[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[Mark Di Lucido]

Barbara

I'll assume you're located in the Phoenix area, the gradient of your swale
isn't overly steep, your soil will support grasses (not extremely sandy or
clayey), and that your swale will be excavated in existing common bermuda
turf.  Probably most important is quick and successful establishment of
seedlings, otherwise a real gully washer (rain storm) will wash away seed
and soil.  You'll want to sow the seeds during their optimum establishment
period (warm season versus cool season). Consider temporary irrigation and
mulch to get the seeds established and prevent minor erosion.  A
decomposable erosion control fabric and seedling plugs will probably
facilitate better seed establishent but you'll pay more.  If your swale is
placed within a common bermuda lawn the bermuda will eventually choke out
(out compete) the less invasive species used in the swale.   A plastic or
metal header at the edge of the swale will slow this down but as common
bermuda(bermuda cultivars don't set viable seed)is a prodigious producer of
viable seed, it's only a matter of time.  Seed companies sell seed mixes for
this type of application--look on the internet.  Native grass species to
consider include  Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis), Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua
curtipendula), and Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides).  These grasses stay
fairly low but their infloresences (flower stalks) can reach up to 3'.  Good
Luck.

Mark D.
(not a Master Gardener)


-----Original Message-----
From: arid_gardener-bounces at CALS.arizona.edu
[mailto:arid_gardener-bounces at CALS.arizona.edu] On Behalf Of
barbwolfe1 at cox.net
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2007 5:36 PM
To: arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page


Barbara Wolfe
85022
barbwolfe1 at cox.net

We are currently excavating a "grassy swale" to conduct rain water to a
larger drainage system within our HOA.  What type of grass seed would be
suitable?  We would like it low-growing, and do not intend to mow except
rarely if it grows over 12 inches.  We want it natural....will not be
watering. Also want it to retard erosion. Any suggestions? 


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