We've been talking about it for ages--replacing the grass paths. Those old grass paths have been there so long, they blew in and we sort of guided their form until there was something that resembled a path, then a couple more. We didn't really take on the paths because we wanted them, oh now--we fought the grass invasion for a few years, and simply could not win. We would schoffel it away, and after the following rain little sprietjes of grass would start growing right back up...and so it went through out the season, throughout the years. Finally we just had to admit defeat, you know--an if you can't beat them, join them-sort -of-"decision" was made. The decision made, then the next question was what kind of path and when to take the step? We sat to deliberate over path and grass sorts. Should we sow it or buy rolls of turf? We took up a little stretch of one of the paths and sowed the strip in the late fall after the beds had been winterized, and we would not have to tread on the new grass again until the following spring. The seeds germinated and actually got a luscious strip of grass path. It wasn't exactly right though, and then we realised of course that we'd need to wait a whole other season now if we wanted to plant the rest. Ugh! Then a new gardener down the way had ordered too much for her garden. She asked if we wanted to take the left-overs. The word, "yes" came out of the mouth without thinking or hesitating. She didn't want any money for it, but I insisted paying. We both felt good afterwards. Right then...Let's get to work. Here is a foto of the old paths taken back at the end of last year. The first thing to do was to remove these paths...one at the time. The grass had to be sliced-away with a flat spade, and then the underlying, compacted soil had to be chopped and made fine to receive the sod strip. Then a string had to spanned the length of the proposed path in order to gain some semblance of correct geometry. Next, the sod roll was slowly and carefully rolled out along the string. I used a wide plank to kneel on as I rolled the turf out. Afterwards, I used the plank to walk on in order to press the soil down in an even manner. Here you can see the first two paths. That was quick, wasn't it? Heh heh heh...well it may look simple and easy, but I'll tell you that the whole operation to lay those two strips took all day. t'Was good for the back and shoulders.....mmm-hmmm. Here you can get a bit of perspective: The next day it was this path alongside the blueberry patch. And then the bit in front of the greenhouse and on back to the beehives: Finally, the overview of the finished product. Take another look at the before: I don't know what it was about this job, but we just didn't take many breaks. I think that there was a feeling of daunting-ness -- we just wanted to get it done. ...And done it is. We must water it every day now (unless it rains). I have never done this before, so I do not know how long to carry on, I am guessing at least two weeks, perhaps a month if the raining stops.
Beautiful! A little bit of lawn is like a little bit if landscaped pasture. Looks like heavy work. I've lifted sod and it takes a strong back. Now how are you going to maintain it? Is your mower sharpened and ready for the task, or is it hand clippers? Maybe the neighbors sheep...never mind too many better things to eat in your lotty. In a few weeks you will get to begin the task of maintenance beyond just watering. Lots more green in your compost. :-D Love the look.
I agree... hard word indeed. I did some in my front yard in New Mexico only to have the gophers eat it all up! Anyhow... it looks great and green!
Thank goodness for new, friendly neighbours who are willing to share. Now your garden looks so much better. Congratulations on a job well done. I found this information that may be helpful to you Sjoerd. "1" of water per week is the correct answer for an established lawn with established roots. Sod has no root system yet and 1" per week will result in wasted water and possible errosion/run-off. Never water a lawn at night, period. This promotes disease. Fungus must have water on the grass leaf to move upon and penetrate the leaf. Night watering does not allow the leaf to dry for many hours (until daylight). It is also cooler at night, all perfect growing conditions for fungus. Water a couple times per day the first week. Each watering needs to be no more than 10-15 minutes. Water early morning and then again after midday. You want the grass blades to dry out before nightfall. Wind and extreme heat may require more frequent waterings. Cut back to a single daily watering the second week for only 10-15 minutes. Reduce to every other day for 15-20 minutes the third week and then as needed thereafter. The key is to maintain an even soil moisture in the top soil. You do not want the soil wet. Monitor the soil moisture content and adjust the watering appropriately. How can you tell if you are overwatering? If you have standing water you are over watering. If you have run-off every time you water you are over watering, cut back the watering time. The grass will yellow and die if you over water. The grass will yellow and die if you under water. A plant's response to both conditions is the same. There is no way to tell which condition you have if all you do is look at a plant. Look at your soil conditions. If you have moist soil (not wet), then you have good growing conditions for that sod. You just need to maintain good soil moisture in the top 1/2 - 1" of soil, initially, to create a good growing condition for the sod's roots." Information taken from turfgrasssod.org
Very smart! Your hard work will pay dividends in the future. Eileen,who knew that grass was so fussy?
Thanks loads, DONNA--I am well chuffed myself! Thank you JEWELL-- I am going to strim the grass. The paths are too narrow for a mower of any sort. I have always strimmed the paths and it works oké...its just that it slings grass seeds into the neighbouring plots. Its a challenge. heh heh heh. But I'm up to it. I have a special tool to keep the sides tidy. I appreciate the good words, CAROLYN-- I know that you know what the work is like. Hi CHERYL--What a sad story about the gophers. Tch! That must have been infuriating. Too right, EILEEN--I am very thankful...but that's the way it is in the gardening community. Its the nature of fellow gardeners. You know that.We were so surprised and pleased with the offer. I'm glad that the job looks good to your eye. Thanks for that extra info. Before we started, of course my bride and I did a major internet investigation. It was a bit daunting in that different websites had opposing info sometimes. The info that you supplied confirms the care method that we had decided on. We shall adhere to this as closely as we have time for. There was additional info that you included that was new and very helpful. Thanks so much. Thank you so much, CAYUGA.--It is always so nice when others find your work attractive as well. Thanks mate. KK--Perhaps you can do the same. I can well imagine that it would be a challenge there...but not impossible. It would cost you though, as the water bill could be high for a while. You shall have to do something once the rubble had been cleaned-up. Thanks KIA--I am hoping that you will be right. I did know the fussiness that grass has. Even if you just sow it, it is a fussy process to get it established, not to mention a challenge if you need to work in the garden. One must necessarily use the paths to avoid treading all over the wonderful soil in the beds. So--I took this project on with eyes wide open and a head full of "how-to" info. So far, I feel as though it has paid off, but we are not outta the woods yet, its still early days.
Looks excellent Sjoerd! I have laid sod and can appreciate the hard work you did. And free ... how perfect!
That looks so neat and clean Sjoerd. Hooray for your new gardener friend to help you out! Thanks for sharing
When we had rural water come. Made a real mess of lawn. So heard guy was building new place. Asked if we could have the sod. Rented a cutter. And what a job.That was 16 years ago. Yours is so neat. Make me want to go out and get busy. Good Job.
Thank you loads, mizz NETTY.--Whew!~, it sure was physically challenging, as they say. hahaha. You are welcome, FRANK--Thanks for the compliment. That was nice. Thank you KOSZTA--It is heavy work though, you'd better think several times bewfore starting with a grass project. hahaha Or pay someone to do it for you. Thanks, POODLE-D.
