Lawns
A well-made and properly kept Lawn is always one of the most important features in connection with any garden, especially that surrounding a residence. Where it is improperly levelled and made in the first instance, the defects in the surface caused by holes, or subsidence of the soil in one place more than another, cannot well be satisfactorily remedied. The form and extent of the Lawn will, of course, vary in almost every case; the more it covers, the better will be the effect produced, if the work has been well done; and, on the other hand, the more prominently will any inequalities be seen. Closecutting machines, now so much in use, cannot dip into holes, consequently the grass here is left comparatively long, while that on the higher portion around is cut shorter than it would be on an even surface. Lawn preparations should be commenced in autumn, and, if the site is not naturally drained, it must be made so artificially, by the insertion of pipes, before anything else is attempted. An undulation, or a gravelly sub-soil, will alone usually insure a sufficient drainage. The various levels of the surface should then be marked, and the whole be dug over a spit deep, and as evenly as possible. If the soil is of fairly good quality, and not very heavy, there will be no difficulty in doing this, or in the formation of the Lawn afterwards. Where it is very poor and sandy, the addition of some that is heavier, and of better quality, will be advisable, as there is a great difference throughout the season in the appearance of Lawns, according to the depth and quality of the soil beneath. This may appear somewhat needless; but the work should be considered as one of a permanent character, and after-results will well repay the extra trouble and expense incurred. The soil, having been thus dug all over alike, should be allowed to remain until spring, if possible, when exposure to rain and frost will have rendered it solid, and in good condition for treading and raking down, in preparation for turf or grass seeds, whichever may have been intended. If good turf can be secured, a Lawn may be made at once. It should be free from coarse grass and weeds, and if the turfs have been cut uniform in thickness and size, they may soon be laid, and the work finished. Some fine light soil should be spread over and brushed in, to fill up all the interstices, and the turf-beater--a tool made specially for the purpose, with a flattened wooden head--applied to make a plane surface. It is not advisable to mow too closely the first summer, especially if the season be a dry one.
When recourse is had to grass seeds, they should be purchased from a reliable source, even though the price be higher than that usually paid; spurious stocks being worse than useless, where a piece of fine grass is of first importance, and the mowing machine is to be kept in use. The best season for sowing is in March and April, as the warm sunshine and showery weather then usually experienced is more favourable than any other for the quick germination of the seed. It will be necessary to tread and work the ground all over, the same as for turf, allowing the surface to be the full height required for the Lawn. A verge of turf round the outside is a good guide in preparing a Lawn for grass seeds, as by its height a good deal may be determined with the eye alone in levelling the inside part. The seeds should be sown thinly, on a calm day, and lightly covered by means of a wooden rake; and, when the grass is well up, a heavy roller may be drawn over it before mowing. The next best season to April, for sowing, is the end of August, as the weather is then cooler than in summer, and there is sufficient time for the grass to become established before winter. From 40lb. to 50lb. to an acre is about the quantity of grass seed required for a Lawn; but so much depends on the quality that it is uncertain whether this weight will be always sufficient. Mixtures of strong-growing sorts are prepared and sold separately for sowing under trees. Lawns which become unsightly may be renovated considerably by a covering of about 1/2in. of rich light soil in autumn or early spring. A similar dressing of two parts loamy soil with one of powdered lime, may be recommended for applying in autumn, or at any time during showery weather, to Lawns covered with moss. Nutriment derived from such dressings by the old grass, and an additional light sowing of new seeds, will tend greatly to bring old Lawns into a much finer condition. Where plenty of water is at command, it may be freely applied in the evening, after dry days, in summer; but mere sprinklings are best left alone. The keeping of Lawns, when once established, is work of a routine character, consisting chiefly of mowing, rolling, and sweeping. All of these operations require frequent attention, particularly in spring and summer.