stay green even when grasses have gone dormant from drought. It is bug resistant as it is a legume. West Coast Seeds have a microclover on line and other alternatives for grass.
Creeping thyme can be very attractive and considered in the ‘steppable’ group. It grows a shallow rooted mat and has tiny purple flowers and needs no mowing. It grows well in between any stones.
Another plant to try in the ‘steppable’ group is Irish Moss which is bright green in colour and drought tolerant.
There is a dwarf sedum which spreads quickly and grows to approximately 2”, soft to tread on and can be mowed.
Remember any lawn alternative will flower and be pollinator friendly so caution walking on it during flowering time.
All lawns require watering at least once a week. The soil should become moist up to 6” deep. An irrigation system on a timer is the most efficient or a sprinkler set early in the morning allowing water to soak deeply before evaporation.
Alternately save rain water in barrels directly from a downspout. You can substitute it for a rain chain which can also be part of your garden décor. Use this water either early in the day or evening to get the most benefit.
Lastly do not mow your lawn lower than 2” to give the root system shade and if possible leave fine lawn trimmings on the grass, it will soon wilt. A sharpened mower will give you a stress free, healthy lawn and well worth the maintenance.
Consider your outdoor space without so much grass. You will practise water conservation, have a more aesthetic garden, spend less time on maintenance and be more cost efficient. Now is the time to take a different approach to your surroundings for the future.
The Tillsonburg Horticultural Society monthly meeting will be on Tuesday April 4th in the Senior Centre Tillsonburg Community Centre @ 7.30pm. The topic ‘ Human Encounters with Wildlife’ . Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Centre Brian Salt will bring a wildlife ambassador and share his wildlife knowledge. Everyone welcome. Come join us $4 guest or annual membership $20.
For more information check out www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca or Facebook Tillsonburghorticultural