On 02/06/2011 14:32, Janet wrote:
In , lid
says...
On 02/06/2011 09:05, 'Mike' wrote:
It was Carol Klein who suggested you gave up your obsession with lawns
The most sensible gardening presenter on TV. But then she's a
plantswoman, so she would say get rid of the lawn - as it takes up space
where other, more interesting (or should I just say "interesting" -
grass is not interesting at all) plants can be grown.
That's a very narrow view of the purpose of a garden. People use lawn
areas for childrens' play, dog games and excercise, badminton and croquet
etc. I prefer a washing line strung above lawn rather than paving
(cleaner if you drop the washing).
You wont find me disagreeing with what you say, as that is what a
"garden" has become. Basically you could concrete it all over and it
would still be the "garden" which is effectively and extra room for the
house. However, most definitions of a garden do not mention those
(recreational) activities. A "garden" was defined in the Oxford English
Dictionary as an "enclosed piece of ground devoted to the cultivation of
flowers, fruit or vegetables". That has been somewhat modified of late
to include such things as wild gardens.
But you don't need a lawn for the activities you describe - all could be
done on any flat surface. Of course, the strange thing is that those
who strive for perfect lawns would never allow any of those things on them!
--
Jeff