What is the difference between lawn grass and garden grass? Both grow differently. Other plants grow by adding new growth to existing stems and branches. The new growth is at the extremities of the plant. Garden grass, however, has a major growth point at the crown. This growth point is where the roots grow. It is not easy to see how plants get their nutrients or water. But this difference is very interesting. Listed below are some of the most important differences between lawn grass and garden grass.
Zoysia: This warm-season perennial grass can be found in both cool and warm-climate zones. This grass will grow in most soils and tolerates light shade. Its dense growth pattern will keep out weeds and is drought-tolerant. According to the Southern Living Garden Book, zoysias are among the best lawn grasses in the South. ‘Meyer’ is a variety that thrives in the South.
Japanese forest grass: The Japanese forest grass comes from the areas around Mount Hakone. It is a popular garden grass because of its striking clumping habit. Many cultivars feature gold and green leaves. The stems are distinctive and make this grass very striking in borders and containers. To care for it, this plant requires weekly watering, although it can tolerate more water during hotter temperatures. If you are concerned about its maintenance, be sure to get a local gardener to help you.
A hybrid: A crossbreed of two different varieties of grass. Its goal is to combine the best traits of each breed. It may be suitable for a particular climate, but it will not grow as fast as its parent varieties. If you want a lawn that’s tough and durable, you can try a specialized cultivar. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you can always go for a ‘Number 2’ lawn mix.
Ornamental: You can also plant ornamental grasses for accents or screens. These plants are tall enough to act as a ground cover, but they can also grow as a fountain or as a tall vertical. Depending on the variety, they can have both flowers and foliage. Ornamental grasses are generally heat and drought tolerant. They do not attract pests and deer, so they are a great choice for garden areas.
When starting a garden grass, be sure to prepare the ground properly for it to grow. A good rule of thumb is to moisten the seedbed but not saturate it. Some grasses do not require amendments, while others do. Once the grass has reached its optimal size, it will not require additional irrigation. The first year is the most critical, so don’t delay. You can see small seedlings as early as 10 days after sowing.
In medieval paintings of gardens, carpets of turfgrass were stippled with flowers. These were meant to resemble natural meadows, but the Europeans also used meadow plants and grasses in their gardens. In New Zealand, for example, bowling lawns were filled with cotula. The cotula, a plant native to Australia, was introduced to New Zealand in the early 1900s. Its popularity has increased since then.