Spring Lawn Treatment

We performed a spring lawn treatment in our garden in the middle of September and 7 weeks later can show the results.

We have Kikuyu lawn in our garden which naturally dies back in the winter.  We watered it twice in winter in order to let it go through this natural process. 

Just after winter

The lawn treatment started by mowing the lawn on the lowest possible setting.  We then followed up with a scarifier to remove the dead thatch.  It seems like such a harsh process as the ground was almost bare at the end of the process.  It is a very dusty job so it's advisable to wear a dust mask and goggles. 



Scarification in progress



Scarification removes organic material from around the base of the grass plants that can prevent dense grass growth and can encourage the growth of fungus and bacteria.  It is best carried out at the beginning of spring so that the grass is actively growing and will fill any spaces created in the process.  If growth is slow there is a higher risk that the gaps will be filled by weeds.



The scarification was followed by aerating the soil.  We performed this manually with garden forks.  If you have a larger lawn area it’s much easier to use a spiked roller.  We then applied an organic fertiliser and added top dressing.  We completed the process with a deep watering.

7 weeks later we have a healthy, green lawn and our neighbours honestly say that the grass is greener on the other side!



7 weeks later



Diascia integerrima (Twinspur)

My garden survived winter and two hail storms and as the summer colour bursts forth at an alarming rate I watch for daily changes as each day greets me with a new blossom.

I’ve discovered one of the most under-rated indigenous plants which had been a star performer in my garden – Diascia integerrima (Twinspur).  The books speak about this plant having flowers throughout summer and autumn.  My collection has given me a constant display of the stunning salmon-coloured flowers since the day I planted them on 25 April 2011.  The plants have also grown and spread to cover a considerable area.  It is certainly a plant that should have a place in every garden and is available in shades of pink, orange and white.

Despite its delicate appearance, Diascia integerrima is a hardy perennial which is low maintenance, drought tolerant, frost resistant and grows in full sun or semi-shade.  It is seldom attacked by pests and is a great filler plants for mixed herbaceous borders.  It is also suitable for hanging baskets, containers and rockeries.  It grows about 30cm high and has a spread of 40-50cm.  It is naturally found in rocky sites and among streamside thickets.

Interestingly, this plant is pollinated by a specialized genus of bee, Rediviva, whose forelegs have evolved to as much as three times their normal length in order to reach into the spurs of the flower, to harvest the fatty oil produced by the glands.  This modification is restricted to the females.  Upon landing on a flower, she will insert her elongated front legs into each hollow spur and probe the ends for the oil-producing elaiophores.