It is time to record the saga of the grass.
This is a story that starts, really, 4 years ago, when we decided to add a few features to our backyard. Namely, a shed, and a garden.
Both of these projects required very large tractors to rumble around in the backyard, along with the truck bringing up loads of supplies periodically.
To call our space a "yard" was almost a mockery.
We figured there was no need to even try to plant grass until we were done with the tractors.
We had the vacant lot vibe going on--not just weeds, but DEAD weeds.
There were ankle-twisting ridges and furrows all over the place.
On the plus side, the kids could dig holes or do whatever they wanted, because nothing they did would make it much worse than it was already.
And meanwhile, the garden and my flowerbeds were thriving.
So, finally towards the end of the summer, my husband completed the 3rd and final garden expansion. Done with tractors in the back!
It was time to start talking about putting in a lawn.
First things first--there were several areas that need levelling.
So we hired a local landscaping company to come out.
Dirt work.
At this point, we realized that we needed a sprinkler system, as well.
The thing is, we realized that we are basically incapable of keeping grass watered.
I don't know what it is.
Wait. Actually, I do know what it is.
I just don't care about grass that much.
I'll make sure my garden and flowerbeds stay watered. You bet!
But grass? Not so much.
So, insert another month of work here, while they put in sprinkler lines.
Bonus: they added an extra water faucet right by the garden! Score!
Also, one over by the side walls, that we can hook up to water that whole area.
Finally, in mid-September, they hydroseeded.
They used the "Playground Turf Mix."
60% Triumph Perennial Ryegrass
15% Argyle Kentucky Bluegrass
15% Kenblue Kentucky Bluegrass
10% Creeping Red Fescue
Sept. 28: a few patches of green here and there.
Oct. 20: filling in a little...
...if you look sideways, at an angle.
We've had a typical very wet fall and early winter, which means that the grass got watered extra well.
Unfortunately, it also means that we haven't really been able to step on the lawn since September, unless it is frozen solid. Otherwise, you leave footprints 2 inches deep that promptly fill up with water. We are REALLY hoping that by spring our yard will be ready to play on!
Or even just walk across. We would take that, too.
At times we wish that we had just paid the money for sod.
There are a few problem spots that may need sod anyway.
For now, we'll stick it out and see how it goes in the spring.
Fingers crossed!
