Grass in Backyard

Thanks for the suggestions! Our yard is south facing also and is similar to one described above in that we have a deck which leads down to a patio, and then a short walkway to the area where I want to plant the grass, or perhaps some other sort of groundcover.

I am going to try the botanic garden advise line and see what happens. Will post the results.

Posted by: gft at February 20, 2008 12:40 PM in response to Grass in Backyard

Sunlight is not enough - it needs water and not during the day under direct sunlight-better time is during early mornings and evenings.

Posted by: guest at February 20, 2008 1:54 PM in response to Grass in Backyard

Try gardeners.com for a light meter that you can put out and get a measurement of hours of sun/day. Remember that this will vary with time of year.

Try stepables.com for ideas for groundcovers.

The garden is the whole point of owning a brownstone, isn't it? Remember one thing and you'll be fine: it's just a plant, it's ok if it dies, just buy another.

Posted by: guest at February 20, 2008 3:05 PM in response to Grass in Backyard

There's such a thing as no-mow grass? A plant that grows to four inches and then stops growing? All righty, then. News to me.

Personally, I love not having grass any more. But good luck.

Posted by: Rehab at February 20, 2008 3:17 PM in response to Grass in Backyard

You must love lots of runoff and noise too, Rehab.

And by the way, why doesn't preservation extend to the garden? Since you are a preservationist. The Victorians didn't have all-concrete backyards. In fact, there is a whole area of research and study that's done on gardens as they looked in specific historic eras.

Posted by: guest at February 20, 2008 3:28 PM in response to Grass in Backyard

Can you see grass in any of your neighbors yards? If so ask what they used. Whatever they used will probably take a while and constant watering to get it nice and plush. I use rainwater which I collect in barrels attached to my downspouts for garden water and the push mower is an excellent idea. Just keep the blades sharp or you'll hack up the grass.

Posted by: guest at February 20, 2008 11:36 PM in response to Grass in Backyard

No, no, 3:28, I'm totally sensitive to the runoff issue, believe me. I have basement leakage--I know the issue too well. I just think flower beds, myrtle, and a small, well-drained patio make more sense than grass in a tiny, shady, bklyn backyard. At least for me.

Do people wnat this grass for their kids to play on, or something? I still don't get the appeal, when you have to mow the shit.

Posted by: Rehab at February 21, 2008 2:35 AM in response to Grass in Backyard

For me, it's the noise issue. If you are sitting in your backyard and you have no grass under you or even near you, your neighbors will hear EVERY word you say. Believe it. Which means you never get to talk about them! Ha.

But seriously, whenever I've sat in friends' all-concrete backyards I feel really self-conscious knowing everyone can hear us. It's just not fun.

Also concrete is dirty and nasty somehow. It's just as much of not more effort to hose off the concrete as it is to push a little push-mower around a patch of grass. I also have no objection to yard work. I get the best exercise doing yard work and burn off weight.

Posted by: guest at February 21, 2008 1:32 PM in response to Grass in Backyard

Please Don't Plant a Lawn! There are lots of alternatives that are far more eco-friendly and less maintenance in the long run.
There are Meadow Grasses, available from native nurseries in plugs: http://www.citydirt.net/city_dirt/replace_the_lawn_with_native_m_1.html

You can also use groundcovers that won't need to be mowed and can be walked on. (info. also available on www.citydirt.net)

In the Northeast try:

Kinnickinnick, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Bunchberry, Cornus canadensis

Golden Alexanders, Zizia aurea

Partridgeberry, Mitchella repens

Twinflower, Linnaea borealis

Wild Ginger, Asarum canadense

Wild Stonecrop, Sedum ternatum

Wild Strawberry, Fragraria virginiana

Wintergreen, Gaultheria procumbens

Wood Anemone, Anemone canadensis

Posted by: guest at March 2, 2008 10:42 AM in response to Grass in Backyard