[Arid_gardener] still looking for answer - meadow instead of lawn?

[Dick Gross]

Jill, this is strictly an off the wall opinion based on limited information 
but, for what it is worth, unless you plan to run sheep, why plant any grass 
at all? Put down four inches of granite without plastic beneath it, 
delineate a few beds in full sun where you can satisfy the urge to grow a 
few tomato plants and forget about an irrigation system. Irrigate beds with 
garden hose and the trees with a gentle overhead oscillating sprinkler or 
just by moving a dripping hose-end around on the rock as needed.

Dick Gross, MGV MCCE

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jill Baum" <jilzan at juno.com>
To: <arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu>
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 12:20 AM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] still looking for answer - meadow instead of lawn?


>
>
>
> I have not received any answers as yet, so will try again.
>
> I'm in an older neighborhood, with 50 year old, 50 foot tall pine trees
> lining the east and west sides of my backyard.  I haven't put in a lawn,
> as there was never a sprinkler system installed, and I haven't yet had
> the money to do it.  (also there are lots of tree roots, especially near
> the edges).  It will probably be done by this fall - unless I decide, due
> to putting in a low water use 'meadow', that I don't need it, after all.
> My yard is a fairly large rectangle, and I am interested in putting in a
> native, lower water use and care, meadow instead of a formal lawn.  It
> needs to be tough, as I have dogs, and not *too* terribly long, as I have
> to be able to pick up after the dogs.
> Maybe a shade and 'under pine tree' tolerant addition for the edges?
> Several different types of (native?) grass or groundcover would be fine,
> and would be happy if some of it flowered, too.
>
> Any ideas?
>
>
> Jill Baum - jilzan at cox.net  - or jilzan at juno.com
> Jilzan Whippets & Greyhounds, Tempe, AZ, USA
> Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat
> you with experience.
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